Chicago Unreasonable Restraints in Nursing Home Lawyer
Dedicated Lawyer for Injuries Caused by Nursing Home Unreasonable Restraints in Chicago, IL
Under Illinois law, nursing home patients have the right to live comfortably and free from restraint. Unfortunately, these rights are not always honored. Unjustified restraint is one of the more common forms of physical abuse that occurs in nursing homes, and when it happens, it constitutes a major violation of the rights of the patient. If you or a loved one has been the victim of unreasonable restraint, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Schwartz Injury Law, we have helped numerous Chicago area nursing home abuse and neglect victims obtain large verdicts and settlements for the injuries they have sustained. Our attorneys have extensive experience in this area of the law, and we have the knowledge, resources, and commitment to ensure that those responsible for abusive acts such as unreasonable restraint are held fully accountable. We understand the pain and suffering that those who have been subjected to unjustified restraint go through, and we work closely with victims and their families to make the legal process smooth and stress-free.
Unreasonable Restraint in Illinois Nursing Homes
There are two general types of restraints used in nursing homes: physical and chemical. Examples of physical restraints include:
- Cushions and vests
- Arm and hand restraints
- Unmovable lap trays
- Guardrails on beds
- Sheets that are tightly tucked in
- Any type of physical force
Examples of chemical restraints include:
- Added doses of the patient's normal medication
- Tranquilizers and other types of sleeping pills
- Mood stabilizers
- Deprivation of a patient's medication
- Any drug or chemical used to restrain a patient
There are some very limited circumstances in which nursing homes are allowed to restrain their residents. However, restraints must be reasonable, minimal, and administered with great care. For example, reasonable restraints may be justified if a patient is delusional and/or is displaying dangerously aggressive behavior. Another justifiable instance may be if a patient is weak or sensitive after a surgery and moving freely may cause them great harm.
Distinguishing between reasonable and unreasonable restraint can be tricky. Nursing homes will most often try to justify their actions by presenting their side of the story in the best possible light. To get to the truth, you need to have in-depth experience reviewing nursing home records, so you know what red flags to look for that may show that the restraint was not justified.
Speak with a Compassionate Cook County Unreasonable Restraint Lawyer
At Schwartz Injury Law, we have seen virtually every issue that can come up in a nursing home setting, and we have a strong track record of securing favorable results for our clients. In cases of unjustified restraint, we conduct thorough investigations and, when necessary, we call on other health professionals as expert witnesses to help strengthen our case. If you or someone close to you has been the victim of unreasonable restraint at a nursing home, contact us today at 312-535-4625 for a free consultation. We serve clients in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, Will County, Winnebago County, and throughout Illinois.