Elder Law

Lawsuit Alleges Nursing Home Abuse in LaSalle County, Illinois Nursing Home

By Levin & Perconti

Another nursing home abuse lawsuit has been filed against LaSalle County Nursing Home in Ottawa, Illinois. The lawsuit comes after it was revealed that a number of older female residents were assaulted by a male resident who had a past history of sexual offenses. According to an article on the New Tribune website, the most recent lawsuit was filed on behalf of an 81-year-old woman who resided in the home. The lawsuit alleges that the Ottawa nursing home failed to protect the victim, now deceased, from nursing home abuse and neglect. The article notes that it is believed that 10 women living at the home who suffered from dementia were abused by the male resident. This is the third lawsuit to be filed after the allegations of nursing home abuse and neglect were revealed.

Nursing homes have a responsiblity to protect the safety and well-being of all residents. They also have a duty to supervise and monitor residents to prevent sexual and physical violence among residents. In this case, it appears that staff failed to provide proper supervision, allowing the male perpetrator to carry out these assaults on vulnerable female residents.

It is important to family and friends of nursing home residents to look out for the signs and symptoms of nursing home negligence when visiting loved ones in Illinois homes. If you notice any bumps, brusing or other signs of physical abuse, it is important to alert staff. If you believe that abuse or neglect has occured and caused serious injury to a loved one, contact a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your legal options. To read move about the alleged abuse at the Ottawa, IL nursing home click the link.

Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on April 19, 2010 (boomark / email).