On Sunday, April 19, Illinois officials began sharing online information on cases and deaths at nursing homes after continued public criticism that accurate nursing home coronavirus (COVID-19) information is not being released publically. Health care advocates suspect there will be an undercount of coronavirus cases due to delays in reporting and different reporting practices throughout the state. Citadel Healthcare CEO Jonathan Aaron, who oversees 11 facilities, said the state’s reporting practices result in a “surge” in cases and deaths.
New data shows the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Illinois nursing homes and reports at least 286 deaths, nearly 25% of all deaths in the state. The data released on Sunday details of the number of cases and deaths tied to each long-term care facility in Illinois. Nationwide, at least 6,900 COVID-19 deaths are tied to nursing homes, about 20% of all deaths, which is in line with Illinois’ 23% of coronavirus deaths tied to nursing homes.
If a nursing home does not take the recommended steps to protect their residents from coronavirus, they may be guilty of nursing home negligence. Under Illinois law, residents who become injured or die from coronavirus have a legal right to bring a lawsuit against a negligent nursing home. If you suspect a loved one in a nursing home has been neglected or abused, you should act immediately to protect them:
• Determine if they should immediately be removed from the nursing home where they are living.
• Report the facility to the state of Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-252-4343.
• Contact an elder law attorney to protect the person’s rights, your rights and seek compensation for the abuse or neglect.
Do you have questions about nursing home negligence or elder law in Illinois? Our experienced elder law attorneys in Lombard Illinois understand applicable laws and advise you on the best options to protect an elderly or disabled person. Contact the Estate & Probate Legal Group at (630) 800-0112.
