Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer – Serving Central Illinois

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Dan Noll and Sarah Noll are Central Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers – Serving Springfield, Decatur, Campaign and Peoria

Discovering a fresh bruise, a sudden weight-loss, or a withdrawn stare in your mom or dad can be gut-wrenching, and you are not alone in fearing the worst. Nursing home abuse and elder care neglect is a rising issue in Central Illinois, affecting vulnerable seniors like your parents or loved ones who deserve safety and dignity.

Families place trust in long-term care facilities, expecting qualified professionals to provide compassionate treatment. When that trust is broken by neglect, physical abuse, emotional mistreatment, or sexual assault, the consequences are devastating – both legally and emotionally. That’s why victims and their families need to consult with an experienced Central Illinois nursing home abuse lawyer like Dan Noll or Sarah Noll.

At the Noll Law Office, their compassionate legal team and experienced nursing home abuse attorneys focus on protecting the rights of nursing home residents across Central Illinois, including communities in Springfield, Decatur, Bloomington, and Champaign. Their attorneys Dan Noll and Sarah Noll investigate signs of mistreatment, gather evidence, and take immediate legal action against negligent nursing homes, staff, and administrators. Illinois law protects elderly residents through strict standards of care, and they use these laws to demand accountability and secure compensation for victims.

Every case their personal injury law firm handles is personal. Whether it’s untreated bedsores, unexplained injuries, medication errors, or sudden changes in behavior, they work to uncover the truth and stop ongoing harm. If your loved one has suffered abuse in a nursing home, long-term care facility, rehabilitation center or any other facility, you have the legal right to act and the Noll Law Office is here to help.

In the next sections, you’ll learn the types of abuse and how to identify neglect, understand your legal options that a qualified personal injury law firm can offer, and take the first steps toward justice and protection for your elder loved ones.

Our Elder AbuseLawyers, Proudly Serving Central Illinois 

The personal injury lawyers at the Noll Law Office practice throughout Illinois and can meet with victims and their families throughout Illinois, either in person, over the phone, or virtually. This includes at a nursing or care facility, the hospital, or another reasonable location. Dan Noll and Sarah Noll specifically handle cases in Central Illinois, including in:

• Springfield
• Sangamon County
• Decatur
• Macon County
• Champaign County
• Peoria County, and
• Surrounding areas.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect that May Qualify for a Case

There are many different types of nursing home abuse and neglect that may quality for as a case under Illinois law. Generally, these are based on the cause and the type of injuries or damages. Unfortunately, many types of nursing home abuse and neglect cases involve multiple different types of harm in the same type of case.

Some of the most common forms of nursing home abuse and neglect in Central Illinois that Dan Noll and Sarah Noll handle include the following:

4.1 Physical Abuse & Assault

One of the most common forms of nursing home abuse is physical abuse and assault. Under Illinois law, this is a direct or indirect contact on a victim that is harmful or offense and without consent or legal authority to do so. A direct contact would be a punch, kick, bite, or another type of direct strike from a defendant to a victim. Whereas an indirect contact could be a strike with a belt or stick, or placing a victim into a hot water tub. The key point is that the contact is harmful or offensive, which means even physical abuse which leaves a temporary injury may still quality – such as a punch, twist of skin (e.g., a “sunburn”), or even spitting, blowing smoke, or otherwise doing something offensive to a victim.

4.2 Neglect 

The most common form of nursing home abuse and neglect is actually neglect. Generally, there are two types of neglect. The first form of neglect is unintentional neglect, which is a type of negligence. This occurs when a victim’s needs are not being met by the nursing home and its staff members due to reckless, careless or outright negligent conduct which falls below the standard of care. Examples of this form of neglect include the following:

• Delays in taking residents to the restroom
• Leaving residents in soiled clothing
• Forgetting to administer medication to a resident
• Leaving a resident in a place that he or she cannot get out of/leave without help for a long period of time like a bathroom, toilet, or even outside in the sun
• Not performing bed checks
• Not supervising a resident during eating or drinking periods
• Understaffing
• Inadequate wound care or failing to change bandages, and
• Other types of conduct that is based on unintentional harm to a resident which is neglect.

The other form of neglect is intentional, which can become a form of physical abuse too. This type of intentional neglect occurs when a staff member purposefully fails to care for a victim’s needs, although the staff member has the ability to do so. Sometimes this occurs when a staff member is trying to be malicious and harming a resident, such as leaving a resident in a cold bathtub as “punishment” for asking to bathe (a basic right of residents). Other times a staff member may not want to help a needy resident or one who has difficult conditions or needs – which is often why a resident is in a nursing home in the first place – such as not wanting to clean up soiled clothing or bedding. As a result, intentional neglect of a resident’s needs can place a resident in serious risk of physical or emotional harm, and is a very serious form of nursing home abuse in Central Illinois.

4.3 Emotional & Verbal Abuse 

One of the most difficult forms of abuse to detect, emotional and verbal abuse can also be one of the most damaging. This form of abuse occurs when a defendant engages in certain conduct intended to affect, impair, or harm a victim’s emotional well-being. Other times it might be outright yelling and verbal harassment intended to cause fear, apprehension, anxiety and stress on a victim. Examples of this conduct include telling a resident that they are not loved, encouraging a resident to harm themselves, scolding a resident for no reason, cursing or swearing at residents, or otherwise trying to manipulate residents through psychological abuse. Oftentimes, emotional and verbal abuse is accompanied by other forms of abuse or neglect.

4.4 Sexual Abuse

Unfortunately, sexual abuse is common in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. This form of abuse often results in many other types of physical and emotional harm to residents, who often are unable to escape their abusers or even report it to the authorities. Sexual abuse includes conduct such as unwanted touching all the way up to forcible rape.

But sexual abuse can also include other types of misconduct, including where the sexual conduct may appear to be consensual but a resident is unable to give actual consent due to a cognitive defect, medical condition, medication, or another related situation. That’s why families who suspect that their loved one has been subjected to any form of abuse, especially sexual abuse, should always have a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer in Central Illinois such as Dan Noll or Sarah Noll review their case.

Red Flags: Signs Your Parent May Be Abused or Neglected

The Central Illinois nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers at the Noll Law Office want you and your family to know some of the most important red flags and signs that a loved one or parent may be abused or neglected:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts or burns
• Agitation, anxiety, or confusion beyond normal cognitive decline
• Pressure sores or bedsores
• Understaffing or high staff turnover
• Sleep disturbances or nightmares
• Poor hygiene or strong bodily odors
• Sudden weight loss or signs of malnutrition/dehydration
• Torn or bloody clothing
• Unexplained injuries or inadequate/implausible explanations
• Untreated medical conditions or missed medications (i.e., infrequent refills)
• Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or personality
• Withdrawal, depression, or unusual fearfulness
• Reluctance to speak or participate in activities
• Excessive fear around certain staff members
• Repeated falls or fall injuries
• Unsanitary living conditions
• Lack of privacy or dignity in care
• Residents left unattended for long periods, including in bathtubs, bathrooms, bed, wheelchairs, or in common areas
• Poor facility maintenance or safety hazards, and
• Many other common signs that Dan Noll or Sarah Noll can evaluate for you and your family.

Illinois Nursing Home Care Act Highlights

Unlike many other states, Illinois has enacted certain protections for residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act, facility administrators must comply with these extensive regulations relating to facility operations, staffing requirements and quality of care to protect vulnerable residents in nursing homes and other long-term cre settings.

Notably, a cornerstone of the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act is the Resident’s Bill of Rights, which guarantees fundamental protections for all nursing home residents. These rights include the right to respectful treatment and dignity, regardless of age, disability, or medical condition. Residents have the right to participate in their own care planning and make informed decisions about their treatment. Privacy rights are protected, covering both personal privacy and confidentiality of medical records.

The bill of rights also ensures residents can voice complaints without fear of retaliation and have access to an ombudsman program. Residents retain the right to manage their own financial affairs or designate someone to do so, and they cannot be required to waive their legal rights as a condition of admission. Additional protections include the right to receive visitors, participate in social and religious activities, and maintain contact with the community. Indeed, the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act also prohibits discrimination and ensures residents can choose their own physicians when possible. These comprehensive protections aim to preserve the autonomy, dignity, and quality of life for Illinois nursing home residents while holding facilities accountable for meeting established care standards.

Immediate Steps to Protect Your Loved One

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect to a parent or another loved one, you must act immediately to protect them from serious personal injury or wrongful death. Some of the steps to take to protect a loved one include the following:

First, ensure their immediate medical safety – if injuries are severe, transfer them to a hospital or safe facility immediately. Document everything meticulously: record dates, times, staff names involved, photograph any injuries, and collect medical records and care plans as evidence.

Next, report the abuse promptly to authorities. Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health 24-hour Nursing Home Hotline at 800-252-4343 and file a complaint through their online portal. Also notify your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman, who advocates for nursing home residents’ rights. Their oversight is robust, as each year state inspectors conduct approximately 10,000 surveys and investigations. They also maintain a 24-hour nursing home hotline fields nearly 19,000 calls annually, leading to over 5,000 official complaints investigated each year.

Lastly, consult an experienced Central Illinois nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer early in the process. Legal counsel helps preserve crucial evidence, ensures you meet important deadlines, and protects your loved one’s rights while navigating complex regulations. Dan Noll and Sarah Noll can help you and your family navigate this process, including immediately as the abuse is discovered and before evidence may be destroyed or hidden by defendants.

Do You Have an Elder Abuse Case?

Under Illinois law, nursing home abuse cases typically involve proving negligence. This is a common law, or judge-made principle of law, which requires proving four key elements. The failure to prove all four elements may result in a claim being dismissed – even if these damages are significant and life-changing.

The four elements of negligence for a nursing home abuse and neglect case are the following:

• Duty of care
• Breach of that duty
• Causation, and
• Damages.

In addition to these elements, the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act establishes facilities’ legal obligation to provide adequate care and protection. A breach occurs when staff fail to meet professional standards, resulting in harm through neglect, physical abuse, or inadequate supervision. This may be used to help satisfy the duty and breach elements of a negligence claim, including the violation of the regulations which may be used to help support your claim.

Moreover, in order to prevail at trial, a victim must demonstrate the facility’s actions directly caused your loved one’s injuries or damages. Documented damages include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and decreased quality of life.

These claims have a time limit, known as a statute of limitations. Generally, the time limit in Illinois is two years from injury discovery to file claims. Where the negligence of a party results in the wrongful death of a resident, a family has a two-year time limit from a loved one’s passing to bring a claim. Given complex deadlines and exceptions, victims and families should always consult with an experienced Central Illinois nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer immediately to protect their rights.

The Legal Process of an Illinois nursing home and neglect case: What to Expect

Although every case varies based on the unique facts and circumstances of a claim, here are some general timeframes that apply to many different types of nursing home abuse and neglect cases in Illinois.

Potential Compensation

Under Illinois law, personal injury and wrongful death cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect encompass multiple damage categories that significantly impact compensation. Damages is the legal term for the type of relief that a court may award a party. The most common form of damages for nursing home abuse cases include medical bills such as both past and ongoing treatment costs, while future care addresses long-term rehabilitation and medical needs. Pain and suffering damages compensate for physical discomfort and emotional distress, often representing the largest portion of awards in Illinois.

Why Choose the Noll Law Office for a Nursing Home Abuse Case in Illinois

The Noll Law Office provides aggressive, compassionate representation for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect throughout Illinois. As a family-owned firm with deep roots in Springfield since 1948, the Noll Law Office combines local commitment with exceptional legal experience to deliver justice for elderly victims and their families.

Proven Experience in Nursing Home Abuse Cases

Nursing home abuse cases are handled directly by the experienced attorneys at the Noll Law Office—never passed off to outside firms or junior associates. Attorney Dan Noll is a member of the The National Trial Lawyers Association and Illinois Trial lawyers Association, and the firm leverages the powerful protections of the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act and is deeply familiar with the regulatory frameworks that govern long-term care facilities. Every case is prepared as though it will go to trial, ensuring the strongest possible position at every stage of litigation or negotiation.

A Reputation Built on Trust

The firm maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been accredited since 2016. With decades of successful case results and heartfelt testimonials, the Noll Law Office has earned the trust of the Springfield community and beyond. Client reviews consistently highlight the firm’s professionalism, thoroughness, and commitment to achieving meaningful results.

No Fees Unless the Case Is Won

The Noll Law Office offers free, confidential consultations and operates on a contingency fee basis. Clients pay nothing up front, and the firm covers all litigation costs. Attorneys are only compensated if a recovery is made on the client’s behalf—eliminating financial risk for families seeking justice.

Personalized, Local Representation

Unlike high-volume, impersonal law practices, the Noll Law Office offers individualized attention and legal strategies tailored to each client’s circumstances. Clients work directly with trial attorneys based in Springfield, Illinois—not remote affiliates or call centers. This ensures clear communication, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of each case.

Speak With an Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one were seriously injured due to nursing home abuse or neglect in Central Illinois, call Dan Noll or Sarah Noll at the Noll Law Office.

They are fifth-generation lawyers who have built a reputation of personally handling cases in-house, rather than farming cases out to new lawyers in Chicago or other big cities. That means your family’s case is handled where you live and by people who also live, work and spend time in the same community.

To learn more about your rights under Illinois law, schedule a free case evaluation by dialing (217) 414-8889 or submitting a message through their website today.