Decatur, Illinois is located closer to St. Louis than Chicago along I-72 running east and west and state Route 51 running north and south. Air travelers have quick access to Decatur Airport. Founded in 1829, it is situated on Lake Decatur and along Sangamon River. At over 242 square miles and less than 77,000 residents, the city is quaint and inviting. Decatur is Macon County’s largest city and county seat.
The local economy is enriched with quality employment through Archer Daniels Midland, Caterpillar Inc., Decatur Memorial Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital and Macon County and the city of Decatur governments. Local area colleges include Richland Community College and Millikin University.
Decatur is known for its beautiful outdoor infrastructures including three golf courses, a tennis and soccer complex and athletic field along with:
- Spitler Woods State Natural Area
- Rock Springs Conservation Area
- Friends Creek Regional Park
- Griswold Conservation Area
- Fort Daniel Conservation Area
- Lincoln Trail Homestead State Memorial
- Decatur Lake
The Need for Hiring a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Many senior citizens remain in the Decatur area during their retirement years. However, many elders require the care that only a nursing facility can provide. Unfortunately, there is a high incident rate of abuse and neglect in nursing homes and hospital settings throughout Illinois. In many situations, patients suffer pressure ulcers (decubitus ulcers; pressure sores; bedsores).
Pressure ulcers are the result of insufficient patient monitoring by the medical staff in a nursing home or hospital. Bedsores usually occur when the patient is unable to readjust their body without assistance. Without adequate caregiving, the patient is left to lie immobile for hours at a time. Pressure sores can form when blood flow to the patient’s skin is restricted for just a couple of hours.
Pressure sore prevention is a serious concern in nursing home settings. The nursing home administrators, directors of nursing and medical facility doctors must take a proactive approach to eliminate any potential of a nursing home patient developing a bedsore. Any facility-acquired bedsore is usually an indicator of neglect at the nursing home, because the medical staff could have easily prevented the wound by taking specific steps that include:
- Inspecting the patient’s skin multiple times throughout the day
- Manage the moisture level of the patient’s skin to eliminate direct contact with feces, urine or excessive perspiration
- Routine assessment and evaluation of existing pressure sores acquired before the patient’s admittance to the facility
- Alleviate skin pressure by readjusting the patient’s body every two hours or less
- Ensure that every mobility-challenged patient has a pressure-relieving mattress or wheelchair cushion
When families notice their loved one is suffering from a bedsore, it is essential to consider hiring Decatur personal injury lawyers who specialize in nursing home abuse cases. A reputable law firm can stop the neglect immediately.
Signs of Negligence
The rate of patients dying in medical facilities from bedsores is extremely high. Any death caused by a pressure sore is inexcusable because the potential of developing a wound is nearly always preventable. The Chicago Injury Center website provides information on the signs of negligence of medical staff at nursing facilities. We provide instant access to Decatur personal injury lawyers to help you stop the abuse now.
Call to schedule an initial, free no obligation consultation with our nursing home abuse attorneys. We offer legal assistance to you and your family when seeking financial recompense for your damages and losses. We provide legal options for holding those negligent accountable for their inexcusable actions. Additionally, our attorneys can ensure that your loved one receives proper medical care immediately to heal from their preventable pressure sores.