Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in California

Legal Action After Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

Everyone agrees that nursing home abuse and neglect are completely inexcusable. Yet nursing homes and the companies that own them almost always challenge any complaint or lawsuit filed in response to abuse and neglect that left one or more residents seriously injured, sometimes fatally. If you want to file a nursing home abuse claim in California, you should be ready for a legal fight—which means you should talk to the attorneys of Alvandi Law Group, P.C..

By leveraging our extensive experience and resources, Alvandi Law Group, P.C. guides clients through the intricate and often difficult process of filing nursing home abuse claims. Such cases are usually contentious and hard-fought, so we’d be honored to represent you throughout your case, so you never have to deal with the stress firsthand. Allow us to act on your behalf, and we will fight for justice and compensation as if we were representing ourselves or a family member in need.

Talk to our nursing home abuse lawyers today. Call (800) 980-6905 to arrange a free case evaluation.

What is Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse refers to any intentional, negligent, or reckless act by a caregiver or other staff member that causes harm or distress to an elderly or dependent resident in a nursing home or assisted living center. In some contexts, nursing home abuse specifically refers to intentional acts, rather than something that happens due to a lapse in care quality.

Four of the most common forms of nursing home abuse are:

• Physical
• Emotional or mental
• Sexual
• Financial

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse often manifests through various signs and symptoms. Since many residents may never report the abuse due to fear, memory issues, or communication difficulties, it is important for family members to remain vigilant for any indications of abuse. Recognizing these signs can allow quick intervention followed by legal action to protect the well-being of the elderly resident.

Common warning signs of nursing home abuse include:

• Unexplained injuries such as bruises, fractures, or burns
• Sudden changes in behavior or mood, including withdrawal or agitation
• Poor hygiene and unattended medical needs
• Unusual financial transactions or missing personal belongings

What is Nursing Home Neglect?

Nursing home neglect refers to the failure of caregivers to provide necessary care and assistance to elderly residents, resulting from mistakes or lapses in judgment, rather than intentional acts of harm. This type of neglect can occur when staff members are inadequately trained, overworked, or simply inattentive. Even though neglect might not seem as serious as abuse, it can be just as dangerous and may lead to an elderly resident’s serious injury, disability, or death.

Nursing home neglect can take many forms, such as:

• Medical or healthcare neglect
• Personal hygiene neglect
• Basic needs neglect
• Social or emotional neglect
• Neglect of mobility (bedridden)
• Medication errors

Importantly, there is no appreciable difference between nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect from a legal standpoint. Both abuse and neglect are inexcusable and should be easily prevented with proper procedures and standards in place. Thus, both abuse and neglect can be answered with legal action when they occur.

Who is Most at Risk of Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home residents with dementia are usually the most at risk of experiencing abuse due to their cognitive impairments, which can limit their ability to recognize, remember, or report mistreatment. The vulnerability of these residents is compounded by communication difficulties and a potential lack of understanding of their environment, which can be exploited by cruel caregivers. Additionally, behavioral symptoms of dementia, such as aggression or confusion, may be misinterpreted or mishandled by staff, further increasing the likelihood of abuse or neglect.

Reporting Nursing Home Abuse in California

To report nursing home abuse in California, you can contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for the rights and well-being of residents in long-term care facilities. The Ombudsman can be reached by calling their 24-hour crisis line at 1-800-231-4024. Additionally, reports can be made to the California Department of Social Services by calling 1-800-952-5253. In situations where immediate danger is present, contacting local law enforcement or dialing 911 should be done first; try to provide as much detailed information as possible, including the names of the victim and perpetrator, the nature of the abuse, and any evidence available to facilitate a thorough investigation.

California Laws Protecting Nursing Home Residents

California has several laws designed to protect nursing home residents from abuse and neglect, including:

• Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act: Provides civil and criminal remedies for elder abuse.
• California Health and Safety Code: Sets forth regulations that nursing homes must follow to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents.
• Varied criminal laws: No one has the right to subject another person to pain, suffering, theft, removal of autonomy, etc.

Damages Recoverable in a California Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit

At Alvandi Law Group, P.C., we fight for compensation for nursing home abuse clients across California. Through an investigation of your situation and the use of compelling evidence, we can prepare a strong claim to bring against the nursing home and its parent company if needed. Our nursing home abuse lawyers can handle settlement negotiations in confidential settings, and we are also fully prepared to represent you in court litigation if necessary to achieve the justice your family deserves. Throughout the process, we do what we can to make you feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

Compensation that might be achievable through a successful claim includes:

• Medical expenses for treatment related to the abuse
• Pain and suffering experienced by the elderly resident
• Emotional distress caused by the abuse
• Punitive damages to penalize particularly egregious behavior by the abuser

Do You Need the Help of Our California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers?

Anyone who believes they should file a claim due to abuse or neglect in a nursing home should seek our legal counsel. Given the complexity and rapidly evolving nature of legal rules and laws surrounding elder care, it is never a bad idea to at least speak with one of our experienced attorneys about a potential case. We are here to provide valuable insights, help navigate the complex legal landscape, and complete the necessary steps to prepare and file a claim if one is justified. Whether your case involves physical harm, emotional distress, or financial exploitation, we will be ready to help you fight for compensation.

Schedule a free consultation today by dialing (800) 980-6905.