Nursing Home Abuse
CALIFORNIA NURSING HOME ABUSE LAWYERS
Serving the Abused and their Families throughout Orange County including the Riverside, Anaheim and Santa Ana Areas
Each year millions of Americans trust nursing home and assisted living facilities with taking care of their elderly or loved ones. Rarely do people realize that nursing home abuse occurs at an extremely high rate. Some consider the problem to be a silent epidemic spreading throughout our nation. Unfortunately, abuse at some nursing homes leads to fatalities. The emotional impact on family members is immense. As such it is imperative that loved ones are constantly monitored to assure they are safe and healthy.
At nursing care facilities the injuries suffered by your loved ones may not be easily identifiable. Sometimes elders are ashamed to admit to the suffering they are enduring at the hands of staff members, other times they are fearful. It is important to ask questions and look for signs of abuse. Common forms of abuse at nursing facilities include:
- Physical abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Improper maintenance of facility
- Inadequate supervision or neglect
- Improper nutrition
- Improper amount of medication
- Sexual abuse
- Dehydration
- Strangulation
- Bed Sores
- Wrongful Death
Elder abuse is on the rise and getting worse. The national statistics do not show many unreported cases. In addition to civil action for damages, medical facilities and nursing homes can be held criminally responsible for neglect.
CALL AN ORANGE COUNTY EXPERIENCED AND COMPASSIONATE NURSING HOME ABUSE LAWYER
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Abuse in Orange County
What are the signs of nursing home abuse or neglect?
Common signs include unexplained bruises, cuts, or fractures; sudden weight loss or dehydration; poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions; bedsores (pressure ulcers); emotional withdrawal or fearfulness; unexplained changes in financial accounts; and medication errors. If you notice any of these warning signs, document them and contact an attorney immediately.
What types of nursing home abuse claims can Sky Law Group handle?
Sky Law Group handles all types of elder abuse cases, including physical abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, neglect (failure to provide adequate food, water, medication, or hygiene), and wrongful death resulting from nursing home negligence. California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act provides enhanced remedies for these cases.
How do I report nursing home abuse in California?
You can report suspected elder abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS), the California Department of Public Health, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or local law enforcement. You should also consult with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney who can investigate the facility, preserve evidence, and pursue legal action to hold the facility accountable.
Can I sue a nursing home for the death of a loved one?
Yes, if your loved one died as a result of nursing home neglect or abuse, you may have grounds for both a wrongful death claim and an elder abuse claim. Under California law, elder abuse claims can provide enhanced damages including attorney fees and pain and suffering damages, even in cases resulting in death. These claims must be filed promptly.
What compensation is available in a nursing home abuse case?
Victims of nursing home abuse may recover medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages. Under California’s Elder Abuse Act, prevailing plaintiffs can also recover attorney fees and costs. In cases of reckless neglect or intentional abuse, enhanced remedies are available that significantly increase the potential recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured at a nursing home facility, contact our compassionate and experienced attorneys to help you resolve your nursing home abuse claim. Our team of nursing home abuse lawyers is ready to protect the rights of you or your loved ones. Call 1-844-4SKY-LAW now!