Protecting Vulnerable Residents from Harm and Neglect

Placing a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility is one of the most difficult decisions a family can make. It comes with the expectation that the facility will provide competent, compassionate care. But too often, residents of nursing homes are subjected to neglect, physical abuse, emotional mistreatment, and medical errors that cause serious harm or death. For elderly and disabled residents who cannot advocate for themselves, family members must step in to hold these facilities accountable.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Abuse and neglect in nursing homes can take many forms. Physical abuse includes hitting, pushing, rough handling, and improper use of restraints. Neglect includes failure to provide adequate food and water, failure to assist with hygiene and mobility, failure to administer medications properly, and failure to prevent bedsores and infections. Emotional abuse includes isolation, intimidation, and verbal threats. Financial exploitation involves unauthorized use of a resident’s funds or property.

Warning signs include unexplained injuries, bruises, or fractures, sudden weight loss or dehydration, unsanitary living conditions, withdrawal, fearfulness, or depression, bedsores that develop or worsen, frequent infections, and unexplained changes in financial accounts.

Legal Protections for Nursing Home Residents

California has some of the strongest elder abuse protections in the country. Under the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, nursing home residents who are subjected to neglect, physical abuse, or fiduciary abuse may be entitled to enhanced remedies, including attorney’s fees and costs. The California Department of Public Health licenses and inspects nursing facilities, and its citation records can be powerful evidence in abuse and neglect cases.

Compensation Available

Nursing home abuse and neglect claims may recover compensation for medical treatment of injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, costs of relocating to a safer facility, and in wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Under California’s elder abuse statute, prevailing plaintiffs may also recover attorney’s fees and punitive damages.

If you suspect that a loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home or assisted living facility, take action immediately. Beverly Wilshire Law APC can help you investigate the situation, protect your loved one, and hold the facility accountable. Call (310) 424-5566 or email info@bevwilshire.com—we’re here to guide you in the right direction.