Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

Glendale Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

Nothing is more heartbreaking than learning that a beloved elderly family member or friend was a victim of nursing home abuse. People trust that nursing homes and their staff members will provide adequate care to their loved ones. Sadly, this kind of horrifying abuse is all too common in Los Angles and throughout California. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse can lead to lasting physical and mental harm to extended care residents. As a result, the families of the abused individuals often endure emotional distress. Some of these victims may not be able to advocate for themselves, so relatives and friends may need to file legal claims in order to recover compensation for things like medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering. This can be a very traumatic time for everyone involved, and finding the most experienced, compassionate, and dedicated nursing home abuse attorney is important.

For a free, confidential consultation, contact a skilled Glendale, California, senior & elder nursing home abuse attorney from Dordulian Law Group today.

A Trustworthy and Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm

The decision to place someone in a nursing home is never easy, and often a decision of last resort. Relinquishing control of another person’s care is difficult, and those who place their confidence in nursing homes believe that they are doing the best thing for their loved one. When a senior & elder nursing home facility breaks that trust, the resident can suffer myriad significant injuries. Tragically, fatalities are a common result of such abuse. You need a Glendale, California, attorney with experience successfully handling these types of cases who will do everything in their power to obtain justice and hold those who are liable accountable for the abuse.

Our nursing home injury attorneys have recovered over $100 million for our clients, and we are determined to stop the cycle of nursing home abuse. We know how rampant this problem is throughout this country, and understand the consequences residents face when subjected to this kind of treatment. You do not have to face this abhorrent abuse alone – we are here to help, and our representatives are ready to take your call.

How Prevalent is Nursing Home Abuse in the U.S.?

The statistics on senior & elder nursing home abuse are not as thorough as those reflecting domestic violence or child abuse. A 2020 study surveyed 28 nursing home care managers and concluded that the abuse was not only inflicted by staff members – it also came from other residents and relatives. One of the reasons why the abuse often goes unreported is because the victims are embarrassed to talk about the matter, or are unable to communicate the details to those who could potentially help. This particular study concluded that nursing home residents face significant risk for being neglected and harmed, and that the care managers do not have the resources or strategies to address this issue effectively.

Nursing home abuse falls into different categories, and there is some data indicating the scope of the problem. The abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or considered to be neglect.

Some key U.S. statistics include:

• Mental impairment like dementia and social isolation are increased risk factors for elder abuse.
• Approximately 5 million seniors experience abuse in this country every year.
• About one out of every 10 Americans who are over the age of 60 have faced elder abuse.
• Sadly, only one out of every 24 cases of nursing home/elder abuse ever gets reported.

Types of Physical and Emotional Abuse in Nursing Homes

Active physical abuse is intentional, and the perpetrator does it to cause the victim discomfort, pain, or injury. It can happen when someone at the nursing home hits, kicks, or slaps a resident. Sometimes, a staff member misuses restraints to hold back or confine a resident, even though federal nursing home regulations stipulate that that this should only be done for medical reasons (and over short time periods). Personal injuries can occur from these actions, and residents commonly experience muscle disorders and reduced bone mass.

Nursing home and extended care residents can also fall when restrained, leading to broken bones or something more serious. A nursing home resident who suffers from physical abuse may have unexplained injuries, like bruising, burns, and fractured bones. Or they may appear malnourished, withdrawn, and seem fearful of staff members and visitors.

Emotional abuse is not as easy to detect, but there are some signs that are typically clear indicators. These residents might stop taking care of themselves, and be seen wearing unclean clothing and/or exercising poor personal hygiene. If they become overly anxious, quiet, or angry, this might all be pointing to mistreatment in a nursing home. Sometimes, the nursing home staff members will refuse to let a resident be alone with their family or visitors. This should be viewed as another possible warning sign. Such trauma is often called “social abuse,” and prevents residents from interacting with their families and friends.

Are There Other Types of Nursing Home Abuse?

Possibly the most difficult issue to discuss, elder sexual abuse and assault is also a very real problem. It is the least type of abuse reported by extended care residents, but some nursing homes have been cited for sexual abuse and assault on multiple occasions. Nursing home sexual abuse happens when another person forces any type of sexual interaction without the senior’s consent. Not only can this lead to physical injuries and emotional scarring, it sometimes results in sexually transmitted diseases. Elderly sexual abuse victims may also appear afraid and withdrawn, and might have bloody or torn clothing, irritation or bruising in the genital area, and difficulty sitting or walking. Here are some other common symptoms of nursing home abuse:

• Unexplained bleeding
• Frequent panic attacks
• A pelvic injury
• New and inappropriate behaviors that are aggressive or unusual
• Newly diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Another (often more difficult to detect) category of elderly abuse involves others taking advantage of seniors’ finances. Financial abuse offenders can be relatives, friends, or caregivers. This type of abuse can be completed through the unauthorized use of credit/debit cards or telemarketing scams. Or, abuse of a power of attorney can lead to large amounts of the victim’s assets being swindled right out from under them. Lottery scams and identity theft are also common. It is estimated that financial abuse costs elderly individuals more than $2.6 billion every year, and just one out of every 44 cases is ever reported.

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a financial scam, don’t settle for anything less than swift justice which holds the responsible parties accountable. Recovery of any losses is possible with the help of a skilled attorney. At Dordulian Law Group, we’re ready to fight for you and help you recover any losses endured on account of another’s negligence or harm.

What are the Signs of Elder Neglect?

Elder neglect differs from other forms of abuse because it is not always intentional. It happens when caregivers fail to fulfill their obligations to provide for senior & elderly individuals in nursing homes and other facilities. The other thing about neglect is that it can build up over time and not be noticed until it is too late. The U.S. Justice Department pointed out that caregiver neglect is likely the most prevalent kind of senior & elder abuse, and only one of every 57 cases is ever recorded. That’s a terrible rate of underreporting, and it means perpetrators are often not held accountable for such serious actions.

This type of neglect can apply to a lack of food, shelter, hygiene, medical care, and clothing. Although forgetting to give someone a bath once might be a mistake, failing to do so repeatedly is a clear indication of mistreatment. Some unfortunate nursing home residents are left unattended to for long periods of time, and in such conditions can deteriorate rapidly. The facilities and staff are paid to take care of their residents, and have a professional and moral obligation to do so. This holds true even when a resident’s needs are especially challenging. No on ever deserves to be neglected, and such behavior is never acceptable under the law.

Schedule an appointment online for a free consultation today, or call us directly to speak to our top-rated, expert personal injury attorneys.

Why Does Nursing Home Abuse Go Unreported?

So many cases of senior physical, emotional, and sexual abuse go unreported because the victims live in fear of what will happen should they speak up. In nursing homes, abused elderly residents often see their abusers most every day, and worry that they will get punished even further. They might also feel guilty about turning in an abuser who is a relative or friend, or might not realize that they are being victimized. Believe it or not, offenders who are strangers are reported more often than relatives or close acquaintances.

Failing to alert others to the problem of elder abuse and nursing home negligence can lead to life-threatening injuries, illnesses, or fatalities. Family members and friends may also hesitate before speaking up, worried about ruffling any feathers. They might also worry about alienating a caregiver.

Even if you are not certain that abuse is taking place, Dordulian Law Group can evaluate your case in strict confidentiality. Our Glendale, California, senior & elder nursing home attorneys offer free consultations and are ready to address your concerns. It is always better to err on the side of caution. After all, a loved one’s well-being could be at stake.

If abuse or neglect is taking place, we will do everything in our power to uncover it and ensure justice is served. Our Chief Investigator, Moses Castillo, is a retired LAPD detective. Castillo has investigated and closed some of the city’s most high-profile cases over the past three decades. We utilize Castillo’s experience and skill through investigating every nursing home abuse and neglect case we handle.

Nursing Home Resident Rights

Nursing home residents are entitled to certain rights under state and federal laws. These laws are in place to ensure that this vulnerable population receives appropriate care and services. All rights should be explained to residents and family members by the facility employees and caregivers. Medicare spells their rights and regulations out in detail, and at the top of the list is the right to be free from neglect and abuse.

Additionally, nursing home and extended care residents have the right to:

• Not be discriminated against
• Not be restrained
• Receive proper medical care
• Manage their own money
• Spend time with their visitors and take part in activities
• Have proper living arrangements
• Have privacy when needed
• Be respected at all times
• Complain when issues arise (and be heard)
• Have a representative notified when necessary

These apply to Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing facilities, but they are also basic rights that residents of any nursing or extended care homes should be entitled to. If any of these rights are compromised, Dordulian Law Group can offer legal guidance immediately.

Ready to file a claim and pursue justice through a financial damages award? Our expert attorneys are available online or by phone now.

How Can Dordulian Law Group Help Me?

Once we review your claim, we will determine whether or not the nursing home or an individual staff member is liable for any abusive or neglectful actions. These types of abuse or neglect cases can be based on medication errors, understaffing, negligent hiring processes, poor training, or a breach of rules and regulations (among other potential scenarios).

The nursing home could also be held “vicariously liable” for actions of an individual or group. In other words, if one aide kept a resident restrained for days, the facility could be responsible even if they were unaware of what their employee did. Or, suppose the home hired an outside contractor to provide security. If this third party neglected to repair a broken window, they could be held accountable. When residents are injured by a visitor or another person living at the nursing home, the facility may also be negligent.

Schedule an appointment online for a free consultation today, or call us directly to speak to our top-rated, expert Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

Senior & elder nursing home abuse in Glendale, California, takes a toll on the physical and emotional well-being of residents and their loved ones. Victims and those who suspect this kind of abuse should contact their local Adult Protective Services, or the police in the case of an emergency situation. You can also contact Dordulian Law Group to inquire about filing a personal injury case for general abuse and neglect. Our Glendale nursing home abuse lawyers are committed to protecting the vulnerable, and will work tirelessly to bring the offenders to justice.

Client Review

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