Mar 23, 2023
Nursing home abuse and neglect is unfortunately a widespread issue impacting elderly individuals throughout the nation. As many media reports have uncovered, rampant nursing home abuse occurred over the years in California, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic persisted. In fact, the owners of an “upscale” Los Angeles extended care facility were recently charged in 14 COVID-19 deaths.
The facility – Silverado Beverly Place Memory Care Community – housed and treated elderly patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. Tragically, it was the site of a COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020, a Los Angeles Times report confirmed.
“The employee and residents died during the outbreak, in which 45 employees and 60 residents were infected, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office. The facility’s operators were sued in civil court by the families of multiple residents and the employee who died,” the Times said, noting that the facility was the subject of a 2020 investigation by the newspaper.
When nursing home injuries and deaths occur due to neglect or abuse, a civil lawsuit with Dordulian Law Group (DLG) can ensure that you and your family obtain justice and recover maximum financial compensation for the harm endured.
In the sections below, we will review everything you need to know about nursing home abuse and neglect lawsuits in California.
Sadly, nursing home abuse and neglect impacts far more seniors than most of us realize. Although studies suggest that it’s difficult to accurately determine the exact rate of nursing home abuse, research suggests that it is actually widespread throughout the nation.
In fact, a study by the National Center on Elder Abuse found that about one in 10 seniors may experience some form of abuse while in a nursing home or extended care facility. Other studies, unfortunately, have found even greater incidences of nursing home abuse and neglect – with as many as one in three facilities being officially cited for violations.
Although nursing home abuse can come in many forms, it’s often difficult to detect due to senior victims being unwilling to report incidents (whether due to fear, apathy, lack of confidence that anything will be done, etc.).
Some of the most common examples of nursing home abuse and neglect that can warrant a civil lawsuit for damages include:
If you believe someone at a nursing home is being abused or neglected, there are certain recommended steps to take.
If you suspect nursing home abuse in California, you should report the abuse immediately and then take action to protect the resident.
The top recommended steps to take if you suspect nursing home abuse in California include:
It’s important to remember that nursing home abuse is never acceptable. In addition, there are resources available to help protect the rights of nursing home residents in California.
The following entities have been identified as resources for you or your family if you ever suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in California:
Seniors and dependent adults are protected in California by the “Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA).”
Under the act, a “senior” is defined as a person age 65 or older who resides in the Golden State. It also defines a “dependent adult” as any 16-64-year-old California resident with physical or mental limitations that restrict their ability to carry out normal activities or to protect their rights.
A victim of nursing home abuse or neglect who is able may file a lawsuit on his or her own behalf. Alternatively, the victim’s family has the right file a civil lawsuit or report on behalf of their loved one via:
Depending on the circumstances of you or your loved one’s unique case, the team of nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers at DLG will fight aggressively to secure all applicable damages for your claim:
In California, a nursing home wrongful death claim is a legal action that is brought when a resident of an extended care facility dies due to the negligence, abuse, or neglect of either the facility or its staff member(s).
A death in a nursing home due to negligence, carelessness, or abuse constitutes a tragedy for families, and the aftermath can be stressful and burdensome. When a loved one dies in a nursing home, the surviving family members are often left with questions about the circumstances of the death. If you suspect that your loved one’s nursing home death was due to negligence or abuse, it’s important to contact DLG’s elder abuse and wrongful death attorneys to discuss filing a claim for damages.
To prove a nursing home wrongful death claim, the plaintiff must show that either the facility or its staff were negligent, abusive, careless/reckless, or engaged in willful misconduct. With the help of your DLG nursing home abuse lawyer, the negligence or misconduct which led to the death of your loved one will be presented in a civil lawsuit seeking financial compensation.
In successful nursing home wrongful death claims, the surviving family members may be awarded damages for various losses, including but not limited to:
As wrongful death claims are often complex and challenging to prove, the importance of working with an experienced and proven nursing home abuse attorney who specializes in these types of cases can’t be overstated. Accordingly, choosing DLG – California’s top-rated and most experienced elder abuse and neglect attorneys – is the best decision you and your family can make.
DLG’s nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and proven results you need for peace of mind throughout the entire litigation process.
If your elderly loved one was abused or died as a result of nursing home negligence, you have the sincerest condolences of everyone at DLG. Our team of nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers is led by Sam Dordulian, a former prosecutor in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office who has obtained life sentences against some of the community’s most dangerous criminals. After transitioning from the D.A.’s Office to private practice, Dordulian began fighting for justice on behalf of the injured, vulnerable, and victimized in civil court.
With more than 100 jury trial victories for injured victims like you and over $200,000,000.00 in settlements and verdicts obtained for his clients, Dordulian has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to obtaining justice for those in need.
To speak with a nursing home abuse or neglect lawyer from DLG, contact us today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM. We never charge any upfront or out-of-pocket fees for our expert legal services. You or your loved one will not pay a penny until after we’ve secured a maximum financial damages award for your nursing home abuse, neglect, or wrongful death case.
Don’t let the nursing home get away with the injustice perpetrated on you or the person you love. Contact DLG’s experienced elder abuse lawyers today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM to take the first step toward holding the wrongdoers accountable and obtaining justice through maximum financial compensation.
Our Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Lawyers are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.
Remember, justice denied for a nursing home abuse or neglect case doesn’t have to be your reality – you have options under California law and can get the justice you deserve with the dedicated team of elder abuse and wrongful death lawyers at Dordulian Law Group fighting in your corner.
Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
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