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Harbor City Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers
Our Harbor City nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys help protect your loved one
At Garcia & Artigliere, we have been fighting against nursing home abuse and neglect since 1993. Our Harbor City abuse and neglect lawyers understand how to go up against the nursing homes and win. We understand the profound trust families place in nursing homes to provide compassionate care for their loved ones. When that trust is betrayed, and vulnerable individuals suffer harm due to abuse or neglect, our attorneys are here to be their voice and seek the justice they deserve - call us today.
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What is nursing home abuse and neglect?
The National Consumer Voice states that:
…all residents in nursing homes are entitled to receive quality care and live in an environment that improves or maintains the quality of their physical and mental health. This entitlement includes freedom from neglect, abuse, and misappropriation of funds. Neglect and abuse are criminal acts whether they occur inside or outside a nursing home.
Nursing home abuse and neglect encompasses a range of harmful actions or omissions that affect the well-being and safety of residents in long-term care facilities. These issues can take various forms and may include:
- Physical abuse: Intentional use of force resulting in bodily harm, pain, or injury. This can involve hitting, slapping, pushing, or any form of physical harm.
- Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact, coercion, or exploitation of a resident by staff, other residents, or third parties within the nursing home.
- Neglect: Failure to provide adequate care, attention, or assistance, leading to harm or deterioration of a resident's physical, mental, or emotional health. Neglect can include inadequate supervision, failure to provide proper nutrition, or neglecting medical needs.
- Medical negligence: Failure to provide proper medical care, administer medications as prescribed, or address residents' health issues, leading to harm or worsening of medical conditions.
- Environmental neglect: Inadequate attention to the safety and cleanliness of the living environment, which may lead to falls, accidents, injuries, or health hazards.
- Abandonment: Desertion of a resident by caregivers or staff, leaving them without necessary care, supervision, or support.
- Wandering/elopement: This is when a resident leaves the nursing home without staff knowledge or permission.
It's important to be vigilant and recognize the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect, such as unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, or poor living conditions. Reporting suspicions of abuse promptly and seeking legal assistance can help protect the rights and well-being of nursing home residents.
Medication mistakes
The National Library of Medicine notes that about 7,000 to 9,000 people lose their lives each year due to medication errors. Even more experience unreported adverse reactions or side effects from their medication. These errors can occur when patients are given the wrong medication or incorrect dosage. Factors contributing to this can include misinterpretation of prescriptions, allergies to prescribed medications, incorrect prescriptions, and inaccurate documentation by nursing home and healthcare staff.
Medication mistakes in nursing homes can result from various issues, including staffing shortages, inadequate training, poor communication, or insufficient oversight. Nursing homes must have robust systems in place to prevent and address medication errors, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.
Delayed treatment for stroke
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), strokes contributed to one in six cardiovascular disease-related deaths in 2021, affecting around 795,000 individuals annually. A concerning aspect is that nearly 25% of these individuals have a history of prior strokes. The predominant type, ischemic stroke, constituting 87% of all cases, occurs when blood flow to the brain is obstructed.
Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), commonly known as a "busting" drug, can dissolve blood clots. Administered within three hours of a stroke's onset, tPA significantly enhances outcomes, helping with full recovery or reduced disability compared to those without the medication. Additionally, the CDC emphasizes that patients treated with tPA are less likely to require long-term care in a nursing home. Timely administration of this treatment is paramount, as any delay can lead to severe consequences for stroke victims. If you or a loved one has faced mistreatment or delayed treatment post-stroke, the nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers at Garcia & Artigliere are ready to offer the necessary support to pursue justice.
What are the common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect?
Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect is crucial to protecting the well-being of our loved ones. Here are some common red flags to look out for:
Physical signs
- Unexplained injuries: Bruises, cuts, burns, or welts, especially in hidden areas, could indicate physical abuse. Broken bones or fractures, particularly if they occur frequently, can also be a cause for worry. Bladder and bowel injuries should also be looked at with concern.
- Bedsores: Pressure ulcers, or bedsores, are a common sign of neglect. They develop when a resident's skin is not repositioned regularly, putting pressure on specific areas.
- Malnutrition or dehydration: Residents who are not receiving adequate food or fluids may appear malnourished or dehydrated. Signs of malnutrition include weight loss, dry skin, and brittle hair and nails. Dehydration can cause dry mouth, cracked lips, and confusion.
- Poor hygiene: Residents who are not being properly cared for may have unwashed clothes, dirty bedding, or unkempt hair and nails.
Behavioral signs
- Withdrawal or depression: Residents who are being abused or neglected may become withdrawn, depressed, or anxious. They may also lose interest in activities they used to enjoy.
- Changes in appetite or sleep: Significant changes in a resident's eating or sleeping habits could be a sign of distress.
- Fear or reluctance to talk: Residents who are afraid of their caregivers, or other residents, may be hesitant to talk about what is happening to them. They may also become withdrawn or avoid eye contact.
- Verbal or emotional abuse: Staff members who are verbally or emotionally abusive may yell at residents, insult them, or make them feel worthless.
Changes in living conditions
- Unsanitary or unsafe conditions: Nursing homes should be clean and well-maintained. If you notice dirty floors, overflowing trash cans, or broken furniture, it could be a sign of neglect.
- Inadequate staffing: Nursing homes should be adequately staffed to provide residents with the care they need. If you notice insufficient staff members to care for the residents, it could be a sign that residents are being neglected.
It is important to remember that these are just some of the common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. If you are concerned about your loved one's well-being, it is important to talk to them directly and to speak to the nursing home staff. You can also contact your local ombudsman or adult protective services agency for help.
If you believe your loved one died due to nursing home abuse or neglect, our Harbor City wrongful death lawyers can help. Call us today.
What rights do Harbor City nursing home residents have under the law?
Under the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, all residents of nursing homes in the country have the following rights:
- “The right to freedom from abuse, mistreatment, and neglect;
- The right to freedom from physical restraints;
- The right to privacy;
- The right to accommodation of medical, physical, psychological, and social needs;
- The right to participate in resident and family groups;
- The right to be treated with dignity;
- The right to exercise self-determination;
- The right to communicate freely;
- The right to participate in the review of one's care plan, and to be fully informed in advance about any changes in care, treatment, or change of status in the facility; and
- The right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal.”
If you believe your loved one’s rights are being violated, talk to the Harbor City nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere immediately for help.
Do you have a Harbor City nursing home abuse and neglect attorney near me?
Garcia & Artigliere has offices at 2029 Century Park East, Suite 400, in Los Angeles. We’re located between Constellation Boulevard and W. Olympic Boulevard. We can also arrange video calls or off-site visits if you are unable to travel due to your condition.
Schedule a meeting with our Harbor City nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers today
If you suspect or have witnessed nursing home abuse or neglect, it's imperative to take action to protect the rights and well-being of vulnerable residents. Our dedicated team of Harbor City nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys is here to stand as advocates for those who may be suffering in silence. Do you believe a loved one is a victim of nursing abuse or neglect? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. Call our offices or contact us to set up a free consultation with a skilled lawyer. Garcia & Artigliere has offices in Long Beach and Los Angeles and serve clients throughout California.