NO RECOVERY NO FEE Free Case Review
Torrance Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Lawyers
Torrance nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys fighting for seniors in California
When you have an older loved one, there may come a time when they need additional assistance and enter a nursing home or long-term care facility. You have done your research and found the perfect place for your senior. You expect they will receive the highest level of care. Nursing homes have legal requirements they must adhere to when providing care to all patients. Unfortunately, nursing homes are a prime location for abuse and neglect, actions that should be reported to law enforcement and government agencies. You should also speak to a Torrance elder abuse and neglect lawyer from Garcia & Artigliere - call us today to assert your rights.
NO RECOVERY NO FEE Free Case Review
How can our Torrance nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers help?
- What types of Torrance nursing home abuse and neglect are there?
- What signs can I look for that my loved one is being abused or neglected?
- Do nursing home residents have rights?
- Who is liable for nursing home abuse and neglect in Torrance?
- Ways you can help a Torrance nursing home resident who is being abused or neglected?
- Do you have a Torrance nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer near me?
What types of Torrance nursing home abuse and neglect are there?
Often, nursing homes cut corners to increase profits. They could be overwhelmed by the number of new residents and overlook aspects of an application to get someone in the door. These facilities may put profit over people, resulting in predators and abusers entering the facility. Other times these facilities violate health and safety standards. This has led to an increase in abuse and neglect nationwide.
There are four ways that seniors in Torrance nursing homes may suffer abuse. Legally, any abuse happening against a person 60 or older is elder abuse. The following are the primary forms of abuse:
- Physical abuse encompasses a person willfully and intentionally causing bodily harm to someone else. This often involves sexual abuse, physical restraints, improper administration of medication, or withholding food and water. It also consists of kicking, slapping, biting, or other physical pain and suffering.
- Emotional abuse is traumatic but difficult to assess because there are no physical scars. Caregivers can emotionally abuse a senior through threats, ridicule, verbal abuse, and insulting the person or others as a form of punishment. This is cruel, and it can lead to a decline in their emotional and psychological health.
- Neglect involves withholding basic needs and medical attention. This can happen because the caregiver does not want to care for the individual or is under stress. It often involves starving the individual, not turning them when they need to, and failing to keep them clean. It can also include creating unsafe conditions that can cause harm to the individual.
Abuse can be life-altering for seniors. They are vulnerable and dependent on caretakers to help with daily tasks. They trust these individuals and others in the nursing home, and when abuse occurs, it is a significant breach of trust. Your loved one will be wary of entering a new facility. The family will also feel guilty as if they could have prevented it. To pursue justice, speak to a Torrance nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer.
What signs can I look for that my loved one is being abused or neglected?
Nursing home staff and caregivers are unlikely to report abuse to families or take action to remedy the situation. Management should take allegations of abuse seriously and make adjustments. Often, what happens is they will cover up the abuse so they do not have to deal with the repercussions. Family members should be at peace with their decision to place a loved one in a nursing home and not be on edge. Sadly, you must be vigilant to protect your loved one.
One way to stay vigilant is to look for signs that your loved one is being abused, whether physical, emotional, financial, or neglectful. Injuries and signs to look for include:
- Broken glasses and property
- Unexplained or frequent falls
- Broken or fractured bones
- Bladder and bowel injuries
- Bruises and black eyes
- Vaginal or anal bleeding
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Bed sores
- Untreated health concerns
- Medication errors
- Elopement and wandering
- An elder becoming agitated or emotionally upset
- Resident-on-resident abuse
- Nursing home neglect
- Changes in last will and testament
- New people added to the person’s account
- Unexplained bank withdrawals
- Wrongful death
You should review their written care plan when you enter your loved one into a care facility. It will specify what your loved one needs and the responsibility of the facility and its staff to your senior. In general, the facility must provide a high standard of care for every resident so they can live in a safe and clean environment. If caregivers and the nursing home fail their duties, they are in breach of their contractual obligations. They must be held liable through a civil claim the family or senior can file with the help of a Torrance nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer.
Do nursing home residents have rights?
Nursing home residents have a bill of rights outlining what nursing homes should and should not do. One of those rights is being free from abuse and neglect. They must also get proper medical care and have the option to complain about their care and living arrangements. Nursing home residents should be treated with respect as well as:
- Be free from discrimination
- Participate in enrichment activities
- Get information about services and fees
- Manage their money
- Spend time with visitors
- Get social services
- Be protected from unfair transfers or discharge
- Have family and friends involved in the care
Violating the Nursing Home Bill of Rights is criminal, and those in violation must be held liable. Speak to a Torrance nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer for more information about the rights of seniors in nursing homes.
Who is liable for nursing home abuse and neglect in Torrance?
The person who abused your loved one is the first party that can be liable for abuse and neglect. However, the nursing home, management, third parties, and anyone who covered up or should have prevented the abuse can also be liable. Some cases involve resident abuse, and that can lead to caregivers and nursing home staff being held liable since they should have identified and remedied the situation.
Your Torrance nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer must prove duty, breach, causation, and damages. If you have a successful claim, you could recover compensation for losses like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other financial losses. Gracia & Artigliere have recovered billions for our clients. We fight for justice for seniors and their families.
Ways you can help a Torrance nursing home resident who is being abused or neglected?
Coming to grips with your loved one being abused is difficult. Families are often confused about what to do next. You have options and ways to hold the parties liable. You should take steps to ensure your loved one is safe and the abuse is documented accurately. Take the following steps to help your loved one when you find out they are being abused:
- Speak to your senior immediately so they can tell you details about the abuse. Take detailed notes about their statement so you can provide it to a Torrance nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer to investigate further. Include dates and times, and do not let the senior deny allegations if you find evidence.
- Photograph any proof that can constitute abuse, like bruises, bed sores, or signs of dehydration.
- If there is an immediate threat, speak to law enforcement to help with removal and reporting procedures. Abuse is illegal, and criminal actions can be taken if there is a police report made.
- Follow up with the police report and provide details to other relevant government agencies like Adult Protective Services or the local ombudsman office.
- Most importantly, speak to a Torrance nursing home and abuse lawyer from Garcia & Artigliere. We will fight aggressively for justice for your loved one and want to hold these criminals accountable for their actions.
Do you have a Torrance nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer near me?
Garcia & Artigliere has over 150 years of combined legal experience helping clients throughout California. We have garnered substantial settlements for our clients. Contact our offices in Los Angeles or Long Beach for a free, confidential case review. Speak to a Torrance nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer today.
Call a Torrance nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer today
Has your loved one suffered abuse or neglect at their nursing home? All nursing home residents have rights that must be protected at all times. Call Garcia & Artigliere or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a Torrance nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer.
Se Habla Espanol.