Was your parent or loved one hurt, neglected or abused in a nursing home? California law gives residents of skilled nursing facilities and assisted living homes strong rights, and gives families real tools to hold facilities accountable. Our Los Angeles nursing home abuse lawyers help families across California. Free, confidential consultation 24/7. Call (855) 339-8879. Se habla español.

Warning Signs of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse

• Bedsores (pressure ulcers), especially stage 3 or 4 wounds
• Falls, fractures or head injuries, often from lack of supervision
• Sudden weight loss, dehydration or malnutrition
• Unexplained bruises, cuts or restraint marks
• Over-sedation or medication errors
• Poor hygiene, soiled bedding or untreated infections
• Wandering or elopement by residents with dementia
• Fear, withdrawal or sudden changes in behavior
• Missing money, property or changes to financial documents

What California Law Says

Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act. California Welfare and Institutions Code § 15600 and following protects adults 65 and older and dependent adults from physical abuse, neglect and financial abuse. When a family proves by clear and convincing evidence that a facility acted with recklessness, oppression, fraud or malice, Welfare and Institutions Code § 15657 allows enhanced remedies, including attorney’s fees and, in some cases, damages for the victim’s pain and suffering even after death.

Residents’ rights. Health and Safety Code § 1430(b) lets a skilled nursing facility resident sue when the facility violates their rights under state or federal law, with statutory damages of up to $500 per lawsuit plus attorney’s fees and costs.

Negligence and wrongful death. Families can also bring negligence claims and, when a resident dies, wrongful death and survival claims.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

• The nursing home or skilled nursing facility
• Assisted living and residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs)
• Parent companies and management companies that control staffing and budgets
• Staffing agencies, individual caregivers, and outside medical providers

Many facility problems trace back to understaffing. Staffing records, care plans, and state inspection reports are often key evidence.

Compensation Families May Recover

• Medical and hospital bills, and the cost of moving to a safer facility
• Pain, suffering and emotional distress
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
• Attorney’s fees in qualifying elder abuse cases
• Punitive damages in cases of malice, oppression or fraud

Every case is different. The value of a claim depends on the injuries, the facility’s conduct, the evidence and other factors.

What to Do If You Suspect Abuse

1. If there is immediate danger, call 911.
2. Recibir atención médica and ask for an outside evaluation of injuries.
3. Report it. Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (CRISISline: 1-800-231-4024), Adult Protective Services, or the California Department of Public Health licensing office for the facility.
4. Document everything: photos of injuries and conditions, dates, names of staff, and what you were told.
5. Request records. Residents and their representatives have a right to the resident’s medical records.
6. Talk to a lawyer before signing anything from the facility, including arbitration agreements or releases.

¿Cuánto tiempo tiene para presentar la solicitud?

Deadlines depend on the type of claim. Many elder abuse and personal injury claims must be filed within dos años, and some claims against health care providers have shorter deadlines. Wrongful death claims have their own timelines. Call a lawyer as soon as possible so you do not lose your family’s rights.

Arbitration Agreements

Many facilities ask families to sign arbitration agreements at admission. Signing one cannot be required as a condition of admission, and these agreements are not always enforceable. Bring any admission paperwork to your consultation so we can review it.

Why Call Downtown LA Law Group

Downtown LA Law Group represents injured people and families across California from our office at 540 S. Santa Fe Ave. in downtown Los Angeles. We gather the records, work with medical experts, and explain your options in plain language, in English or Spanish. Ask us how our contingency fee and case costs work during your free consultation.

Nursing Home Abuse FAQs

Is a bedsore always a sign of neglect?

Not always, but advanced bedsores are often preventable with proper turning, nutrition and wound care. They are one of the most common signs of neglect.

Can I bring a claim if my loved one has passed away?

Often, yes. Family members may have wrongful death and survival claims. Contact a lawyer promptly.

Will a lawsuit cause the facility to retaliate?

Retaliation against a resident for complaints is prohibited. If you are worried about safety, moving your loved one may be the best first step, and we can help you plan it.

Does this cover assisted living, not just nursing homes?

Yes. California’s elder abuse law applies to care in many settings, including assisted living, memory care, and board-and-care homes.

Talk to a Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today

Llame a (855) 339-8879 o request a free case review. Available 24/7. Se habla español.

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