Santa Monica Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Lawyers

Searching for a suitable nursing home for a family member can be one of the most stressful and emotional decisions any family has to make. With so many options in Los Angeles County, how do you narrow down the best options? What happens if your family member still ends up being a victim of abuse or neglect?

Nursing home abuse is on the rise countrywide; it is not just limited to the Los Angeles area. If you suspect your loved one is a victim of abuse or neglect at their nursing home, it is imperative that you speak with a skilled Santa Monica nursing home abuse and neglect attorney.

At the Southern California Nursing Home Law Group, we specialize in cases involving nursing home abuse or neglect in Southern California, including Santa Monica. Given the serious nature of these cases, you want a law firm that has the knowledge and experience necessary to hold these facilities accountable. We understand victim protection laws, like the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act. Our lawyers have handled hundreds of cases and have a proven success rate in recovering financial compensation for families.

Watch for Potential Abuse and Neglect Warning Signs in Your Santa Monica Nursing Home

Catching the signs of neglect or abuse right away can help your family member stop suffering from additional abuse. You know them better than the nursing home staff, so monitor their condition from visit to visit. Start familiarizing yourself with the potential warning signs of nursing home abuse now. If you suspect there is something wrong, that is the time to contact a Santa Monica nursing home abuse attorney.

When you visit, keep notes of various details. Take note of the condition of their room. Are linens and towels being changed regularly? Are food trays removed after meals? Does your family member look clean and freshly bathed? Are they free of bedsores and unexplained marks on their bodies? Making notes and keeping track can be an excellent way to document any changes that occur.

There are several types of abuse that are more common in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. These are physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.

• Physical Abuse: Check for unexplained wounds and injuries like cuts and bruises. Verify there are no marks on the wrists from bindings or restraints. If your family member sustained a broken bone, ask questions on how the injury occurred. If you do not like the answers you are given, contact our office right away.
• Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Listen for how the staff talks to patients. Are they threatening anyone, yelling, or demeaning patients in any way? Emotional abuse can also include the use of threats, intimidation, or even harassment.
• Sexual Abuse: No one wants to think about their loved one becoming the victim of sexual abuse in a nursing home, but it does happen. Look for unexplained wounds and bruises around the genital areas. If there is an unexpected test result that comes back positive for new STIs or STDs, you need to immediately call our office.

While physical signs make it easier to identify when something is going on, there are plenty of non-physical cues you should be watching for, as well. Watch for sudden changes in their attitude and demeanor. Is your family member suddenly depressed or not interested in the same hobbies and activities? Are they fearful, or do they seem anxious? Any significant changes could point to abuse. You need to start looking more closely at what is happening at the home.

What is Nursing Home Neglect?

Nursing home neglect is not the same thing as nursing home abuse. Both are harmful to the patient, but neglect is not the intentional act of harming someone that abuse is. Neglect occurs when caregivers do something that disregards the safety of the resident. It could be simply failing to respond to a call button, or an ongoing failure to provide adequate nutrition. We see neglect mainly in cases that involved:

• Dehydration or malnutrition (frequently associated with weight loss or gain)
• Bedsores or decubitus ulcers
• Falls causing injuries
• Infections
• Bed rail injuries
• Wandering or elopement injuries
• Other negligent acts that result in injury or death

Neglect may arise when staff members being overworked, undertrained, or when nursing homes and assisted living facilities are understaffed. The patient is not getting the proper care and attention they need.

Contact a Santa Monica Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today

You need to contact the Southern California Nursing Home Law Group right away when you suspect your family member is being abused or neglected in a Santa Monica nursing home. Call us to schedule a free initial consultation. Let us help protect the rights of your loved one and hold the nursing home responsible for their actions.

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