At Southern California Nursing Home Law Group, we have years of experience handling a wide range of nursing home and assisted living neglect cases. We have seen the devastating effects that negligence can have on some of the most vulnerable members of society—those entrusted to nursing homes for care and safety.
While nursing home neglect can take many forms, there are five specific types of cases that we most commonly encounter. These include bed sore cases, falls with injuries, failure to take action after an obvious change in health condition, wandering away from the facility, and physical assault. Below is a breakdown of each type of case and the troubling signs associated with nursing home neglect.
- Bed Sore Cases
Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are a serious indicator of neglect in nursing homes. These sores develop when a resident is left in the same position for too long, resulting in prolonged pressure on certain areas of the body, particularly bony areas like the hips, back, and heels. Nursing home staff are responsible for regularly repositioning immobile residents to prevent this painful and potentially life-threatening condition. When this basic level of care is not provided, bed sores can progress from minor skin irritation to deep tissue damage, infections, and even sepsis. We have represented numerous clients whose loved ones have suffered unnecessarily from bed sores, often due to chronic understaffing and improper training at the facilities.
- Falls with Injuries
Falls are a leading cause of injury among nursing home residents, and many of these falls could have been prevented with proper care. Elderly residents often have mobility issues, requiring assistance when walking or moving from place to place. A failure to provide this assistance, combined with unsafe conditions like wet floors or inadequate safety measures, can lead to serious injuries, including broken hips, head trauma, and in some cases, death. These injuries can drastically alter a resident’s quality of life, and in some cases, they never fully recover. At Walton Law Firm, we frequently represent families whose loved ones have sustained injuries from preventable falls in nursing homes.
- Failure to Take Action After an Obvious Change in Health Condition
A critical responsibility of nursing home staff is monitoring residents’ health and responding promptly to changes. Whether a resident shows signs of a stroke, infection, or other medical emergency, immediate action can mean the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, we have encountered numerous cases where nursing home staff failed to act after clear signs of a serious health condition emerged. This type of neglect can result in severe complications, prolonged suffering, and sometimes fatal outcomes. These cases are particularly heartbreaking, as timely medical intervention could have prevented the worst-case scenario. At Walton Law Firm, we work diligently to hold negligent facilities accountable when their inaction leads to tragedy.
- Wandering Away from the Facility
One of the most frightening types of nursing home neglect involves residents with cognitive impairments, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, wandering away from the facility unsupervised. Known as elopement, this type of neglect occurs when a resident leaves the premises without staff noticing. These individuals are at serious risk of injury, exposure to harsh weather conditions, or getting lost, which can result in tragic outcomes. Nursing homes are responsible for securing their premises and closely monitoring residents who are at risk of wandering. When they fail to do so, the consequences can be dire. Walton Law Firm has represented families in cases where loved ones have wandered away and been seriously harmed as a result of neglect.
- Physical Assault
Physical abuse or assault in nursing homes is a particularly egregious form of neglect. This can involve either staff members or other residents causing harm to a vulnerable individual. Sadly, understaffing and inadequate supervision can create conditions where physical abuse occurs. Whether it’s improper restraint, rough handling, or deliberate acts of violence, the physical and emotional toll on the victim is immense. These cases are often underreported, as victims may be unable or too afraid to speak up. At Walton Law Firm, we are committed to ensuring that those responsible for these horrific acts of abuse are held accountable.
Conclusion
Here at Southern California Nursing Home Law Group, we are dedicated to fighting for justice for victims of nursing home neglect. Whether your loved one has been harmed due to bed sores, falls, failure to act in a health crisis, wandering, or physical assault, we are here to help. Our experienced team works diligently to investigate each case and ensure that negligent nursing homes face the consequences of their actions. If you believe your loved one has been a victim of neglect, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.