Southern California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog
Residents in Los Angeles County nursing homes and assisted-living facilities should never have to worry about getting hurt because of acts of violence perpetrated by staff members or fellow residents. However, as a recent study discussed in The New York Times reveals, violence is much more common than many people suspect, and it is certainly not an uncommon occurrence. When violence occurs in a Los Angeles County nursing home or assisted living facility and a resident is injured, it is important to seek legal advice. The facility itself may be liable since it has a duty of care to residents. Our experienced Los Angeles County nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers can tell you more and can assist you if you have concerns about an elderly loved one.
Violence and Injuries Caused by Other Residents
Often, when we think about nursing home abuse or neglect and injuries resulting from it, we think about injuries caused by the intentional or negligent behavior of a staff member or employee at a nursing home. Yet, as the article in The New York Times underscores, violence caused by other residents is actually extremely common. The article explains that, in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and other types of “long-term care facilities, residents sometimes yell at or threaten one another, lob insults, invade fellow residents’ personal or living space, rummage through others’ possessions and take them,” and “they can swat or kick or push.”
Dr. Eilon Caspi, a researcher and gerontologist, told the Times that his research has revealed at least 105 deaths in nursing homes and assisted living facilities resulting from violent acts perpetrated by other residents. And, Caspi says, “the actual number is higher” since many incident reports leave out information about the perpetrator. Another researcher and gerontologist, Dr. Karl Pillemer, explained that about one out of every five residents at assisted-living facilities and nursing homes — or 20 percent of residents — are “involved in some kind of aggressive incident every month.”
Duty of Nursing Homes to Train Staff and to Prevent Violence
Who is responsible for injuries resulting from resident-on-resident violence? While the perpetrator resident may be responsible, the nursing home also may be legally liable for injuries.
Much of this type of violence involves residents with dementia and other types of cognitive impairment, and they occur because facilities are understaffed or employees are not properly trained. According to the researchers above cited in The New York Times, a clear solution is “training on this specific issue” and increased staffing.
Contact a Los Angeles County Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer Today
Nursing homes and assisted-living facilities can be responsible for any violence that results in injuries to residents. If you have an elderly loved one with unexplained injuries or a loved one who has suffered harm at the hands of a staff member or fellow resident, it is important to find out more about filing a claim for compensation and holding the facility accountable. An experienced Los Angeles County nursing home negligence attorney at our firm is here to help you. Contact the Walton Law Firm to discuss the details of your case with one of our lawyers and to begin working on a claim.
See Related Blog Posts:
Recognizing Nursing Home Abuse in Older Adults with Dementia
For-Profit Nursing Home Dangers in Orange County
