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Nursing home abuse in Los Angeles is a serious and unfortunately common issue that can affect the elderly population in care facilities. This mistreatment can have severe consequences for the physical and mental well-being of the residents.
With elder abuse in California specifically, 28 percent of those surveyed in Los Angeles County say they suffered through neglect. A total of 26 percent say they were financially abused, 25 percent claim they endured psychological abuse, while 21 percent say they were harmed physically. As many as 16-thousand seniors were abused or neglected at any given time in Los Angeles County alone. [2]
Are you concerned about the well-being of your loved one in a nursing home? Contact Goldberg & Loren’s personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles today to schedule a free consultation.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that affects many elderly residents in Los Angeles and throughout the country. There are several different types of abuse that can occur in nursing homes, including:
- Physical Abuse: This involves the use of physical force that results in pain, injury, or impairment. It can include hitting, kicking, pushing, or inappropriate use of restraints.
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse: This type of abuse involves verbal or nonverbal behavior that causes mental anguish, fear, or distress. It can include intimidation, humiliation, and isolation.
- Financial Abuse: This form of abuse involves the improper or illegal use of an elderly person’s funds, property or assets. It may include theft, fraud, or coercion to exploit the elderly person financially.
- Sexual Abuse: This involves any form of non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation of an elderly person.
- Neglect: Neglect can be intentional or unintentional and involves a failure to provide necessary care, assistance, or protection. It can lead to deprivation of food, water, hygiene, medication, or necessary medical care.
- Abandonment: Deserting an elderly person who is dependent on someone for care or supervision, either intentionally or due to neglect.
California Senate Office of Oversight and Outcomes reported that 13% of all complaints to the California Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman involved abuse, gross neglect, or exploitation, over twice the national rate of 5%. [1]
Causes of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is a serious and distressing issue that affects many vulnerable elderly residents. There are several causes of nursing home abuse, some include:
- Understaffing: Nursing homes with insufficient staffing levels may struggle to provide adequate care and supervision for residents, leading to neglect or abuse.
- Inadequate training: Caregivers and staff members who are not properly trained in elderly care, managing challenging behaviors, or recognizing signs of abuse may inadvertently mistreat residents.
- Burnout and stress: Caregivers who are overworked, stressed, or dealing with personal issues may be more prone to taking out their frustrations on residents.
- Lack of accountability: When there is a lack of oversight, monitoring, or consequences for mistreatment, it can create an environment where abuse can occur without repercussions.
- Culture of acceptance: In some cases, a nursing home’s organizational culture may inadvertently normalize or overlook abusive behavior, allowing it to persist.
- Mental health issues: Caregivers dealing with their own mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse, may unintentionally neglect or mistreat residents.
- Power imbalances: The vulnerability of elderly residents and the power dynamics within a caregiving relationship can create opportunities for abuse by those in positions of authority.
Related Information
What are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
Signs of nursing home abuse can manifest in various ways, and it’s important for family members and caregivers to be vigilant. Some common include:
- Pressure sores can develop due to prolonged pressure against the skin
- Caregiver is overly protective when family members or friends visit the resident
- Dehydration or malnourishment, indicated by weight loss, dry mouth, sunken eyes, or lack of energy
- Fear or discomfort around certain staff members or caregivers
- Inconsistent administration of medications or signs of overmedication
- Poor hygiene, including soiled bedding or clothing, unattended medical needs, or unpleasant odors
- Sudden changes in behavior, such as unusual withdrawal, agitation, or fear
- Sudden financial problems or unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts
- Unexplained injuries such as bruises, broken bones, welts, cuts, or fractures
- Unsanitary or unsafe living conditions within the nursing home
What is the Statute of Limitations for Nursing Home Abuse in California
When it comes to nursing home abuse in California, it’s important to be aware of the Statute of Limitations. The Statute of Limitations is the legal time limit for filing a lawsuit, and it varies depending on the type of claim. In California, the Statute of Limitations for nursing home abuse cases is generally two years from the date of the abuse or injury.
There are some exceptions to this rule. If the victim is mentally incapacitated or a minor, the Statute of Limitations may be extended. If the abuse was not discovered until later, the Statute of Limitations may also be extended.
Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Goldberg & Loren
If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse in Los Angeles, you need a lawyer who is experienced and dedicated to seeking justice for those who have been mistreated.
Goldberg & Loren is a law firm specializing in nursing home abuse cases and is committed to holding negligent nursing home facilities accountable for their actions. We:
- Understand the devastating impact that nursing home abuse can have on victims and their families
- Have the knowledge and resources to thoroughly investigate cases of abuse
- Have earned a reputation as a leading advocate for nursing home abuse victims in Los Angeles
- Are committed to fighting for the rights of our clients
At Goldberg & Loren, we understand the pain and frustration that comes with discovering your loved one has been mistreated. Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
[2] Elder Abuse. (2020, October 28). State of California – Department of Justice – Office of the Attorney General. https://oag.ca.gov/dmfea/elder
[2] H. (2013, December 2). Elder Abuse California | Abuse of the Elderly in California. Elder Abuse. https://www.elder-abuse.net/elder-abuse-california/
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
11755 Wilshire Blvd Suite 1250
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 401-3220
We fight hard for our clients who have suffered from nursing home abuse in Los Angeles. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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