Merced Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
California attorney pursues compensation for victims of mistreatment
Many California residents, because of age or infirmity, are residents of nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Their well-being depends on receiving quality care. Unfortunately, nursing homes may fail to meet the level of care their residents require, and worse still might abuse them. If your loved one suffers mistreatment, either physically or psychologically, you can count on a Merced nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer at Curry and Curry to fight to protect their rights and to win deserved compensation.
The legal responsibility of nursing homes
Nursing homes have a duty to exercise due care in the performance of their services. Residents of these facilities have a right to dignity, health, well-being and a safe environment. If any employee of a nursing home fails to meet the required standard of care or violates a resident’s rights, the facility is liable for any resulting harm. If we represent a nursing home resident that has suffered abuse or neglect, we will take proactive steps to correct the problem and to seek fair compensation.
Types of nursing home abuse
Nursing patients can suffer mistreatment in many forms, including:
- Physical abuse, such as intentional attacks, sexual assault and excessive use of restraints
- Psychological abuse, such as harassment, intimidation and ignoring requests for assistance
- Neglect of physical or medical needs
An experienced elder care lawyer can remedy such abuse and neglect through internal complaints and legal action.
Signs and symptoms of abuse
Your loved one in a nursing home might be a victim of abuse if you notice any of the following:
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition and unexplained weight loss
- Suspicious injuries
- Bedsores
- Overmedication
- Signs of restraint
- Unsanitary conditions
- Fear, anxiety, depression or refusal to discuss conditions at the nursing home
You should also be alert to indications of uncaring, demeaning or aggressive staff.
Steps to take if you suspect abuse or neglect
If you see any worrisome signs, you should promptly:
- Document them, by taking notes, photos and videos of any injuries or conditions.
- Report the abuse to the nursing home administration and insist on a response.
- If you believe the problem persists, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer.
As experienced counsel, we will promptly investigate and intervene on behalf of the patient, demand immediate corrective action and make a claim for appropriate financial compensation.
Compensation in nursing home abuse cases
Victims of nursing home abuse may obtain such damages as medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of quality of life. If the victim qualifies as an elder or dependent person under California law, he may also be entitled to recover all of his attorneys fees incurred in bringing and litigating the case as damages against the responsible parties. In extreme cases, the defendants might also be liable for punitive damages, which are meant to punish and to deter future wrongdoing. We negotiate aggressively to maximize our clients’ damages in a lawsuit. If the defendants fail to offer a personal injury settlement in good faith, we will proceed with litigation. Note that there are strict deadlines within which a lawsuit must be filed after the discovery of abuse or neglect.
Contact a dedicated California nursing home abuse attorney to discuss your options
Curry and Curry in Merced represents nursing home residents who are victims of abuse and neglect throughout California. To arrange a free initial consultation, please call 209-720-3912 or contact us online.
