Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect in California
California nursing homes are meant to provide a safe, caring environment for senior citizens. Yet when facilities fail to meet these standards, nursing home abuse or neglect may occur and put the well-being of residents at risk.
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, including:
- Physical abuse: Violence or unnecessary force against a resident can result in injuries and leave them feeling scared or unsafe within the facility.
- Elder neglect: If staff members fail to meet a resident's basic needs, like providing them with proper nutrition or hygiene assistance, it may be considered neglect. This lack of care can lead to physical and mental decline.
- Sexual abuse: Inappropriate sexual contact between a staff member and a resident may result in injuries, infections, and emotional trauma.
Around 237 nursing homes in California have been identified as having serious deficiencies, which are believed to put residents in immediate danger.
Our California nursing home abuse lawyers have the resources and experience necessary to stand up to the facilities responsible for your loved one’s injuries and seek justice on their behalf.
Contact us now for a free case review to see if our nursing home abuse lawyers in California can help your family.
Signs of Abuse in Nursing Homes
Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is crucial to getting your loved one out of a potentially harmful situation. When you visit them or talk over the phone, you should be aware of any shifts in their physical or emotional state.
Signs of abuse in nursing homes can include:
- Bedsores or pressure ulcers
- Behavioral changes, like acting withdrawn or agitated
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Poor hygiene and unsanitary living conditions
- Unaddressed medical issues
- Unexplained injuries, like cuts, bruises, or broken bones
- Weight loss
If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse, it's important to take action immediately. You can report the abuse to the facility’s administration, a long-term care ombudsman, or the California Department of Social Services.
In March 2024, Mariner Health Care, which manages multiple nursing homes across California, agreed to pay $15.5. Million in penalties following reports of physical and sexual abuse.
At Sokolove Law, our nursing home neglect attorneys in California can also help you take steps to protect your family member and hold those responsible for their suffering accountable.
Who Can a California Nursing Home Lawyer Help?
By getting help from our nursing home abuse lawyers in California, you may be able to secure the compensation needed to relocate yourself or a loved one to a safer environment that can provide the care you deserve.
You may be able to work with a California nursing home lawyer if:
- You experienced abuse or neglect at a nursing home or long-term care facility
- You’re the immediate family member or estate representative of an elder abuse victim
If your family member passed away due to suspected nursing home abuse or neglect, you may still be able to take legal action by filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the facility where they lived.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to find out if you may qualify for compensation from a nursing home abuse lawsuit. It costs nothing to speak with us.
How to File a California Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
At Sokolove Law, our attorneys strive to make filing a California nursing home abuse lawsuit as stress-free as possible. We can handle all of the legal legwork for you, so you can focus on supporting your loved one through this challenging time.
In general, our California nursing home abuse lawyers can:
- Provide you with a free case review to determine if you may be eligible to take legal action against those responsible for your loved one’s suffering
- Gather evidence like medical records, witness testimony, and more to prove abuse or neglect took place and that the staff or nursing home was responsible
- File your nursing home abuse lawsuit before any legal deadlines pass
- Negotiate an elder abuse settlement with the defendant(s), which may allow you to receive compensation without going to court
If a settlement is unable to be reached, our nursing home neglect attorneys in California are prepared to present your case in court and fight for a verdict on your behalf.
Our Past California Nursing Home Settlements
We’ve secured more than $267 Million for victims of nursing home abuse and their families nationwide. While the average nursing home abuse settlement is around $400,000, we've recovered much higher payouts for many clients.
Some of our past California nursing home abuse settlements and verdicts include:
- $2 Million for a Castro Valley husband whose wife had dementia and passed away within 48 hours of being sent to a care facility
- $1 Million for a Hayward man whose mother choked to death during lunch despite being on assisted feeding
- $700,000 for a Los Angeles woman whose mother didn’t receive her medication in care
- $845,000 to a woman in Los Angeles whose grandmother was hospitalized due to a severe bedsore she developed while in a nursing home
- $700,000 for a San Lorenzo woman who developed a bedsore on her back in a home
- $1 Million for an Orangevale woman whose mother-in-law with dementia developed a UTI and pressure sores from not being changed
Compensation from a nursing home abuse lawsuit in California can help pay for your loved one’s transfer to a safer facility, medical bills, funeral expenses, and more.
Nursing home abuse case values will vary depending on the unique details of each case, but our experienced lawyers know how to gather the evidence necessary to maximize compensation.
While there’s never a guarantee of results, our California elder abuse lawyers will fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to find out if you may qualify for California nursing home settlements during a free case review.
Deadlines to Filing a Nursing Home Lawsuit in California
You only have a limited amount of time to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit in California due to a state law called the statute of limitations.
Once this deadline passes, you won’t be able to take legal action for your loved one's suffering ever again.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us now to find out if we can help you pursue compensation for elder abuse or neglect.
Get the Help Your Family Deserves
Our California nursing home abuse lawyers will pursue the maximum compensation possible from those responsible. Let Sokolove Law fight for your family.
Get a Free Case Review
Let Our Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in California Help
At Sokolove Law, our nursing home neglect lawyers in California have decades of experience supporting those who have suffered abuse at the hands of their caregivers.
Our nursing home abuse law firm has recovered millions on behalf of California patients and their families. There are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs to work with our team.
We’re committed to providing you with the personal attention your case deserves. We have the resources necessary to stand up to large long-term care facilities and make sure your loved one is protected.
Let us fight for the justice you deserve. Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form to get a free, no-obligation case review.
Our California Office
455 Market Street, Suite 1270
San Francisco, CA
California Nursing Home Lawyer FAQs
Who can sue for elder abuse in California?
In California, victims, their family members, or their estate representatives may be able to sue for elder abuse in nursing homes.
At Sokolove Law, we offer free case reviews to help you figure out if you can pursue justice and compensation from a nursing home abuse lawsuit.
How do I report nursing home neglect in California?
To report a nursing neglect in California, you can contact:
- The facility’s administrators
- A long-term care ombudsman
- Local law enforcement
- The California Department of Social Services
You can also contact a California nursing home attorney for help pursuing justice and compensation on your loved one’s behalf.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to find out if our team can help you take legal action for nursing home neglect.
What is the elderly law in California?
In California, the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act details what is considered elder abuse. It allows residents and their loved ones to take legal action for injuries sustained in nursing homes.
California also has regulations enforced by the Department of Public Health that govern licensing, staffing requirements, safety standards, and quality of care in nursing homes.
What are types of nursing home abuse?
In general, nursing home abuse can encompass any sort of physical mistreatment of a nursing home resident.
There are many types of nursing home abuse, including:
- Physical abuse, which can include hitting, pushing, or other uses of force
- Neglect or failure to provide necessary care to a resident
- Any form of unwanted sexual contact
If you suspect your loved one is being abused, contact us now to see if a nursing home abuse attorney can help you file a lawsuit and protect their well-being.
What is your responsibility following suspected abuse in a nursing home?
If you suspect your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, you should report it immediately to prevent the abuse from continuing.
Our California nursing home abuse lawyers can work with you to hold the abuser and the long-term care facilities accountable to potentially protect other residents from experiencing abuse in the future.
What is the fear of retaliation in nursing homes?
The fear of retaliation in nursing homes is a concern that residents will face further mistreatment if they raise concerns about their care or if their family speaks out about issues with the facility.
In California, patients have the right to voice grievances without retaliation. Any backlash they face is considered illegal.
How long does it take to settle a nursing home lawsuit in California?
It depends. The length of time it takes to settle a nursing home lawsuit in California is based on how much evidence there is in your case, what the facility offers as a potential payment, and more.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to take the first step toward the compensation you deserve.
What is an example of neglect in a nursing home?
Nursing home neglect is when caregivers fail to provide adequate care, attention, and support to residents, which can impact their well-being.
Examples of neglect in a nursing home include not:
- Changing soiled clothes or bedding
- Making sure residents stay hydrated
- Requesting dental care or other medical services when needed
- Showering or bathing residents frequently
If you suspect your loved one is experiencing neglect at their nursing home, it’s important to talk with them about your concerns and file a report if necessary.
A California nursing home neglect lawyer can help determine if any wrongdoing has taken place — and whether or not you may be able to take legal action.
What are the worst nursing homes in California?
The worst nursing homes in California receive poor ratings on staffing, health inspections, and quality measures. When assessed by the federal government, these facilities scored “much below average,” and some have been cited for abuse.
Over 150 nursing homes in CA have received a 1-star rating from the government, including:
- Advanced Rehab Center of Tustin
- Antelope Valley Care Center
- Berkley East Healthcare Center
- Claremont Manor Care Center
- Driftwood Healthcare Center
- French Park Care Center
- Fresno Nursing Center
- Green Acres Healthcare Center
- Imperial Care Center
- Kern River Transitional Care
- Meadowbrook Post Acute
- Northridge Care Center
- Palos Verdes Health Care Center
- Playa Del Rey Center
- Santa Rosa Post Acute
- Sierra Vista Healthcare
- Valley House Rehabilitation Center
If your loved one experienced abuse or neglect at a nursing home in California, our team can fight to hold those responsible for their suffering accountable.
Get a free case review now to see if we can help you secure justice from a nursing home abuse lawsuit.
Sokolove Law Affiliations and Recognition
Our Professional Affiliations
- American Association of Justice
- California State Bar Association
Recognition
- National Trial Lawyers - Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- California Academy of Trial Attorneys
- U.S. News & World Report - 2022 Best Law Firms / Best Lawyers
- Martindale-Hubbell - 2022 Peer-Reviewed for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability
Sokolove Law Local Reviews
- Better Business Bureau® (BBB) - A+ Rating since 2013
- Average Google Rating: 4.6/5
California Nursing Home Rating
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services collects information on each of the nursing homes in California and provides them with a rating between 1 and 5. These ratings are calculated using data on a care facility’s health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.
A 1-star rating labels a nursing home as “much below average,” while a 5-star rating indicates a facility that is “much above average.” These ratings can help you find a nursing home capable of providing your loved one with excellent care.
List of California Nursing Homes and Their Ratings
- Acc Care Center
7801 Rush River Driver
Sacramento, CA 95831
Overall Rating: 4/5
- Advanced Rehab Center of Tustin
2210 E. First Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Overall Rating: 1/5
- Alameda Care Center
925 W. Alameda Ave.
Burbank, CA 91506
Overall Rating: 2/5
- Friendship Manor Nursing & Rehab Center
902 South Euclid Avenue
National City, CA 91950
Overall Rating: 5/5
- Garden Crest Rehabilitation Center
909 Lucile Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Overall Rating: 3/5
- Lake Park Healthcare Center
1850 Alice Street
Oakland, CA 94612
Overall Rating: 1/5
- Stonebrook Health and Rehabilitation
350 DE Soto Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Overall Rating: 4/5
- The Rehabilitation Center of Los Angeles
340 South Alvarado Street
Los Angeles, CA 90057
Overall Rating: 3/5
- University Care Center
5602 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92105
Overall Rating: 5/5
Local California Areas We Serve
Sokolove Law has experience helping thousands of people across the country, including many families in California.
We serve the following locations around California:
- Anaheim
- Bakersfield
- Bell Gardens
- Chu
- El Segundo
- Encino
- Fontana
- Fresno
- Hawthorne
- Hesperia
- La Puente
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Norwalk
- Novato
- Oakland
- Oxnard
- Pacoima
- Palmdale
- Pittsburg
- Rialto
- Riverside
- Sacramento
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Santa Ana
- South Gate
- Sylmar
- Westminster
- And more
California Zip Codes We Serve
As a national law firm, Sokolove Law can help nursing home abuse victims and their families wherever they may be in the U.S., including across the state of California.
Some of the zip codes we serve include:
- 90003
- 90011
- 90044
- 90201
- 90250
- 90280
- 90650
- 90706
- 90805
- 91331
- 91335
- 91342
- 91706
- 91709
- 91744
- 91910
- 91911
- 92126
- 92154
- 92335
- 92336
- 92345
- 92376
- 92503
- 92563
- 92592
- 92683
- 92704
- 92804
- 92805
- 92880
- 93033
- 93257
- 93274
- 93306
- 93307
- 93535
- 93550
- 93722
- 93727
- 94112
- 94533
- 94544
- 94565
- 95076
- 95630
- 95823
- 92553
If you or a loved one was abused or neglected at a care facility, call (800) 995-1212 now for a free legal consultation.
