$3,100,000Pressure sore death
$2,333,000Fall involving traumatic brain injury
$1,500,000Bedsore settlement
$1,499,000Dementia patient injury
$1,250,000Repeated fall injuries

Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

los Angeles nursing home abuse lawyer
Attorney Anthony Lanzone
Licensed in California

If your loved one has been harmed in an LA nursing home or assisted living facility, choose an experienced elder abuse law firm to fight for you.

At Nursing Home Law Center, we exclusively handle elder neglect and abuse claims and are dedicated to protecting the rights of seniors and their families across Los Angeles and Southern California.

Elder abuse is a significant concern in Los Angeles County. It’s difficult to gather precise statistics on nursing home abuse incidents in LA, partly because it’s estimated that only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse are ever reported to the proper authorities. This can be particularly concerning in facilities with repeated quality issues, including numerous “1-star” nursing facilities in the area. Plus, around 150,000 or more Californians reside in unlicensed assisted living facilities, which may not have the oversight or resources needed to care for older adults adequately. 

Our experienced legal team focuses solely on elder abuse claims, giving us the knowledge and expertise to handle even the most complex claims. We work tirelessly to hold negligent facilities accountable, seek compensation for victims, and help families rebuild trust and security.

Don’t let your loved one’s suffering go unanswered. Contact Nursing Home Law Center today to start your journey toward justice.

Experienced Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Protecting You and Your Loved Ones

nursing home neglect lawyer in LA

At our firm, we bring decades of experience handling nursing home abuse claims in LA and throughout Southern California. We fight on your behalf by holding irresponsible facilities and staff accountable for their actions. Beyond the legal process, we provide you with emotional support and financial guidance to ease the burdens you may face. Our nursing home abuse attorneys are committed to protecting seniors from further harm and seeking fair compensation for your family’s losses. 

Settlements We Secured for LA Assisted Living and Nursing Home Residents

$4,732,450 Pressure Sore Verdict – A nursing facility in Los Angeles County was held accountable for neglecting to prevent and treat severe pressure sores on a rehabilitation patient. The facility argued the wounds were unpreventable due to the patient’s advanced age, but the jury disagreed. The verdict reflected the facility’s failure to provide proper care.

$1,589,700 Nursing Home Sexual Assault Settlement – A disabled woman in a Los Angeles care facility was allegedly sexually assaulted by a staff member. Investigations uncovered that the facility failed to conduct a background check, which would have revealed the staff member’s prior convictions. The settlement addressed the facility’s gross hiring negligence.

$2,147,800 Dementia Patient Settlement – A dementia patient in an LA nursing facility fell down a stairwell that was supposed to be locked. The fall resulted in a traumatic brain injury, a broken leg, multiple rib fractures, and a spinal compression fracture. The settlement compensated for the nursing home’s failure to secure the premises and ensure resident safety.

$1,642,350 Wrongful Death Settlement – The family of a Los Angeles man who developed a pressure sore that became infected and led to sepsis received a settlement. The case revealed the nursing home’s failure to provide timely intervention for a preventable condition, ultimately leading to his death.

$783,650 Hoyer Lift Accident Recovery – A woman in an LA facility sustained bilateral hip fractures after being dropped from a Hoyer lift during a transfer. The lawsuit revealed that staff had not received proper training on safe transfer procedures. The settlement addressed the facility’s failure to ensure staff competence and safety.

$1,376,500 Pressure Sore Settlement – The family of an 88-year-old man in a Los Angeles senior care facility received a settlement after he developed multiple pressure sores during his stay. Evidence showed that the staff was aware of the wounds but failed to provide the necessary care to prevent complications.

$837,400 Burn Injury Settlement – An LA nursing home resident suffered severe burns after staff failed to test the water temperature before placing the resident in a bathtub. The settlement reflected the facility’s lack of basic safety precautions and failure to protect its residents.

attorneys handling bed sores and abuse in Los Angeles

What Is Nursing Home Abuse?

Neglect, physical abuse, emotional harm and abuse, sex abuse, and financial exploitation are serious issues that can occur in nursing facilities. Neglect happens when caregivers fail to meet basic needs, whereas physical abuse involves the intentional use of force, leading to injuries. Emotional abuse includes actions that humiliate, intimidate, or isolate residents through insults or threats. Sex abuse refers to any non-consensual sexual contact, and abusive financial situations occur when someone misuses a resident’s funds.

Los Angeles has seen many instances of nursing home abuse. 

For example, an elderly woman at Ararat Nursing Facility in LA died in March 2024 after choking during a meal. Despite having a known choking risk, a member of her family was allowed to help her eat without staff supervision. Then, in June 2024, another elderly woman died after falling from a lifting device when left unattended by staff, suffering serious injuries. Ararat was fined $120,000 for the incident.

If you notice suspicious behavior signaling abuse in a nursing home, contacting a personal injury lawyer can help protect your elderly family member’s rights and hold the facility accountable. Contact Nursing Home Law Center today to speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer. 

Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

When your loved one is in a nursing home or assisted living facility, it can be tough to know if they are getting the care they need. Below are warning signs you should watch out for in facilities throughout the LA region:

  • Bedsores: These pressure ulcers typically arise when someone remains in one position for too long without adequate care. They’re often an indicator of neglect and are common in understaffed LA nursing facilities. 
  • Unexplained Injuries: Fractures, bruises, or marks without a clear cause can be a strong clue that your loved one hasn’t received proper supervision or has potentially experienced rough handling. 
  • Malnutrition: When vital nutrients are missing from your loved one’s diet, it can lead to sudden weight loss and decreased energy. Malnutrition often happens in facilities where the staff fails to ensure residents eat regularly or provide meal assistance. 
  • Emotional Withdrawal: If your loved one appears fearful, confused, or distant, this could signal verbal or emotional mistreatment. 
  • Unattended Hygiene Needs: If you notice a lack of cleanliness, soiled clothing, or unwashed bedding, it might indicate that the staff isn’t providing enough basic care. 
  • Sudden Changes In Bank Account Activity: Unusual withdrawals or big shifts in financial resources could signal financial exploitation.
  • Frequent Falls: Repeated slips or falls can mean a lack of diligent supervision or proper equipment, suggesting neglect. 
  • Infections or Untreated Medical Issues: Chronic UTIs or worsening existing conditions can suggest that staff is not closely monitoring elderly residents’ health or giving them the necessary care.
  • Sexual Abuse Signs: Signs of sex abuse may include bruising or injuries in sensitive areas, sudden fear of certain staff members, or unexplained STDs. This kind of abuse often goes unnoticed if family members aren’t closely attuned to subtle changes in mood or behavior.   

If you believe your loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse, seeking help from an experienced lawyer is an essential step. Contact Nursing Home Abuse Center today to report elder abuse and speak with a Los Angeles nursing home abuse lawyer. 

LA attorney handling elder abuse cases

Los Angeles Laws & Updates Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect 

There are statewide regulations in California that apply to all nursing facilities, including those in LA. Some important ones include the following:

California Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act 

This law is designed to protect vulnerable citizens in California nursing homes by imposing strict penalties on those who commit or allow abuse or neglect. It also enables family members and the state to sue those who hurt seniors physically, financially, or emotionally. By filing claims under this Act, residents and their advocates can seek damages and prompt changes in the way facilities operate.

California Code, WIC 15600: Intended to protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and abandonment

Nursing Home Resident Bill of Rights 

The state of California has specific guidelines for nursing homes/assisted living facilities that outline residents’ rights, such as the right to privacy, respectful treatment, and access to proper medical care. Facilities are required to post these rights so that everyone can see them, and they must uphold these standards to remain in compliance. If they fail to do so, they can face an investigation or other penalties.

HSC 1430 (b): Allows residents and their legal representatives to sue nursing homes that violate their rights 

HSC 1569.261: Establishes the Resident Bill of Rights for residential care facilities for the elderly 

HSC 1599.76: Prohibits admission contracts from listing grounds for involuntary transfer or discharge that are not specified in state or federal law 

CCR 22 § 72527: Outlines the rights of patients in skilled nursing facilities, including the right to be free from discrimination. Requires that nursing homes post the Nursing Home Resident Bill of Rights

National Trends Affecting Los Angeles Facilities 

For-profit groups own about 72% of the roughly 15,000 nursing homes in the United States, impacting more than 1.3 million residents. With profit often prioritized, corners can be cut in staffing and resources, which may lead to an uptick in neglect and abuse. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 60,000 patients die each year from pressure ulcers nationwide, highlighting the need for tighter oversight and enforcement to prevent similar outcomes in LA facilities.

The unfortunate reality is that the rules and regulations surrounding nursing home care don’t always prevent abuse surrounding home neglect. If you need help filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit on behalf of yourself or an elderly loved one, contact Nursing Home Law Center to speak with a nursing home abuse attorney

Statute of Limitations

Under California law, you usually have two years from the date the injury occurred to file a lawsuit for nursing home abuse. 

If the injury and nursing home abuse case originated from medical malpractice instead of ordinary negligence, the deadline is different: the medical malpractice statute of limitations in Los Angeles is 1 year after discovery or 3 years after the date of the injury – whichever comes first. 

Missing these deadlines can prevent you from pursuing compensation, making it important to act quickly if you suspect any abuse. If you need help and want to protect your loved one’s rights, reach out to Nursing Home Law Center for further guidance.

LA nursing home abuse attorney

Types of Abuse in Los Angeles Nursing Homes

If you suspect that your loved one is suffering mistreatment in a nursing home, it’s essential to know what nursing home abuse can look like and how it happens. Common types of nursing home abuse include:

  • Neglect: Neglect occurs when caregivers fail to provide a basic level of care, leaving residents without the help they need for daily tasks like bathing, feeding, or monitoring medications. For example, a patient who is bedridden might develop untreated pressure sores if staff members fail to reposition them or clean them adequately.
  • Physical Abuse: Physical harm and abuse involves the intentional use of force against nursing home residents, resulting in injuries and physical pain like bruises, broken bones, or head trauma. An example could be a caregiver who forcefully handles a resident so roughly that the resident ends up with a fracture. 
  • Emotional Harm and Abuse: Emotionally abusive behavior includes behaviors that torment, humiliate, or isolate seniors. Insults, threats, and acts of intimidation are sadly not uncommon in some nursing homes. A possible scenario is a caregiver constantly ridiculing a resident about their memory problems, leading to emotional injuries and causing the resident to withdraw from activities they once enjoyed.  
  • Sex Abuse: sex abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact. Even in trusted nursing homes, there have been shocking cases where caregivers or other residents took advantage of those who couldn’t defend themselves or communicate the abuse. For example, a resident with limited communication skills is repeatedly touched inappropriately by their roommate’s guest, and the staff ignores the victim’s visible discomfort.
  • Financial Abuse: Abusive financial situations happen when nursing home staff or other residents take advantage of an elderly loved one’s finances. It might look like unauthorized credit card charges or coaxing a resident into signing over checks or personal property. 

Any kind of nursing home misconduct and abuse is absolutely unacceptable. If you believe your elderly loved one is experiencing this, contact Nursing Home Law Center to speak with a California nursing home abuse attorney.

How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Los Angeles

If you suspect your loved one may be experiencing neglect or mistreatment in a Los Angeles nursing facility, taking quick action is crucial. Here are the steps you can take:

  • Contact Adult Protective Services (APS): Report any suspected abuse, including physical, emotional, or financial mistreatment, to Adult Protective Services in Los Angeles County. Be prepared to provide details such as the nursing home’s name, address, and a description of the incident. 
  • File a Complaint with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH):  Submit a complaint through the CDPH website using their online form. Alternatively, you can search for the facility using Cal Health Find and submit your report. 
  • Document and Monitor:  Keep thorough records of any signs of abuse or neglect. This includes photos, notes, or witness statements that may support your complaint.
  • County Oversight: The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Health Facilities Inspection Division responds to complaints regarding nursing homes.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of your elderly loved one and other residents in the facility. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact Nursing Home Law Center today to get more information from a nursing home abuse lawyer.

Do Not Delay in Reporting Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse

Taking immediate action when you suspect nursing home abuse is essential. If you wait too long, you can lose out on access to certain evidence as well as risk the continued well-being of your loved ones and other residents. When abuse isn’t addressed quickly, crucial documentation or witness accounts may fade, and video evidence, if available, is likely to become unavailable, making it more difficult to build a strong case. 

Additionally, California law places time limits on when nursing home abuse claims can be filed, so moving forward quickly helps ensure you preserve your right to seek justice. If you need assistance, contact Nursing Home Law Center, and we can guide you through the reporting and legal process.

How Do You Prove Nursing Home Abuse?

When you suspect nursing home abuse, gathering solid proof that demonstrates neglect or intentional harm is an essential step. Below are some of the ways we build strong cases for Los Angeles-area clients:

  • Collecting Medical Records: We obtain documents from hospitals, doctors, and the facility itself to show patterns of injury or treatment that may point to abuse or neglect. 
  • Interviewing Witnesses: Our legal team talks to residents, staff, and others who might have observed abusive behavior or overheard important conversations. These accounts can greatly strengthen your case. 
  • Using Expert Testimony: We consult with healthcare specialists, nutritionists, and other professionals to interpret the data gathered. Their expertise can confirm the presence of abuse or explain how the facility’s actions caused your loved one’s injuries. 

If you’re ready to take action to protect your loved one’s rights, reach out to Nursing Home Law Center for a confidential case review.

Compensation for Nursing Home Abuse Victims

When someone experiences abuse or neglect in a nursing home, they can often seek compensation for a range of damages. This typically includes medical costs, which cover hospital stays, long-term therapy, surgery, and prescription medications for injuries like broken bones and bed sores – anything the person needs to recover from their injuries. 

Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, address the emotional toll residents and families endure. In tragic cases where the abuse results in death, wrongful death claims may be filed to recoup funeral expenses and related losses. In rare cases, punitive damages might be awarded.

In LA, settlements for nursing home abuse claims can be significant. For example, our law firm helped secure a $2,147,800 settlement for a dementia patient who fell down a stairwell that should have been locked. In another case, we obtained a $1,589,700 settlement for a disabled woman who was allegedly sexually assaulted by staff at a care facility. 

Settlements of this kind help victims cover their immediate and future costs but also send a message to facilities that substandard care and abusive practices will not be tolerated in LA.

If you have questions about what your nursing home abuse case could be worth, reach out to Nursing Home Law Center as soon as possible. 

nursing home abuse lawsuit in los Angeles

Worst Nursing Homes in Los Angeles

There are nearly 450 nursing homes in the area, with at least 78 rated 1-star as of December 2024. Many facilities have low ratings and severe deficiencies.  Some of the worst nursing homes in LA include:

  • Avalon Villa Care Center: Sued for unlawfully discharging a resident after extended care, leading to a negligence lawsuit citing emotional distress and elder abuse. 
  • Imperial Care Center: Cited in 2023 for neglecting fall-risk residents and failing to supervise, leading to physical harm and severe emotional distress for residents. 
  • California Post-Acute Care: Cited in 2024 for not protecting residents from abuse and neglect.
  • Maple Healthcare Center: Cited for failing to protect residents from abuse, punishment, or neglect. 
  • Fountain View Subacute and Nursing Center: The facility failed to maintain a medication error rate of less than five percent, with a 7.69% error rate.
  • University Park Healthcare Center: The facility failed to report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft in a timely manner and did not report the results of the investigation to the proper authorities.

Recent Complaints and Reports in Los Angeles 

In the past few years, several Los Angeles nursing homes have faced repeated violations documented in publicly available inspection reports. Many of these show issues like chronic understaffing, failure to address basic care needs, or lapses in medication administration. These reports highlight the ongoing challenges some LA centers face in providing consistent, quality care.

For example, police in Glendale, a city in Los Angeles, arrested a worker at a nursing facility under suspicion of identity theft and financial exploitation of elderly residents. After a two-month investigation, detectives concluded that the suspect had allegedly taken credit cards from patients’ rooms and made purchases at local stores and restaurants. Authorities say at least six other individuals at the same facility were also victimized. 

If you or your loved one has been a victim of Los Angeles nursing home abuse, let us help. Contact Nursing Home Law Center today to schedule a free consultation with a nursing home neglect and nursing home abuse attorney. 

How to Choose a Nursing Home in Los Angeles

Selecting the right nursing home in LA is one of the most important steps you will take for your loved one. Start by visiting in person to see the quality of care and how staff members interact with residents. It’s a good idea to check online reviews from other families, as these can provide insight into common concerns or recurring problems. You’ll also want to look over inspection records and ratings, which can help reveal any violations. By taking these steps, you’ll have a clearer picture of how well a facility meets the individual needs of your loved one.

Visiting and Researching Nursing Homes

When you visit a prospective nursing home in person, look closely at how staff members treat residents and take note of the facility’s cleanliness and overall atmosphere. Ask about daily activities, check meal plans, and see if residents appear engaged and well-adjusted. 

As you do your research, also consider using Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare tool for Los Angeles-area facilities; it offers official ratings, inspection results, and additional data. Coupling these findings with what you see in person can help you choose a facility that truly prioritizes the well-being of its residents.

Consulting with a Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

If you believe your loved one is facing abuse or neglect in an LA nursing home, it’s important to consult an elder abuse attorney who has direct experience in this field. They will be familiar with California’s elder abuse laws and skilled at navigating local court systems. Working with a law firm that focuses on this specific area of law increases the odds of building a strong case that holds the responsible parties accountable.

What to Look for in an Attorney

Here are some specific things to look for in a lawyer: 

  • Experience and Knowledge: Seek out lawyers who regularly handle LA nursing home abuse claims. They’ll have a firm grasp of local rules, regulations, and resources. 
  • Compassion: Your lawyer should understand the emotional distress these cases cause and treat you and your family with empathy. 
  • Track Record of Success: Investigate the nursing home abuse attorney’s past results in these types of abuse claims, including settlements and verdicts, to ensure they have a history of successful claims.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Attorney 

Here are some specific questions you can ask a lawyer during their free initial consultation so you can determine if they are the right fit for your case: 

  • Fee Structure: Ask whether they operate on a contingency basis, charge an hourly rate, or offer a flat fee. Most nursing home abuse lawyers will work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t owe them anything upfront or out of your own pocket. 
  • Specific Case Experience: Inquire how many nursing home abuse claims they’ve handled and if they’ve represented situations similar to yours. 
  • Expected Timeline: Find out how long similar cases took and what to expect during the process. 
  • Communication Process: Clarify how often you’ll get updates and whether you can speak to them directly about urgent concerns or if you’ll have to go through a paralegal or another person at the law firm.
  • Resources and Investigative Team: Check if they have access to medical experts, investigators, or other specialists who can contribute to your case. 
  • Strategy for Settlement vs. Trial: Ask how they approach negotiation with insurance companies or nursing home operators and whether they’re prepared to take your case to trial if needed.

If you suspect a loved one has endured nursing home abuse, contact Nursing Home Law Center to explore your legal options. 

Civil vs. Criminal Cases for Nursing Home Abuse

In California, when a nursing home resident experiences abuse, there can be both civil and criminal consequences. Criminal cases involve pressing charges against the abuser with the possibility of jail time or fines, handled by state prosecutors.  

In contrast, civil cases are pursued by the victim or their family, with the goal of seeking compensation for damages like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Sometimes, even punitive damages can even be sought. While a criminal prosecution may punish wrongdoers, a civil lawsuit gives the injured party a chance to recover financial losses and send a strong message to the facility and others like it. If you’re considering a civil claim against a nursing home or its staff, contact Nursing Home Law Center to speak with a Los Angeles nursing home abuse lawyer. 

Inadequate Care from Large LA Nursing Home Providers

Many large, chain-owned nursing homes in Los Angeles struggle to maintain consistent, high-quality care for residents. Due to cost-cutting measures or understaffing, these facilities may fail to hire enough qualified professionals or provide comprehensive training. That can lead to higher rates of neglect, medical errors, and oversight issues. Coupled with system-wide policies that place budgets over resident well-being, patients often bear the brunt of substandard treatment and higher risks of abuse or neglect. 

Los Angeles Nursing Home News – Advocating for Reform

Nursing home workers, state officials, and community advocates have tried to take an active role in pushing for better conditions in LA’s long-term care facilities. Some examples include:

Workers’ Demands for Better Staffing 

In 2022, employees at Fountain View Subacute and Nursing Center in Los Angeles took to the picket lines, calling for a fairer contract that acknowledged their concerns about low wages and poor working conditions. They also stressed the need to address unsafe staffing levels, arguing that patients’ quality of care suffers when overworked staff can’t keep up with residents’ needs. By organizing publicly, these workers aimed to draw attention to systemic problems in the larger LA nursing home community.

New California Law on Resident Evictions 

Beginning in January 2024, a new state law requires nursing homes to supply residents with thorough documentation detailing any planned eviction. This includes a discharge plan, information on why the facility says it cannot meet the resident’s needs, and a written incident summary if relevant. Advocates view this measure as a key step in protecting seniors from sudden or poorly explained relocations that can disrupt their delicate medical care and emotional well-being.

Oversight Issues with LA County’s HFID 

Recent investigations reveal concerning gaps in how the Health Facilities Inspection Division (HFID) monitors nursing homes around Los Angeles. Staffing shortages and heavy workloads reportedly lead to a significant backlog of unresolved cases, which can jeopardize the safety of vulnerable residents. In response, various advocacy groups are demanding greater accountability, clearer timelines for investigations, and more direct state involvement to ensure that facilities meet expected standards of care.

Free Consultation with a Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

If you’re worried about your loved one’s safety in an LA nursing home, we’re here to listen. Our legal team offers a free consultation, where we’ll walk you through your options and address any questions you have. We’re committed to standing up for victims and their families, working to hold negligent facilities accountable while seeking rightful compensation. Contact Nursing Home Law Center today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Common Is Nursing Home Abuse in Los Angeles?

It’s tough to determine exact figures for nursing home abuse because many instances of abuse go unreported, especially in LA. Data from the WHO shows that 1 in 6 people over 60 encountered some form of abuse in community settings in 2024, and 2 in 3 long-term care staff admitted to committing abuse.

In California, around 110,000 seniors reside in licensed nursing homes, and approximately 150,000 others live in licensed residential care facilities. Another 150,000 or more older adults live in unlicensed facilities, where oversight is typically limited. Many senior patients also depend on antipsychotic drugs for dementia care, which becomes a significant health risk when used improperly, such as to subdue and restrain patients instead of taking care of them. 

Who Is Most at Risk of Nursing Home Abuse?

Residents who are older, have cognitive impairments like dementia or lack a supportive network of family members are often the most vulnerable to abuse in nursing homes. When residents don’t have loved ones checking in frequently, workers may be less inclined to adhere to appropriate care standards. Limited mobility or medical challenges can further increase susceptibility to abuse, as these residents often rely entirely on caregivers for everyday tasks and might struggle to communicate concerns or defend themselves.   

How Can I Tell If I Have a Viable Case?

Explain the key elements of a strong elder abuse case and how your firm evaluates claims.

To have a nursing home abuse case, you typically need to show that the California nursing home or caregiver acted negligently or intentionally and that your loved one suffered injuries or losses as a result. 

Our legal team reviews things like medical reports, staff records, video footage, and witness accounts to see if there’s evidence of wrongdoing. We also examine any patterns of neglect or regulatory violations that might strengthen your elder abuse claim. By uncovering these details, we can help determine if pursuing a case could lead to fair outcomes for you and your family. 

Does Your Elder Abuse Law Firm Only Service Los Angeles?

Our team at Nursing Home Law Center works with abuse victims and their families throughout the entire state. Common cities we serve include: 

No matter where you are in California, our nursing home abuse lawyers are ready to help.

What Will Happen if a Care Home Resident Complains of Neglect or Abuse?

When a nursing home resident complains of neglect or abuse, states have systems for reporting elder abuse. Investigations typically involve interviews with the following:

  • Residents
  • Their families
  • Nursing home staff, including owners and managers

If accusations are legitimate, numerous government agencies will address the problems and prevent recurrence.

In cases where victims or families are not satisfied, they can pursue a civil action for damages or, in some cases, criminal prosecution, which the government initiates. Hiring a nursing home abuse attorney is advisable.

representing eldery residents in LA nursing facilities

Resources for Finding Safe Nursing Homes in Los Angeles

Using Tools and Reports to Research Care Facilities

If you suspect that your loved one may be experiencing neglect or mistreatment in an LA nursing home, it’s important to act quickly and make a report to protect them and other residents. Here’s how you can do this:

Contact Adult Protective Services in Los Angeles County 

If you suspect nursing home neglect or abuse, you should report it to Adult Protective Services (APS) in LA County. The best way to do this is to call the elder abuse hotline – (1-877-477-3646). This hotline is dedicated to taking reports of elder mistreatment, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse. Have as much information ready as possible, such as the nursing home name, address, and a detailed account of what happened.

Alternatively, you can file a complaint online with APS. This can be done in non-emergency situations.  

File a Complaint with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) 

You can submit a complaint to the CDPH by visiting their website and filling out a form. You can use Cal Health Find to search for the facility and then file the complaint. Alternatively, you can draft a letter and send it to the District Office or make a complaint by phone to the relevant district office. For LA, the phone number for the District Office is (562) 345-6884. 

LA County District Attorney Elder Abuse Division and Elder Abuse Hotline 

The LA County District Attorney’s Office maintains a specialized Elder Abuse Section that prosecutes elder abuse and neglect cases while offering resources for awareness and reporting. If you suspect any mistreatment and believe your loved one is in immediate danger, you can contact your local law enforcement agency or call the Elder Abuse Hotline.

How To Find a Trustworthy Nursing Home

Finding a trustworthy nursing home for your loved one is one of the most important things you can do for them. Here are some ways to do that and things to look for: 

  • Staff-to-Resident Ratios: Look for facilities where adequate staff are on hand to meet each resident’s daily needs. 
  • Licensing and Certifications: Ensure the nursing home is properly licensed and doesn’t have recent or serious violations on its record. 
  • Training and Experience: Ask if staff have specific credentials or specialized knowledge to handle particular medical or behavioral concerns. 
  • Cleanliness and Hygiene: Look around the common areas, dining hall, and residents’ rooms to see if they meet a high standard of cleanliness. 
  • Activities and Social Engagement: A variety of meaningful activities can keep residents mentally stimulated and socially connected. 
  • References and Reviews: Speak with current residents’ families or check online reviews to gauge satisfaction and quality of care. 

If you want more detailed information, consult Medicare ratings to see if a facility has a pattern of violations. For further assistance, contact Nursing Home Law Center for personalized guidance.

Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review

If you suspect your loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect in a nursing home, don’t wait to seek help. Our legal team is here to listen and answer any questions you have. We know how difficult this situation is for you and your family, and our legal team will do everything possible to make sure you receive justice and the compensation needed to focus on recovering. Contact Nursing Home Law Center today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a California nursing home abuse lawyer. Call (800) 926-7565 or complete our online contact form as soon as you’re ready to get started.

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