Fontana Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a deeply troubling issue that affects vulnerable individuals across Fontana and San Bernardino County. If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s essential to seek legal help immediately. 

An experienced Fontana nursing home abuse lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, protect your loved one’s rights, and pursue justice.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to obtaining justice and compensation for those affected by nursing home abuse. Our skilled legal team has a strong track record of handling these sensitive cases and securing significant settlements and verdicts.

We conduct comprehensive investigations to ensure every aspect of the abuse—such as medical costs, emotional suffering, and other damages—is thoroughly addressed. With our extensive knowledge of nursing home neglect or abuse claims, we manage the legal process efficiently and fight relentlessly to safeguard your rights.

We offer compassionate and clear guidance throughout the case, keeping you and your family informed, protected, and confident at every step.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Fontana Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse is defined as any intentional or negligent act that results in harm or distress to a resident of a nursing home or assisted living facility. Our nursing home abuse lawyers handle various types of abuse and neglect cases, including:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse in nursing homes involves the use of force that causes injury or bodily harm to a resident. This assault can include hitting, slapping, pushing, or the improper use of physical restraints.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

This type of abuse includes verbal threats, humiliation, isolation, or intimidation by nursing home staff members. Signs of emotional abuse may include sudden mood changes, depression, or withdrawal from social activities. Although these signs may not be as obvious as physical injuries, they can be just as damaging to the well-being of an elderly resident.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is one of the most egregious forms of abuse in a nursing facility. It involves any non-consensual sexual contact with a resident, including inappropriate touching, sexual assault, or exploitation.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when nursing home staff fail to provide proper medical care to residents, resulting in harm. Common examples include untreated bedsores, medication errors, or the failure to diagnose and treat infections.

Negligence

Neglect is a common form of abuse in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It occurs when staff fail to meet a resident’s basic needs, such as food, water, hygiene, and safety. Signs of neglect include malnutrition, dehydration, poor hygiene, or residents wandering from the facility unsupervised (elopement). Neglect can lead to serious health problems and, in some cases, even death.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse involves the unauthorized or improper use of a resident’s financial resources. This exploitation can include stealing money, forging signatures, or coercing the resident into making changes to their will or financial documents.

Wrongful Death

In the most tragic cases, nursing home abuse can lead to the death of a resident. Our nursing home abuse lawyers help families pursue justice for the wrongful death of their loved one, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Federal and state laws protect residents of California’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 is a federal law that ensures residents receive quality care and are free from abuse and neglect. This law establishes specific rights for nursing home residents, including the right to be treated with dignity, the right to participate in their care decisions, and the right to a safe living environment.

In addition to federal protections, California law also provides extensive rights for elderly individuals in nursing facilities. California’s elder abuse laws are designed to protect seniors from mistreatment and provide legal remedies for victims of abuse. If these rights are violated, families can take legal action against the nursing home to seek justice and compensation.

Eligibility to File a Claim 

Several parties may be eligible to file a claim in nursing home abuse cases, including:

• The nursing home resident who suffered the abuse or neglect;
• A family member or legal guardian acting on behalf of the resident;
• The estate of a deceased resident in cases of wrongful death.

If you believe your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, consulting with a nursing home abuse attorney is the best way to determine your legal options and protect your loved one’s rights.

Liability in Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cases 

Multiple parties can be held liable for nursing home abuse or neglect, depending on the circumstances of the case. Examples of potentially liable parties include:

• Nursing home staff who directly committed the abuse or neglect
• The nursing facility itself, if it failed to train or supervise its staff properly
• Third-party contractors who provide care services but act negligently

How Our Fontana Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At Nursing Home Law Center, we have extensive experience handling nursing home abuse cases in Fontana and throughout San Bernardino County. Our skilled attorneys are dedicated to helping families seek justice and compensation for their loved ones. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Free Case Evaluation: We offer a free consultation to review your case, discuss your legal options, and answer any questions.
• Case Investigation: Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the abuse or neglect, gathering evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and facility reports.
• Filing the Claim: We handle all aspects of the legal process, including filing claims against the responsible parties.
• Settlement Negotiation: We work to secure fair compensation for your family’s damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
• Trial if Needed: If a settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to trial to fight for justice.

Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect 

In Fontana, there are 89 Medicare-certified nursing homes. Of these, 31 facilities (35%) have an overall rating below or much below average. 36 nursing homes (40%) rated poorly in health inspections, and 45 facilities (51%) fell short in staffing. Specifically, four homes (4%) have inadequate quality measures. [1]

Recognizing the warning signs of nursing home abuse is crucial to protecting your loved one. Common signs to watch for include:

• Unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts, or fractures
• Sudden changes in behavior, such as fear or withdrawal
• Poor hygiene, weight loss, or signs of malnutrition or dehydration
• Bedsores or other untreated medical conditions
• Unexplained financial transactions or missing belongings

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, follow these steps:

• Call 911 if your loved one is in immediate danger and requires emergency assistance.
• Report the abuse to the nursing home administrator or management.
• File a complaint with your local Ombudsman’s office, which advocates for the rights of nursing home residents and investigates reports of abuse and neglect.
• Contact a Fontana nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your legal options and protect your loved one’s rights.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

Victims of nursing home abuse and neglect may be eligible to receive compensation for a range of damages.

Economic damages refer to the quantifiable financial losses caused by abuse or neglect. These include:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Relocation expenses
• Lost financial support

Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological impact of the abuse, which is harder to measure but deeply affects the victim. These include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship

Punitive damages differ from the other types in that they are intended to punish the wrongdoer and serve as a deterrent against future abuse or neglect rather than compensate the victim directly.

The Cost of Hiring a Fontana Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Our nursing home abuse lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you and your family. This arrangement ensures that everyone can access experienced legal representation without worrying about upfront costs.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Fontana

You have a limited time to take legal action for nursing home abuse in Fontana due to California’s statute of limitations. Generally, you have two years from the injury or discovery of the abuse to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to seek compensation and justice for your loved one. Exceptions may apply in some cases of abuse or neglect, such as delayed discovery or mental incapacity.

Contact a Fontana Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

At Nursing Home Law Center, we have extensive experience handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases in Fontana. Our skilled legal team has successfully secured compensation and justice for countless personal injury victims and their families. We provide compassionate support throughout the legal process, protecting your loved one’s rights.

Call us at (800) 926-7565, or fill out our contact form.

References: [1] Medicare