Irvine Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a serious and unfortunately common issue, affecting some of the most vulnerable members of our community—the elderly. When abuse occurs, nursing home abuse victims and their families must seek legal assistance from an experienced Irvine nursing home abuse lawyer.

An experienced nursing home abuse attorney from Nursing Home Law Center can help families hold negligent facilities and nursing home staff members accountable, securing compensation for the physical and emotional harm suffered.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, our priority is ensuring justice and fair compensation for those affected by nursing home abuse. With a dedicated and experienced legal team, we have a strong track record of successfully resolving nursing home abuse cases and securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.

We carry out comprehensive investigations to address all aspects of the abuse, covering medical expenses, emotional distress, and any other damages suffered. Drawing on our extensive knowledge of nursing home abuse claims, we handle each case with determination, working to safeguard your rights.

We offer clear communication and compassionate guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring that you and your loved ones are well-informed, protected, and supported at every step.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Irvine Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse refers to any form of harm or mistreatment inflicted on a nursing home resident, whether through direct actions or neglect. These cases often involve a variety of abuses, including:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse occurs when a resident is harmed through violence or rough treatment. This can include hitting, slapping, pushing, or improper use of restraints. If you notice physical signs of abuse in your elderly loved one, such as cuts or bruises, it’s crucial to seek legal help immediately.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can be just as harmful as physical abuse, though it is often harder to detect. It includes yelling, threats, isolation, or humiliation by nursing home staff members.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse or sexual assault involves any non-consensual sexual contact with a nursing home resident. A nursing home abuse attorney from our team will work to hold facilities accountable for failing to protect residents from this horrendous form of abuse.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can cause residents serious harm. Common examples include bedsores, medication errors, and failure to provide appropriate medical care for existing conditions.

Negligence

Negligence happens when nursing homes fail to provide necessities such as food, water, and hygiene. In extreme cases, negligence can lead to elopement, where a resident wanders away from the facility unsupervised, putting their safety at significant risk.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse occurs when a nursing home staff member or other parties exploit a resident’s financial resources. This may involve theft, coercion to change wills, or unauthorized access to the resident’s funds.

Wrongful Death

In the most tragic cases, abuse or neglect leads to the death of a resident.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Nursing home residents have rights under both federal and California state laws. One crucial law, the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, mandates that residents have the right to be free from abuse and neglect.

Additionally, California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act provides further protection for residents, allowing them or their families to seek legal recourse if they experience elder abuse.

Liability in Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cases 

Several parties may be held responsible for nursing home abuse cases, including:

• Nursing home staff
• Facility management
• Corporate owners
• Third-party contractors
• Medical providers

How Our Irvine Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorneys Can Help

Our Irvine nursing home abuse lawyer team has extensive experience handling elder abuse cases in Orange County. We offer a range of legal services to help victims and families get justice, including:

• Free Case Evaluation: We provide a free consultation to review your case and discuss your legal options.
• Case Investigation: We gather medical records, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build a strong case against the facility and any involved parties.
• Filing the Claim: Our nursing home abuse attorneys handle all the legal aspects of filing your claim to ensure it is completed correctly and timely.
• Settlement Negotiation: We work to secure a fair settlement to cover the medical bills, emotional suffering, and other damages your loved one has experienced.
• Trial if Needed: Our team is prepared to take your case to court and fight for justice if a settlement cannot be reached.

Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

In Irvine, California, there are 133 Medicare-approved nursing homes. Of these, 43 facilities (32.3%) have received an overall score considered below or much below average. Regarding health inspections, 64 homes (48.1%) fall short, and 53 facilities (39.8%) have inadequate staffing levels. Four nursing homes (3%) rated poorly on quality measures. [1]

The worst-rated nursing homes in Irvine include: 

It’s essential to recognize the warning signs of abuse. These may include:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones;
• Sudden changes in behavior, such as fear of staff or withdrawal from activities;
• Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or dehydration;
• Missing personal belongings or changes in financial accounts;
• If you notice any of these signs, taking action immediately is essential.

What to Do If You Suspect Elderly Abuse in Irvine Nursing Homes 

If you suspect nursing home abuse, take the following steps:

• Call 911 if your loved one is in immediate danger;
• Report the abuse to the nursing home administrator or management;
• File a complaint with your local Ombudsman’s office, which advocates for residents’ rights;
• Contact an Irvine nursing home abuse attorney for legal counsel and to explore your options.

Damages Available to Nursing Home Abuse Victims 

Victims of nursing home abuse may be eligible to receive compensation in three main categories:

• Economic Damages: These refer to the tangible financial losses caused by abuse or neglect, such as medical costs and other measurable expenses.
• Non-economic Damages: These cover the emotional and psychological harm inflicted on the victim, which, while not easily measurable, significantly impact their well-being and quality of life.
• Punitive Damages: Unlike economic and non-economic compensation, punitive damages penalize the offender for especially malicious or outrageous actions and serve to discourage similar behavior in the future.

The Cost of Hiring an Irvine Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

At Nursing Home Law Center, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. This allows you to seek legal help without financial worry.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Irvine

California law requires that nursing home abuse claims be filed within a specific time frame, typically two years from the date of the abuse or its discovery. If you wait too long, you may lose the right to seek compensation.

Contact an Irvine Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

If your elderly loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, don’t wait. Contact an experienced Irvine nursing home abuse lawyer today for a free consultation. We will work tirelessly to seek justice and fair compensation for your family.

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

References: [1] Medicare