Sacramento Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that affects some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

If you or a loved one has suffered abuse in a nursing home, reaching out to a Sacramento nursing home abuse lawyer is the first step toward healing and holding those responsible accountable.

The right nursing home abuse attorney can help victims navigate the legal process, hold nursing homes accountable, and recover compensation for damages such as medical expenses, emotional trauma, and other losses.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to securing justice and fair compensation for victims of nursing home abuse. Our experienced legal team has a strong track record in handling nursing home abuse cases with care, consistently achieving favorable settlements and verdicts.

We perform comprehensive investigations to ensure that all aspects of the abuse, including medical expenses, emotional suffering, and other related damages, are thoroughly addressed. With our extensive knowledge of nursing home abuse claims, we fight tirelessly to safeguard your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Throughout the entire process, we will provide compassionate and clear communication, ensuring you and your family stay informed, supported, and confident at every stage of your case.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Sacramento Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse refers to any form of harm or mistreatment inflicted on residents of assisted living facilities, whether intentional or due to neglect. Elder abuse can manifest in several ways, all of which can have devastating consequences for the victim. 

At Nursing Home Law Center, our Sacramento nursing home abuse lawyers handle various types of elder abuse cases to ensure victims receive justice and compensation.

Physical Abuse

Physical elder abuse involves the intentional infliction of harm on a nursing home resident, including hitting, slapping, or inappropriate use of restraints.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Mental and emotional abuse occurs when residents are subjected to verbal threats, humiliation, or intimidation, leading to mental anguish and a decline in their well-being.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes includes any unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact with a resident. Due to their vulnerable state, many nursing home residents are often unable to defend themselves or report sexual harassment. Warning signs may include sudden changes in behavior, injuries in sensitive areas, or fear of certain staff members.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in nursing facilities can involve bed sores (also known as pressure ulcers), medication errors, or failure to treat serious injuries or illnesses.

Negligence

Nursing home neglect involves the failure to provide necessary care, leading to physical and emotional harm. Examples of nursing home negligence include poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, or elopement (where a resident wanders unsupervised).

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse occurs when nursing home staff members or others exploit a resident’s financial resources with access to their assets. This exploitation may include unauthorized withdrawals, forging signatures, or coercing the resident to change their will or give away their assets.

Wrongful Death

In the most severe cases, nursing home abuse or neglect can lead to the wrongful death of a resident. This terrible end can result from physical abuse, untreated medical conditions, or neglect, such as failing to provide proper care or monitor the resident’s health.

The worst-rated nursing homes in Sacramento include: 

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Nursing home patients in Sacramento and across the country are protected by federal and state laws designed to ensure their safety and well-being. These laws establish the standards of care that nursing homes and assisted living facilities must provide and guarantee specific rights for residents, including the right to live free from abuse and neglect.

One of the most significant federal protections is the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, enacted to improve the quality of care in nursing facilities. Under this law, residents have the right to:

• Be free from any form of elder abuse;
• Receive proper medical care and treatment for health conditions;
• Be treated with dignity and respect, including the right to privacy and personal freedom;
• Make decisions about their care and treatment plans.

In addition to federal laws, California law offers additional protections for residents of Sacramento nursing homes through the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act. 

This state-specific law allows victims of elder abuse to file civil claims for damages and hold nursing home staff members or facilities accountable for abuse or nursing home negligence. It also provides a path for criminal prosecution in cases of elder neglect, financial exploitation, or physical harm.

Eligibility to File a Claim

When filing a claim, several individuals have the legal right to take action. The residents themselves can file a claim if they are mentally and physically able to do so. In many cases, a family member, legal guardian, or person with power of attorney may file a claim on the resident’s behalf, especially if the resident is incapacitated. 

In cases where wrongful death has occurred, surviving family members can pursue a civil lawsuit to seek compensation and justice.

Liability in Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cases 

In nursing home abuse and neglect cases, multiple parties may be held responsible for the harm inflicted on residents.

• Assisted living facility
• Administrators and supervisors
• Nursing home staff
• Medical professionals
• Third-party contractors

How Our Sacramento Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced Sacramento nursing home abuse attorneys have a strong track record of handling elder abuse cases with compassion and dedication. We offer various services to help you through every stage of the legal process.

Free Case Evaluation

Our free consultation allows families to discuss the details of their case with a nursing home abuse attorney. During this initial meeting, we will review the facts, assess the potential for a nursing home abuse case, and explain your legal options. This service comes at no cost, allowing you to understand your rights before taking any formal steps.

Case Investigation

Once we take on your case, our legal team will conduct a thorough case investigation to gather evidence. We will interview witnesses, review medical records, examine nursing home staff members’ credentials, and inspect the skilled nursing facility for signs of elder neglect or nursing home negligence. 

Our detailed approach ensures that no aspect of the case is overlooked, whether it involves physical abuse, financial abuse, or other forms of mistreatment.

Filing the Claim

After gathering sufficient evidence, we will assist you in filing the claim. Our elder abuse lawyers handle all legal filings, paperwork, and court requirements to initiate the nursing home abuse case. We ensure that your claim is filed according to California law and within the statute of limitations so your case proceeds without delays.

Settlement Negotiation

Many nursing home abuse cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. Our elder abuse attorneys are skilled negotiators working to secure a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, emotional suffering, and other damages. 

We negotiate directly with the responsible parties or their insurance companies to ensure you and your loved one receive appropriate compensation.

Trial if Needed

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our legal team is fully prepared to take your case to trial. We have extensive experience representing clients in court, presenting strong evidence and arguments to hold nursing homes and staff members accountable. While trials can be more time-consuming, we are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for our clients.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

In Sacramento, California, 47 Medicare-approved nursing homes operate, with 16 facilities (34%) receiving an overall rating of below or much below average. 20 nursing homes (43%) fall short in health inspections. 

Similar results are seen regarding staffing levels, where 20 facilities (43%) rated poorly. However, only one nursing home (2%) is rated poorly regarding quality measures, indicating most facilities perform better in this category. [1]

Elder abuse in nursing homes can often go unnoticed, as many victims may be unable or unwilling to communicate their experiences. Recognizing the warning signs is essential for families who suspect abuse of their loved ones in nursing homes. Key indicators to watch for include:

• Unexplained injuries
• Sudden changes in mood or behavior
• Poor hygiene and unsanitary living conditions
• Malnutrition and dehydration
• Bedsores and other untreated medical conditions
• Unexplained financial transactions or missing belongings
• Fear or discomfort around certain staff members
• Lack of medical care or delayed treatment

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s essential to act quickly to protect their safety and well-being. Below are the key steps you should take to address the situation:

• Call 911 or local law enforcement if immediate danger exists;
• Report to the nursing home administrator or management;
• File a complaint with your local ombudsman’s office. Ombudsmen advocate for residents’ rights and investigate abuse complaints;
• Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer or personal injury attorney.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

Victims of nursing home abuse and their families may be entitled to several types of damages designed to address both the financial and emotional impact of the abuse. Each type of compensation helps hold the nursing homes accountable and provides relief to nursing home abuse victims.

Economic damages cover the financial losses directly associated with the abuse or nursing home neglect. These damages can include:

• Medical bills
• Relocation costs
• Funeral and burial expenses

Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological harm suffered by the victim. These damages are more difficult to quantify but are equally important. Examples include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma the victim endured, such as suffering from physical abuse or emotional abuse.
• Mental Anguish: The emotional distress and mental suffering caused by the abuse, including anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem resulting from mistreatment.
• Loss of Companionship: In wrongful death cases, family members may receive compensation for the emotional loss of their loved one’s presence and companionship.

Punitive damages punish the responsible parties for particularly egregious or intentional actions. These damages serve as a deterrent to prevent similar behavior in the future.

The Cost of Hiring a Sacramento Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

At Nursing Home Law Center, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs or fees for our services. You only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you. This contingency allows families to pursue justice for their loved ones without the financial burden of legal fees. 

If we don’t win your case, you owe nothing. Our goal is to provide accessible legal representation for victims of nursing home abuse and ensure they receive the support they need throughout the legal process.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Sacramento

If you suspect that a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect in Sacramento, it’s important to act quickly. Under California law, victims and their family members have two years from the date of the abuse or injury to file a lawsuit. 

If you fail to take legal action within this time frame, you may lose the opportunity to seek compensation. Your elder abuse lawyer can explain the specific deadlines that apply to your case and help you protect your loved one’s rights.

Contact a Sacramento Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced Sacramento nursing home abuse attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims and their families. With a proven track record of handling any nursing home abuse case and securing significant settlements, our law firm is committed to holding these facilities accountable and ensuring justice for victims. 

We provide compassionate support throughout the process, offering expert guidance to help you and your loved one seek the compensation you deserve.

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

References: [1] Medicare