Can I Sue a Nursing Home in Sonoma County for Neglect?

Yes. Families in Sonoma County have every right to sue a nursing home or assisted living facility for neglect. If your loved one was harmed in a place that promised safety and care, your anger and confusion are entirely justified. No family should ever have to watch someone they love suffer from preventable neglect.

At Nursing Home Law Group, we’ve been standing up for victims of nursing home neglect throughout California for more than twenty years. Our Sonoma County nursing home neglect lawyers understand what you’re going through — and we’re here to help you hold the facility accountable.

What Counts As Nursing Home Neglect?

In California, “neglect” means more than just poor service. It’s the failure to provide the basic care, supervision, and medical attention that a reasonable facility should. Under the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA), neglect can include:

• Failing to help a resident with eating, drinking, or hygiene
• Ignoring medical needs or delaying treatment
• Leaving residents unattended or unsupervised
• Not providing adequate staffing, supervision, or safety measures

Neglect can happen in even the most reputable-looking facilities. Whether the failure was intentional or careless, it’s still a violation of the law — and it can cause lasting harm or death.

Red Flags That Suggest Neglect

If your instincts tell you something is wrong, trust them. Families often notice small changes before serious injury occurs. Watch for these warning signs:

Physical Symptoms:

• Pressure sores (bedsores): Often signal prolonged immobility and lack of attention.
• Frequent dehydration or malnutrition: Notice dry mouth, confusion, or weight loss.
• Unexplained falls or fractures: May mean the staff isn’t supervising or assisting properly.
• Poor hygiene: Dirty bedding, soiled clothing, or body odor can reveal neglect.
• Medication issues: Missed doses or overdoses can lead to sudden changes in health.

Emotional or Behavioral Changes:

• Withdrawal, depression, or unusual fearfulness
• Anxiety when certain staff members are present
• Sudden loss of interest in social activities
• Caregivers avoiding your questions or making excuses

If you’re seeing these patterns, it’s time to act.

What to Do Right Now

1. Make Sure Your Loved One Is Safe.
   If you believe they’re in danger or need medical care, call 911 or have them evaluated at an independent hospital.
2. Report the Neglect.
   Create a record by reporting your concerns to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or the local long-term care ombudsman in Sonoma County. Documentation helps protect your loved one and strengthens your case.
3. Preserve Evidence.
   Take photographs of injuries, collect notes, and request medical records immediately. The more detailed your documentation, the stronger your claim.

How a Sonoma County Nursing Home Neglect Lawsuit Can Help

Filing a lawsuit is not about revenge — it’s about protecting others and demanding accountability. When you bring a claim under EADACPA, the law allows victims and their families to seek:

• Compensation for medical bills, pain, and emotional suffering
• Punitive damages if the neglect involved recklessness or intentional misconduct
• Attorney’s fees and costs, so you owe nothing unless your case succeeds

A legal action can expose dangerous practices, force policy changes, and help prevent future residents from suffering the same fate.

Why Choose Nursing Home Law Group

Our firm has spent decades representing families from Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Healdsburg, and every corner of Sonoma County. We have extensive experience with the facilities and corporate owners that operate in the area, and we know how to investigate and build strong cases under California’s elder abuse laws.

We treat every client with compassion and respect. When you contact us, you’ll speak directly with an experienced Sonoma County nursing home neglect attorney who will listen carefully to your story, explain your options, and help you take back control.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

You don’t have to navigate this alone. We can handle the investigation, paperwork, and litigation while you focus on your loved one’s recovery and well-being.

Call Nursing Home Law Group today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review what happened, answer your questions, and help you decide the best next step for your family.

Your loved one deserves safety, dignity, and respect. Let us help you make sure they get it.

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