Elder Abuse and Neglect in Los Angeles County Nursing Homes and Care Facilities

Elder abuse and neglect is an ever-present concern in Los Angeles County, where tens of thousands of seniors live in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living homes, board and care homes, and “memory care” units that promise specialized support for individuals with dementia and other age-related ailments. While many facilities deliver compassionate and competent care, too many fall short — leaving vulnerable seniors neglected, injured, or worse.

At Southern California Nursing Home Law Group, we represent individuals and families impacted by elder abuse and neglect in Los Angeles County and throughout Southern California. With over two decades of experience and hundreds of cases under our belt, we help families hold negligent nursing facilities accountable. Our firm takes all cases on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win. We have an office in LA but can come to your or meet via Zoom or Teams. All consultations are free.

Legal Protections for Seniors Under California Law

California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) defines a “senior” as anyone 65 years of age or older. This law provides specific legal remedies for elder abuse victims and their families, including enhanced damages when the abuse is the result of recklessness, malice, or fraud. Under the EADACPA, victims of custodial neglect have the right to seek justice when their safety, dignity, or health is compromised by those entrusted with their care.

A Los Angeles elder abuse lawyer can help you understand your rights under EADACPA and take swift legal action to protect your loved one or pursue damages after abuse has occurred.

Types of Elder Abuse and Neglect in Los Angeles County

Custodial neglect occurs when a facility fails to provide the basic care necessary to avoid physical harm or mental suffering. Unfortunately, this form of abuse is alarmingly common in facilities that prioritize profit over patient safety. Examples include:

• Pressure ulcers (bedsores): Bed sores are a signal that a resident has not been turned, repositioned, or provided proper nutrition. We have handled too many Stage IV pressure ulcer cases, and sadly, many of them resulted in the death of the patient due to infection.
• Falls resulting in fractures or head injuries: Many facilities fail to implement proper fall-prevention measures, particularly for residents who are documented as a fall risk. Falls are sometimes unpreventable, but when a patient who is at high risk for falling, more than one fall is likely negligence by the facility.
• Malnutrition and dehydration: When staff fail to ensure residents are eating and drinking, serious health complications can result.
• Medication errors: Improper dosage, missed medications, or administration of the wrong drug can lead to preventable hospitalizations or death.
• Failure to respond to medical emergencies: Ignoring a resident’s change in condition or cries for help is both dangerous and inexcusable.

Memory care units are especially vulnerable to these problems. Although they are marketed as specialized environments for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments, some are poorly staffed with little training, and ill-equipped to handle residents with high needs. A Los Angeles elder abuse attorney can help determine whether neglect in these settings rises to the level of actionable abuse under California law.

Facilities Across the Region Must Be Held Accountable

Los Angeles County is home to more than 10 million residents and hundreds of senior care facilities across cities like Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Pasadena, and Pomona. Whether a facility is located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles or in one of the smaller cities across the San Fernando Valley, all are legally required to meet the standard of care set by state and federal law.

For families with loved ones in surrounding counties, it is also important to recognize the major cities in San Bernardino County, where abuse is also prevalent. These cities include San Bernardino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Victorville, and Rialto.

Call a Trusted Los Angeles Elder Abuse Lawyer Today

If you suspect your loved one is a victim of neglect or abuse in a Los Angeles County nursing home, assisted living facility, or memory care unit, don’t wait. Contact Southern California Nursing Home Law Group to speak with a Los Angeles elder abuse lawyer who understands what you’re going through and knows how to help. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your claim, help protect your loved one’s rights, and fight for the compensation your family deserves.

We’ve been representing families like yours for more than 20 years—and we’re here to help you too. Call today for a free consultation. Let an experienced Los Angeles elder neglect attorney help you seek justice and peace of mind.

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