Holding Los Angeles County Nursing Homes Accountable for Wrongful Death: Abuse and Neglect Claims

The decision to place a vulnerable loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility in Los Angeles is often made with the expectation of safety, professional care, and dignity. When that trust is violated, and a cherished family member dies due to abuse, neglect, or negligent actions within these facilities, the resulting grief is compounded by anger and a demand for justice.

If your loved one has died under suspicious circumstances in a care facility in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Santa Monica, Pasadena, or any other community across Los Angeles County, the Southern California Nursing Home Law Group is here to help you understand your wrongful death legal rights and pursue accountability.

For over two decades, our Los Angeles nursing home wrongful death attorneys have represented residents and their families throughout Los Angeles County, from the San Fernando Valley to the South Bay, and from the San Gabriel Valley to the Antelope Valley. We have a long and successful history of fighting for victims of elder abuse and neglect, and we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. All consultations are free and confidential.

Wrongful death occurs when a person's demise is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another. In the context of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, these heartbreaking events are often the culmination of systemic failures, understaffing, inadequate training, or outright abuse. Facilities in cities like Torrance, Burbank, Lancaster, Palmdale, and Beverly Hills are not immune to these devastating issues.

The path to a wrongful death in a care facility can stem from various forms of misconduct:

• Neglect Leading to Fatal Complications:
  • Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): Failure to regularly reposition and provide adequate skin care for immobile residents can lead to severe bed sores. If untreated, these can become infected, leading to sepsis and death.
  • Malnutrition and Dehydration: Insufficient staffing or inattention can result in residents not receiving adequate food and fluids, causing a cascade of health problems, organ failure, and ultimately, death.
  • Falls: Lack of proper fall prevention strategies, inadequate supervision, or hazardous environments can lead to falls resulting in fatal head injuries or hip fractures.
  • Medication Errors: Administering the wrong drug, incorrect dosages, or missed medications can have lethal consequences. This is a critical concern in facilities across Los Angeles County.
  • Untreated Infections: Failure to identify and treat infections, such as urinary tract infections or pneumonia, can allow them to overwhelm a resident’s system.
  • Wandering / Elopement: Allowing a resident with memory impairment to escape from the facility and place themselves in dangerous and life-threatening situations.
  • Choking Incidents: Negligent supervision during meals, especially for residents with known swallowing difficulties, can lead to fatal choking.
  • Physical Abuse: Assaults by staff members or even other residents (due to negligent supervision) can cause fatal injuries.

When a loved one dies due to the misconduct of a Los Angeles nursing home or assisted living facility, California law provides distinct but often related legal pathways:

1. Wrongful Death Claim: This claim is brought by the decedent's legal heirs (such as a spouse, domestic partner, children, or others entitled to inherit under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60). It seeks compensation for the losses suffered by the heirs themselves due to the death. This includes the loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, moral support, and financial support, as well as funeral and burial expenses.
2. Survival Action: Critically, California law also allows the deceased person's own legal claims for injuries they suffered before their death to "survive" and be pursued by their personal representative or successor in interest (often their estate). This is known as a survival action (California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.30). In the context of elder abuse and neglect, this is particularly vital. Under EADACPA and CCP § 377.34, the estate can make claims for the pre-death pain, suffering, and disfigurement the elder endured as a result of the abuse or neglect. This means that even though your loved one is no longer with us, a claim can still be made to hold the facility accountable for the suffering they experienced before their passing.

Navigating these legal actions and ensuring all responsible parties are held accountable requires experienced legal counsel.

For over two decades, the Southern California Nursing Home Law Group has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of abused and neglected residents and their families in Los Angeles County.

• Deep Experience in Elder Law: Our law practice is focused on elder abuse and neglect litigation. This specialization has equipped us with an in-depth understanding of the complex regulations governing care facilities and the medical intricacies involved in these tragic cases.
• Proven Record of Success: We have a long and demonstrable history of achieving successful outcomes for our clients, securing the compensation and justice they deserve. We are committed to fighting for families in Inglewood, Downey, West Covina, Norwalk, Compton, and all communities throughout Los Angeles County.
• Contingency Fee Representation: We take all wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees, and we only earn a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you.
• Free, No-Obligation Consultations: We provide free, confidential consultations to discuss the circumstances of your loved one's death. We will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and answer your questions with compassion and clarity.

If your loved one died in a Los Angeles nursing home or assisted living facility, and you have unanswered questions or suspect that abuse or neglect played a role, it is crucial to seek legal counsel promptly. Evidence can be compromised, memories can fade, and strict legal deadlines (statutes of limitations – generally two years for wrongful death and elder abuse claims) apply.

Do not let your voice go unheard. Contact the Southern California Nursing Home Law Group today for a free consultation. Let our experienced and compassionate team help you navigate this incredibly difficult time and fight for the justice and dignity your loved one deserves.