Marin County Nursing Home Lawyers

Marin County, with its beautiful landscapes and affluent communities, is a place many choose for their golden years. Families entrust the care of their elderly loved ones to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and board and care homes, including those specializing in "memory care," with the expectation of safety, dignity, and compassionate support. However, the grim reality is that custodial neglect is a pervasive issue that can lead to devastating consequences for our most vulnerable citizens.

In Marin County, there are approximately 12 skilled nursing facilities and over 47 assisted living facilities licensed to care for the elderly. While many of these facilities provide excellent care, the risk of neglect remains a significant concern. This is particularly true in facilities that are understaffed or have inadequately trained personnel, which can create an environment where the basic needs of residents are overlooked. The largest cities in Marin County, including San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, and Larkspur, are all home to a variety of these long-term care options, making the issue of elder neglect a county-wide concern.

Custodial neglect is not always as overt as physical abuse, but it can be just as harmful, if not more so. It is a failure on the part of caregivers to provide the necessary level of care that a reasonable person would, resulting in harm or the risk of harm to an elder. This type of neglect can manifest in numerous ways, often stemming from a facility's systemic failures. Some common and deeply concerning examples of custodial neglect include:

• Malnutrition and Dehydration: This is a frequent and life-threatening form of neglect. It can occur when residents are not provided with adequate assistance with eating and drinking, or when their specific dietary needs are ignored. The warning signs can be subtle at first, such as weight loss or increased confusion, but can quickly escalate to severe health complications.
• Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores): These painful and often preventable injuries are a hallmark of neglect. They develop when residents who are immobile are not repositioned regularly. A facility's failure to implement and follow a consistent turning schedule can lead to deep, infected wounds that can result in sepsis and even death.
• Failure to Provide for Medical Needs: This occurs when a facility fails to seek timely medical attention for a resident who is ill or injured or who has an obvious change in medical condition. This can include ignoring signs of an infection, not addressing a resident's pain, or failing to follow up on a physician's orders.
• Poor Personal Hygiene: A resident's dignity is intrinsically linked to their personal hygiene. Neglect in this area can include failure to assist with bathing, oral care, and changing of soiled clothing or linens. This not only causes emotional distress but can also lead to skin infections and other health problems.
• Medication Errors: The improper administration of medication is a critical form of neglect. This can include giving the wrong medication, the wrong dosage, or failing to administer medication at the prescribed times. For elderly residents with complex medical needs, these errors can have catastrophic consequences.
• Unsafe Living Conditions: Neglect can also be environmental. This includes failing to maintain a clean and safe living space, leading to unsanitary conditions, pest infestations, or hazards that can cause falls and other injuries.

These examples are not exhaustive, and unexpected injury, illness, or death maybe a sign of neglect or abuse. This is a particularly pressing concern in "memory care" units, where residents with dementia or Alzheimer's are often unable to advocate for themselves and are entirely dependent on the quality of care provided.

Discovering that a loved one has been the victim of neglect can be a heartbreaking and overwhelming experience. Families often feel a mix of anger, guilt, and uncertainty about how to proceed. It is in these difficult moments that seeking experienced legal guidance is crucial. A dedicated Marin County nursing home neglect lawyer can be your strongest ally in holding negligent facilities accountable and securing justice for your family.

If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from neglect in a Marin County nursing home, assisted living facility, or board and care home, do not hesitate to take action. The legal team at Nursing Home Law Group has been representing individuals impacted by elder abuse and neglect in the Marin County area for more than 20 years. Our firm has a long and successful history of suing nursing homes throughout the State of California, and we are committed to fighting for the rights of the elderly. An experienced Marin County nursing home neglect lawyer from our team will thoroughly investigate any allegations of neglect or abuse and work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are held liable.

We understand the financial strain that these situations can place on families. That is why we take all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not pay any fees unless we win your case. All consultations are free and confidential. Protecting our elders is a community responsibility, and when the system fails them, we are here to be their voice.

If you have any concerns about the care your loved one is receiving, please contact us. A compassionate and knowledgeable Marin County elder neglect attorney is ready to listen and provide the guidance you need.

Call the Nursing Home Law Group today to speak with a dedicated Marin County nursing home neglect lawyer and take the first step towards justice and accountability.