San Rafael Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyers
Placing a beloved family member in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or board and care home is a decision often born from a desire to ensure their safety, health, and well-being. Families in San Rafael, trust the city's over a dozen skilled nursing facilities and dozens of assisted living facilities to provide compassionate and competent care. While many of these facilities offer excellent support, the risk of elder neglect remains a serious concern, leaving our most vulnerable residents susceptible to significant harm.
Elder neglect is a heartbreaking reality that can manifest in numerous forms, often with devastating consequences. It is crucial for families to be vigilant and aware of the signs.
The Faces of Elder NeglectNeglect in an elder care setting is not always obvious. It can be a slow erosion of care that leads to serious health issues. Some of the most common and dangerous examples include:
- Bed Sores (Pressure Ulcers): These painful and preventable injuries are a hallmark of neglect. When residents are not repositioned regularly, the constant pressure on their skin can lead to the breakdown of tissue. Bed sores can progress from red, painful areas to deep, infected wounds that can expose bone and lead to life-threatening infections like sepsis.
- Severe Malnutrition and Dehydration: Unexplained weight loss, weakness, dizziness, and confusion can all be signs of malnutrition and dehydration. This form of neglect can occur when staff fails to assist residents with eating and drinking, provide appealing and nutritious meals, or monitor fluid intake. The consequences can be severe, leading to a weakened immune system, increased risk of falls, and organ failure.
- Failure to Obtain Appropriate Medical Care: When a resident's condition changes, prompt medical attention is critical. The failure to notify a physician of a change in condition, such as signs of a stroke, a respiratory infection, or a significant decline in cognitive function, can lead to irreversible harm or even wrongful death. This includes neglecting to follow a physician's orders or failing to arrange for necessary appointments and treatments.
- Physical and Sexual Abuse: While neglect is often passive, it can also cross the line into active abuse. Unexplained bruises, fractures, or other injuries can be signs of physical abuse. Tragically, vulnerable elders can also be victims of sexual abuse, which may be indicated by withdrawal, agitation, or physical signs of assault.
If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of neglect or abuse in a San Rafael elder care facility, it is imperative to take action. A seasoned San Rafael nursing home lawyer can be your strongest advocate in these difficult situations.
Your Legal Advocates in the Fight Against Elder NeglectFor over two decades, the Nursing Home Law Group has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the elderly in San Rafael and throughout Marin County. Our experienced team understands the complexities of elder abuse and neglect laws in California. We are dedicated to holding negligent facilities accountable and securing the justice and compensation our clients deserve. An experienced San Rafael nursing home abuse attorney from our firm will thoroughly investigate any allegations of neglect or abuse.
The Nursing Home Law Group has a long and successful history of suing nursing homes and other elder care facilities throughout the State of California. We have seen firsthand the devastating impact of neglect on residents and their families, and we are committed to being a powerful voice for those who have been wronged.
Don't Wait to Seek HelpIf you have seen the signs of neglect, do not hesitate. Your action could not only protect your loved one but also prevent others from suffering the same fate. We encourage you to contact the Nursing Home Law Group for a free, confidential consultation. As your dedicated San Rafael nursing home lawyer, we will listen to your concerns, explain your legal options, and guide you through every step of the process.
We take all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Protect your loved one and hold negligent caregivers accountable. Call the Nursing Home Law Group today to speak with a compassionate and skilled elder neglect attorney.