Santa Maria Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Lawyers

Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many different forms, and it can be difficult to recognize the signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect in many situations. While certain nursing home facilities with a history of safety violations and resident injuries may be more likely to have additional safety violations in the future, it is extremely important to recognize that nursing home abuse and neglect can happen at any facility, whether a skilled nursing facility like a traditional nursing home, or a residential care facility for the elderly, such as assisted living and board and care.

The Santa Maria nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers at the Southern California Nursing Home Law Group have been serving families in Southern California for more than 20 years and can discuss your situation with you today.

There are 14 separate nursing homes in Santa Maria, California, as well as a number of other nursing homes nearby, according to U.S. News & World Report. Beyond nursing homes, there are a variety of other assisted-living facilities and residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs) where elder abuse and neglect can result in serious harm. At any of these facilities, it is essential to understand that there are many different types of nursing home abuse and neglect, including the following according to the National Center on Aging (NCOA):

• Physical abuse: This type of nursing home abuse refers to the inflicting of physical pain or injury upon an elderly resident of a nursing home or assisted-living facility.
• Neglect: Passive neglect is among the most common types of abuse in a nursing home or assisted-living facility in Santa Maria, and it is the cause of many resident injuries. This type of abuse occurs anytime a caregiver fails to provide a nursing home resident with adequate care, which may include proper monitoring to prevent falls or health needs such as food, clothing, bathing, or medical care.
• Emotional or psychological abuse: When a resident or patient of a nursing home is the subject of threats, verbal abuse, harassment, or intimidation, they are likely suffering from emotional or psychological abuse. This type of abuse can also involve actions designed to embarrass or humiliate an elderly resident of a nursing home or assisted-living facility.
• Sexual abuse: Just as sexual abuse can happen outside a nursing home, it can also happen inside a nursing facility. This type of abuse refers to any touching, intercourse, or other sexual activity when the elderly resident does not consent or does not have the capacity to consent due to Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Any unwanted sexual touching should be taken seriously as sexual abuse in a facility.
• Confinement: This type of abuse can also involve emotional or psychological abuse, as well as physical abuse, but it refers to any situation in which a senior is physically restrained or isolated for non-medically necessary reasons.
• Willful deprivation: In some situations, a caregiver intentionally denies necessities to a senior, such as food, clothing, physical assistance, or medical care. Willful deprivation can result in many types of physical and psychological harm.
• Financial abuse: Senior financial abuse can occur both within and outside nursing home settings, and it refers to the misuse or abuse of a senior’s financial resources.

In Santa Maria, seniors and their families should know that the California Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) protects seniors from the many different types of nursing home abuse and neglect we outlined. If you believe you have been subject to nursing home abuse or neglect, or if you have concerns about an elderly loved one’s safety or well-being, a dedicated Santa Maria elder abuse lawyer at our firm can discuss your options for filing a claim under the EADACPA.

We have been representing individuals and families in Southern California for decades and can help you to understand whether you have a valid legal claim against a Santa Maria nursing facility.

Learning that a loved one has suffered injuries in a nursing home because of abuse or neglect can be devastating. It is important to know that California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) is designed to protect nursing home residents, and that you have rights under California law. Whether you suffered injuries in a nursing home or an assisted-living facility in the state, you may be able to file a claim. Our experiencedSanta Maria nursing home abuse attorneys can evaluate your case today and discuss options for moving forward with a claim. Call us at (866) 607-1325 or schedule yourfree consultation online today.