Although nursing homes are supposed to be safe facilities, many staff members act negligently or even abuse vulnerable residents. Because these individuals may fear retaliation or have difficulty communicating, their suffering can go unnoticed by family members.
If you suspect your loved one is suffering abuse in their assisted living facility, an experienced Irvine nursing home abuse lawyer could help you pursue justice. While financial compensation cannot erase your loved one’s trauma, it may cover their medical expenses and help you improve their living conditions. The personal injury attorneys at Cifarelli Law Firm serve individuals across Southern California and will work hard to help you and your loved one navigate this difficult time.
Both nursing home staff and the facility itself can be liable for resident abuse. Some common causes of nursing home abuse include the following.
When a nursing home lacks sufficient staff, employees may become overworked. This can lead to mistakes or even frustration that results in abuse.
Facilities that fail to conduct proper background checks may hire negligent workers or individuals with a history of violence, opening the door to instances of abuse and neglect.
Without proper oversight, abusive or negligent behavior by staff can remain unaddressed for a long time.
Frequent staff changes can disrupt care routines and contribute to a lack of accountability. Residents unfamiliar with their caretakers may also be more afraid to report abuse and mistreatment.
Some residents may be isolated due to physical or cognitive limitations, making them more vulnerable to undetected abuse.
Nursing home abuse in Irvine can be extremely difficult to identify, making it essential to hire an attorney as soon as you suspect mistreatment. An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer could help initiate a lawsuit and pursue compensation for your loved one’s suffering.
When you suspect nursing home abuse, act quickly. If possible, remove the victim from the unsafe facility and address all of their medical issues immediately. Keep track of any evidence, such as medical records and photos of your loved one’s living conditions or injuries. Next, notify the nursing home about the incident.
Once the resident is safe, contact a qualified nursing home abuse lawyer in Irvine. Your attorney could provide guidance on filing an appropriate claim and receiving compensation.
While evidence plays a major role in building a strong case against a negligent nursing home, collecting it is not always easy. The facility may deny wrongdoing or even try to cover up the abuse. Your legal team could help you gather evidence, including:
An Irvine attorney could also send a spoliation letter to the abusive facility, requiring them to preserve evidence that may support your case.
If your loved one has faced abuse in a nursing home, you have the right to recover damages. While you are tending to the immediate needs of your family member, consider talking to a skilled Irvine nursing home abuse lawyer. The faster you get legal assistance, the stronger your case can be.
At the Cifarelli Law Firm, we care about the Irvine community and work hard to protect our clients’ rights. Call us today to schedule a free case review.
If you or your child has been a victim, talk to an Irvine child sexual abuse lawyer at The Cifarelli Law Firm. Our team is passionate about advocating for victims and helping them seek justice. We understand this is a difficult situation, and we strive to create a place where victims from all over California can feel safe and heard. Call The Cifarelli Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
(949) 502-8600
