The biggest complaint regarding nursing homes is neglect, which includes issues such as poor hygiene, untreated medical conditions, lack of supervision, and failure to respond to resident needs.
Families often report that their loved ones are left unattended, improperly medicated, or living in unsanitary conditions. Over time, this type of neglect can cause serious physical and emotional harm.
Because signs of nursing home neglect can be subtle or go unreported, it’s important to remain vigilant and take action if something feels wrong. A nursing home abuse lawyer in Los Angeles can help you determine whether your loved one’s treatment violates state law and guide you through the legal steps available to protect them.
Recognizing Signs of Neglect and Taking Legal Action
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we represent families who are concerned about the care their loved ones are receiving in California nursing homes. Neglect often develops over time and may present as:
- Physical Indicators: Unexplained weight loss, dehydration, malnutrition, or the development of bedsores (pressure ulcers)
- Environmental Signs: Poor personal hygiene, soiled bedding, or foul odors in the room
- Behavioral Changes: Sudden withdrawal, fear of specific staff members, or unusual agitation
As a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer team with decades of combined experience, we know how to identify when these violations rise to the level of elder abuse. We conduct thorough investigations, gather medical records, and consult with experts to determine what really happened and why.
Why Nursing Home Neglect Is So Common
Unfortunately, neglect in nursing homes is not rare. It is often the result of a combination of factors, including:
- Understaffing: Many facilities do not have enough caregivers to meet the needs of every resident, especially during night shifts.
- Inadequate training: Staff may lack the qualifications to handle medical emergencies or recognize health risks.
- Poor oversight: When administrators fail to enforce policies or respond to complaints, neglect continues unchecked.
- Profit over care: Some for-profit nursing homes cut corners on staff or supplies to boost financial returns.
When neglect is allowed to continue, it can result in falls, infections, hospitalization, or even death.
What Families Can Do if They Suspect Neglect
When something feels wrong, trust your instincts. Acting early can help protect your loved one and prevent further harm. While every situation is different, there are practical steps families can take to begin addressing possible neglect.
Some helpful actions include:
- Create a clear record: Write down what you observe, take photos when appropriate, and gather medical records, care plans, or notes related to injuries or missed medications.
- Speak directly with staff: Ask caregivers or supervisors about your concerns, and note how questions are answered or avoided.
- Report concerns to the state: Complaints can be filed with the California Department of Public Health or Adult Protective Services if neglect appears ongoing or serious.
- Seek legal guidance: An attorney can help explain your options and determine whether civil action may be appropriate to protect your loved one’s rights.
Our legal team supports families through both the reporting process and any legal steps that follow. We handle communications with nursing homes and their legal representatives so you can stay focused on your loved one’s safety and care.
What Compensation May Be Available
When a nursing home is held responsible for neglect, families may be entitled to financial compensation that reflects the impact of that mistreatment. These damages are intended not just to address immediate expenses, but also the deeper physical and emotional toll on the resident.
Compensation may cover:
- Medical bills related to infections, injuries, or other consequences of neglect
- Emotional pain and suffering experienced by the resident
- Relocation costs if a safer facility is needed
- Loss of enjoyment of life or decline in overall well-being
- Punitive damages, in cases where the conduct was especially harmful or deliberate
California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) gives families the right to seek justice when a facility fails to meet its basic care responsibilities. These claims are about more than money; they are about holding care providers accountable and protecting others from similar harm.
In the most tragic situations, neglect can lead to a resident’s death. We represent families in wrongful death claims as well, building strong cases that reflect both the personal loss and the systemic failures that contributed to it. No two families experience the same situation, and we work closely with each client to pursue outcomes that align with their goals.
Legal Deadlines and Time-Sensitive Evidence
In California, families typically have a two-year window from the date of injury or its discovery to initiate a lawsuit for nursing home neglect. Since these cases frequently involve continuous care and medical attention, it’s crucial to take action promptly.
Critical evidence—including medical charts, staffing records, and witness statements—can become harder to collect over time. Our attorneys understand how to preserve time-sensitive information and use it to build a strong claim under California’s elder abuse laws.
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Talk to a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Los Angeles Today
Neglect in nursing homes should never be tolerated. At Omega Law Group, we help families in Los Angeles and throughout California take meaningful legal action when care facilities fail in their duties. You trusted them with someone you love, and that trust should be honored.
We offer free consultations and only charge fees if we recover compensation for your case. With millions recovered on behalf of injury victims, we bring the resources and experience needed to hold nursing homes accountable and protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Call today to speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer in Los Angeles. Let our family take care of your family.
