JOHN D. HAFNER

Of Counsel, Elder Abuse Litigation Team 

John Hafner is a senior attorney at Omega Law Group with more than 20 years of experience representing victims in complex civil litigation. His practice focuses on elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities, including wrongful death — advocating aggressively for vulnerable individuals and their families. John’s dedication to elder abuse advocacy is rooted in a personal mission that began when he represented his father as his first elder abuse client.

Throughout his career, John has secured multi-million-dollar recoveries in highly contested cases involving nursing home abuse, systemic neglect, and professional liability. His courtroom experience spans state and federal jury trials, where he has successfully challenged sophisticated defense strategies. Notably, he pioneered federal litigation of a case of first impression for the 6th Circuit, seeking to establish a private right of action for nursing home patients under the Federal Nursing Home Patient Bill of Rights — a legal theory ultimately affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County et al. v. Talevski (2023).

Before joining Omega Law Group, John served as Of Counsel at a boutique Los Angeles firm dedicated exclusively to elder abuse litigation, representing victims in complex cases against sophisticated corporate healthcare facilities throughout California. Previously, he was a Staff Attorney for the non-profit California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR), where he provided direct legal advocacy, authored amicus briefs, and championed legislative reform to combat systemic abuse in long-term care. Earlier in his career, John spent over 15 years as the managing director of his own dual-state civil litigation practice in California and Kentucky which focused on elder abuse and neglect, professional liability in long-term care facilities, nursing home patient rights, and complex civil litigation.

John brings to Omega Law Group decades of litigation experience, a record of landmark advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to holding corporations accountable that place profits over vulnerable people. He guides families through difficult legal matters with compassion and transparency.

John earned his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law, where he was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society, and his B.S. in Finance from Fairfield University. He represents clients in state and federal courts throughout California and is also licensed in Kentucky. Outside the courtroom, John is a devoted animal lover who enjoys sailing.