Yucaipa Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Yucaipa, CA

The Yucaipa nursing home abuse lawyers of Belgum, Fry & Van Allen are dedicated to helping vulnerable seniors and their loved ones fight for justice. We aim to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions and pursue justice and necessary compensation for their victims.

Belgum, Fry & Van Allen holds a reputation for securing successful settlements for elder neglect and abuse cases. With years of experience, we know how to navigate complex medical records and state care standards to create a compelling case.

Every senior deserves to live in a safe environment. We approach every case with compassion and determination to hold negligent parties accountable.

Nursing Home Abuse in California

About 1 in 6 seniors face some form of abuse in a care facility setting. However, only about 1 in 24 instances are reported. Nursing home abuse isn’t always easy to detect. It can also be physical, emotional, or financial in nature. The accused could include administrators, caregivers, medical professionals, or even other residents.

California law defines nursing home abuse as any intentional act of harm or neglect that leads to injury, suffering, or death.

Some common types of abuse within nursing homes include:

• Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, restraining, or other acts that cause pain
• Neglect: Failure to provide adequate hydration, hygiene, food, or medical needs
• Emotional or psychological abuse: Verbal threats, humiliation, or isolation leading to fear, anxiety, or depression
• Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact with a resident
• Financial exploitation: The unauthorized use of a resident’s bank or personal accounts or identity theft
• Resident-on-resident abuse: Residents physically or verbally abusing one another

The National Social Life, Health and Aging Project reports verbal abuse as the most common form of elder abuse.

Recognizing Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

In many cases, a senior may be unable to express concerns about the abuse they’re enduring. Other times, they may be afraid to speak up because of retaliation. It’s imperative that families know the warning signs of abuse when their loved one resides in a nursing facility.

Physical signs:

• Poor hygiene
• Soiled bedding
• Sudden weight loss
• Unexplained injuries
• Frequent hospitalizations or infections
• Bed sores

Behavioral and emotional signs:

• Depression, anxiety
• Refusal to speak in front of caregivers
• Withdrawal or fear around certain staff
• Isolation

Environmental signs.

• Unsanitary conditions
• Under-staffing or untrained staff
• Medication errors
• Unexplained financial transactions

What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you think your loved one is being abused, neglected, or living in an unsafe space, don’t wait to act. If you believe they’re in immediate danger, call 911 or get them to a safe location.

Be sure to document everything. Include photos of injuries or conditions and keep copies of all medical records and communication with staff.

Reports can be made to Adult Protective Services, the California Department of Public Health, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. In addition to reporting to these state departments, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer. We can guide you through the reporting process and help you build a case that protects your loved one’s rights and future well-being.

Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Belgum, Fry & Van Allen have extensive knowledge of state nursing home regulations and the resources necessary to handle complicated elder abuse claims. Our process for building an elder abuse case includes:

• Investigation: We explore all medical records, facility reports, staffing logs, and surveillance footage to collect extensive evidence.
• Professional testimony: We work with medical professionals to establish how the duty of care was breached and negatively impacted your loved one’s health.
• Legal strategy and negotiation: We leverage California’s nursing home abuse laws to hold negligent parties accountable to their victims. We aggressively negotiate for a fair settlement and advocate for our clients’ rights. We’re prepared to take your case to trial if a settlement cannot be reached.

Cases of nursing home abuse can be highly emotional for the family and the victim. We offer clear communication throughout the process and treat your case with the utmost respect and dignity it deserves.

FAQs

How to Sue a Nursing Home for Malpractice in Yucaipa, CA?

To sue a nursing home for malpractice in Yucaipa, CA, families need to prove that the facility or staff violated their duty of care to the patient and that there is a direct correlation to the cause of injury. The process involves consulting with a Yucaipa nursing home abuse lawyer. They can review medical records, get witness statements, and investigate nursing home policies. They’ll file a claim against the nursing home or its insurance provider for damages on your behalf.

What Is the Average Cost of an Elder Law Attorney in Yucaipa, CA?

The cost of hiring an elder law attorney in Yucaipa, CA, varies based on case-specific factors. The experience of your lawyer, the amount of time needed for your case, and whether your case ends up in litigation will be a part of determining the final costs. You can request a detailed fee structure during your initial consultation.

What Types of Evidence Would You Report for a Case of Elder Abuse?

Evidence in an elder abuse case can include photographs of injuries, poor living conditions, and medical records that demonstrate neglect. You may also include financial documents that show exploitation or witness statements from other residents or nursing home staff. Strong evidence is key to proving neglect and having a successful case. The more evidence you provide, the greater your chance of success.

How Difficult Is It to Sue a Nursing Home?

Filing a legal claim against a nursing home can be difficult because these facilities often have strong legal teams. The plaintiff must prove that the nursing home’s negligence directly caused the injury or death of the resident. A skilled Yucaipa nursing home abuse lawyer can handle investigations, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you navigate complex state laws and regulations.

Yucaipa Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If your loved one has been mistreated in a nursing home, let Belgum, Fry & Van Allen help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice your loved one deserves and give you some peace of mind during a difficult time.