When nursing homes fail to protect residents, families face devastating consequences. If your loved one has suffered harm in a California nursing home or assisted living facility, Mercer Legal Group can help you pursue compensation and hold negligent parties accountable.
Our attorneys represent victims and families throughout Los Angeles County and Southern California. We investigate claims of mistreatment, gather evidence, and build strong cases against responsible parties.
Abuse in nursing homes occurs when staff members, caregivers, or other residents cause harm to elderly adults in care facilities. California law defines elder abuse as physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm inflicted on dependent adults aged 65 or older.
Mistreatment takes many forms. Some incidents involve deliberate misconduct by employees. Others result from negligence, inadequate training, or understaffing at nursing facilities. Both intentional harm and neglect can cause serious injuries, emotional damage, and wrongful death.
Under California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, victims can recover compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering. In cases involving reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available.
Physical abuse includes hitting, pushing, rough handling, and improper use of restraints. Warning signs include unexplained bruises, broken bones, and injuries inconsistent with staff explanations. Elderly residents with dementia are at high risk because they may not report mistreatment.
Emotional abuse involves verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, and humiliation. Nursing home residents may show sudden changes in behavior, depression, or fear around certain caregivers. This form of elder abuse causes lasting psychological harm even without physical contact.
Sexual abuse includes unwanted touching, rape, or forcing residents to witness sexual acts. Staff members, other residents, or visitors may be responsible. Any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature constitutes abuse under California law.
Financial exploitation occurs when someone takes advantage of an elderly person for monetary gain. Common examples include stealing from residents, forging signatures, and unauthorized access to financial accounts. Family members should monitor statements and watch for missing funds.
Neglect happens when facilities fail to provide basic care. This includes inadequate nutrition, poor hygiene, medication errors, and untreated infections. Bed sores, dehydration, and malnutrition are common indicators that a skilled nursing facility is not meeting residents’ needs.
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California provides strong protections for nursing home residents under the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act and the Elder Justice Act. These laws allow victims to recover enhanced damages when harm results from recklessness or intentional misconduct. Cases must generally be filed within two years, though certain circumstances may affect this timeline.
Case values depend on factors including injury severity, required medical care, and evidence of facility misconduct. Each situation is different, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. We evaluate claims individually and discuss realistic expectations during our initial meeting.
Mercer Legal Group focuses on representing victims of elder abuse throughout Los Angeles and California. Our legal team handles cases involving physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional harm, financial exploitation, and neglect in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
We investigate each claim thoroughly, working with medical professionals and industry experts. Our lawyers have experience pursuing civil litigation against skilled nursing facilities, residential care facilities, and long-term care providers across Los Angeles County.
Clients receive regular updates and prompt answers to questions. If negotiations fail to produce fair results, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Investigation and Evidence Collection We obtain facility records, interview witnesses, and work with medical experts to document the harm your loved one suffered in their living setting.
Identifying Responsible Parties Nursing homes, individual staff members, administrators, and parent companies may all bear responsibility. We identify every liable party to maximize potential recovery.
Calculating Damages Victims of abuse may recover compensation for medical bills, ongoing care costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In qualifying cases, families may seek wrongful death damages.
Negotiation and Litigation We negotiate directly with insurance companies and opposing counsel. If they refuse reasonable settlements, our team is ready to present your case in court.
Step 1: Document the Situation Photograph visible injuries and write down specific incidents with dates. Save any communications with facility staff members.
Step 2: Report the Abuse Contact Adult Protective Services and local law enforcement if your family member is in immediate danger. You may also file a complaint with the California Department of Public Health.
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention Have a physician document all injuries. Medical records establish the connection between mistreatment and harm suffered.
Step 4: Contact Mercer Legal Group Call our office to discuss your situation. We will review the facts, explain your legal options under California law, and determine the best path forward.
Mercer Legal Group represents victims throughout Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Monica, and communities across the county. We also serve families in Orange County, San Bernardino, and Southern California.
If you suspect abuse at a nursing home or assisted living facility, act quickly to protect your family member and preserve evidence. Contact Mercer Legal Group to speak with a Los Angeles nursing home abuse lawyer about your situation.
Call: (818) 650-3061
unexplained injuries, fast behavior changes, social disengagement, poor sanitation, malnutrition, caregiver anxiety, and monetary transactions may suggest nursing home abuse.
A lawyer for nursing home abuse can gather evidence, submit a complaint, negotiate with liable parties and insurers, and represent you in court. A skilled lawyer for nursing home abuse defends and compensates you.
Nursing home abuse victims may get medical bills, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and long-term care. Your situation and abuse’s consequences determine compensation.
State and case determine your nursing home abuse lawsuit’s statute of limitations. Contacting a nursing home abuse lawyer early helps you register your complaint on time.
If a loved one cannot talk, family or legal guardians might bring a nursing home abuse action. To explore legal options, consult a lawyer for nursing home abuse and gather evidence.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified wrongful termination lawyer in Los Angeles, California, for advice specific to your situation.