Protecting Pasadena’s Most Vulnerable Residents
Pasadena is home to a cherished elderly population, with many families trusting local facilities near Huntington Hospital or in neighborhoods like Madison Heights and Linda Vista to care for their aging parents. You made the difficult decision to place your loved one in a nursing home to ensure their safety and medical needs were met.
When that trust is betrayed by abuse or neglect, the result is not just a physical injury — it is a profound violation of dignity.
At Cohen & Marzban, our Pasadena nursing home abuse lawyers understand that these are not simple "accidents". They are often the result of corporate greed, chronic understaffing, and a failure to follow basic safety protocols. Whether your loved one is in a skilled nursing facility on Fair Oaks Avenue or an assisted living home in Hastings Ranch, we are ready to investigate and fight for the justice they deserve.
Common Injuries and Types of Trauma in Nursing Homes
Abuse and neglect can manifest in many ways. While some signs are physical, others are emotional or financial. Our firm has extensive experience handling cases involving:
1. Physical Injuries & Neglect
- Bedsores (pressure ulcers): These painful wounds occur when residents are left in one position for too long. Stage 3 and 4 bedsores are almost always a sign of severe neglect.
- Falls and fractures: Unexplained broken hips, arms, or head injuries often indicate that a facility failed to provide necessary walking assistance or supervision.
- Malnutrition and dehydration: Rapid weight loss, cracked lips, or confusion can signal that staff are failing to ensure residents eat and drink enough.
- Infections (sepsis/UTIs): Poor hygiene and catheter care can lead to life-threatening infections like sepsis or severe Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
2. Types of Abuse
- Physical abuse: Unexplained bruising, welts, restraint marks, or flinching when touched are red flags of physical assault by staff or other residents.
- Emotional & psychological trauma: If a naturally social elder becomes withdrawn, silent, or terrified of specific staff members, they may be victims of verbal or emotional abuse.
- Financial exploitation: Theft of jewelry, cash, or sudden unexplained changes to a will or bank account are common forms of abuse in group settings.
Our Proven Track Record
We have successfully represented countless families who have suffered due to negligence. While every case is unique, our results speak to our relentless dedication.
- Severe neglect & bedsores: We have secured substantial settlements for families whose loved ones developed Stage 4 pressure ulcers due to a facility's failure to rotate and clean the patient.
- Fall-related injuries: We have held facilities accountable when "high fall risk" patients were left unattended, resulting in hip fractures and subsequent surgeries.
- Wrongful death: We fight for the families of residents who passed away due to untreated infections, dehydration, or choking incidents caused by understaffing.
Important Pasadena Resources for Reporting Abuse
If you suspect your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. For reporting abuse and seeking support, utilize these local resources:
- Pasadena Long-Term Care Ombudsman (WISE & Healthy Aging):
- The Ombudsman advocates for residents' rights and investigates complaints.
- Phone: (626) 793-3510.
- Address: 2555 East Colorado Boulevard, Suite 203, Pasadena, CA 91107.
- Huntington Hospital Senior Care Network:
- Provides care coordination and resources for older adults in the San Gabriel Valley.
- Phone: (626) 397-3110.
