Protecting Our Most Vulnerable Residents in Encino
Placing a parent, spouse, or loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility is one of the most difficult decisions a family can make. You place your trust in these facilities to provide the professional, compassionate care your loved one deserves. When that trust is broken by abuse or neglect, the sense of betrayal and guilt can be overwhelming.
You are not alone, and it is not your fault. Nursing home abuse and neglect are tragically common when facilities prioritize profits over people by understaffing and cutting corners on care. At Cohen & Marzban, our Encino nursing home abuse law firm is dedicated to being a powerful voice for victims. We fight to hold negligent facilities accountable and secure the justice and compensation your family deserves.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Abuse and Neglect
Abuse and neglect can take many forms, and residents are often unable or too afraid to speak up for themselves. Families must be vigilant and recognize the signs. These can include:
- Signs of physical abuse: Unexplained bruises, cuts, broken bones, welts, or rope marks.
- Signs of serious neglect:
- Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
- Malnutrition or sudden, unexplained weight loss
- Dehydration
- Poor personal hygiene or unsanitary living conditions
- Frequent falls or injuries
- Signs of emotional or psychological abuse:
- Unexplained withdrawal, agitation, or fear
- Unusual behaviors like rocking or mumbling
- Hesitation to speak in front of staff members
- Signs of financial exploitation:
- Sudden changes in a resident’s will or power of attorney
- Missing personal property or money
- Unexplained bank withdrawals or credit card charges
Our Thorough Investigation Process
Nursing homes and their corporate owners will often try to conceal evidence of wrongdoing. Our legal team acts immediately to launch a comprehensive investigation and uncover the truth. We will:
- Demand resident records: We conduct a deep analysis of all medical charts, nursing notes, and care plans to identify inconsistencies and failures in care.
- Analyze staffing records: We scrutinize staffing levels and employee records, as understaffing is a primary cause of resident neglect and injury.
- Review state inspection reports: We examine public records for any past citations, complaints, or patterns of violations at the facility.
- Consult with medical experts: We work with a network of geriatric care specialists and other medical professionals to provide expert opinions on the substandard care your loved one received.
Holding Negligent Facilities Accountable
Under California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA), facilities can be held liable for more than just medical bills. We fight to recover the maximum compensation available, which can include:
- Economic damages: For all medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Non-economic damages: For the resident’s pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Punitive damages: In cases of egregious neglect or abuse, we can seek punitive damages, intended to punish the facility for its reckless conduct and deter it from harming others in the future.
