Nursing homes are meant to provide a safe, caring environment for elderly loved ones who need assistance. Yet, some facilities fall short, placing vulnerable residents at risk of abuse or neglect. At Arias Sanguinetti, we believe that holding these facilities accountable for any harm they cause makes the world safer for all seniors.
If you suspect abuse, our San Francisco nursing home abuse lawyer team is here to support you. We’re committed to helping families obtain justice for their loved ones and have already obtained over $1.5 billion for our previous clients.
As your San Francisco personal injury lawyer, we understand the toll these situations take on families. Reach out to discuss your options, and let us help you pursue justice and peace for your loved ones.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Recognizing signs of elder abuse is imperative to safeguarding nursing home residents. Abuse and neglect can take various forms:
- Abuse: Physical, emotional, mental, or financial harm intentionally caused by staff.
- Neglect: Failure to meet basic needs, like nutrition and medical care, putting residents at risk.
Both can lead to serious health issues, including infections, injuries, mental decline, or worse.
Arias Sanguinetti is committed to helping families seek justice when abuse or neglect occurs. With a proven history of strong case results, we work to hold negligent facilities accountable for the harm caused to vulnerable residents.
How Can a San Francisco Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Help?
If a loved one in a San Francisco nursing home has suffered abuse or neglect, they have the right to seek justice. A personal injury claim can hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm caused.
Pursuing a claim can provide compensation for physical and emotional damages. If the abuse led to a resident’s passing, the family may also pursue a wrongful death claim.
Handling these issues alone can be overwhelming. Our San Francisco nursing home abuse attorneys can assist by:
- Providing a free consultation.
- Investigating the facility and collecting evidence – we are known industry-wide for the quality of our investigations.
- Engaging experts to analyze the events and testify.
- Negotiating assertively with insurers for the compensation you deserve.
- Taking your case to trial, if needed, for the best possible outcome. We are trial lawyers first and foremost, and we have won countless positive verdicts.
With an attorney’s support, you’ll have an advocate who genuinely cares about you and your case, allowing you to focus on your family’s healing and well-being.
San Francisco Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Near Me 310-844-9696
Types of Abuse in San Francisco Nursing Homes
Abuse in nursing homes can take many forms, each with serious consequences. While physical abuse is often what comes to mind, other types can affect a resident’s mental, emotional, and financial well-being, often with no visible signs.
Here are some key types:
- Physical: Any intentional harm, such as hitting, pushing, or restraining.
- Mental and emotional: Verbal abuse, isolation, or humiliating treatment which can deeply affect mental health.
- Sexual: Unwanted sexual contact or assault.
- Financial: Exploiting residents financially, often through scams or deceit.
- Neglect: Failing to provide adequate care, from medical support to proper nutrition.
Other dangerous acts include abandonment, where residents are left unattended, and abduction, removing vulnerable adults from the state or preventing their return.
Abuse in nursing homes can lead to severe physical injuries, psychological distress, malnutrition, and overall health decline. In the worst cases, it can even result in premature death, impacting families and communities across San Francisco.
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Nursing Home Resident Bill of Rights
Residents in California nursing homes are protected by state and federal laws against mistreatment or exploitation by caregivers—these are the Nursing Home Residents’ Rights.
These fundamental rights include:
- Dignity and respect: The right to be treated kindly and with consideration.
- Autonomy: The ability to set your own schedule and choose activities.
- Freedom from abuse: Protection against any form of abuse, neglect, or discrimination.
- Restraint-free: Freedom from unnecessary physical or chemical restraints.
- Medical rights: Access to timely care, full information about health conditions, and the choice of doctors.
- Financial and personal autonomy: The right to manage your own money and keep personal belongings.
- Private visits and communication: The right to private visits and communications with loved ones.
If any of these rights are violated, nursing homes can face severe penalties. If you suspect a resident’s rights have been compromised, reaching out to an attorney can help protect those rights.
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Recognizing Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse often goes unreported, with only 1 in 24 instances of abuse being brought to light, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. Many residents may struggle to speak up due to communication barriers, dementia, or fear of retaliation. This makes it essential for family members to watch for warning signs and take action if needed.
Common indicators include:
- Frequent injuries or unexplained trips to the ER.
- Signs of malnutrition, dehydration, or poor hygiene.
- Bedsores, infections, or untreated medical issues.
- Behavioral changes like fear, depression, or anxiety around certain staff members.
- Unusual financial activity, such as large withdrawals or sudden gifts.
If you notice any of these signs in a loved one’s nursing home, consider reaching out to a nursing home abuse lawyer in San Francisco. We are here to help you protect your loved one’s rights and well-being.
Proving Nursing Home Abuse
In a nursing home abuse case, it’s the plaintiff’s responsibility to show that the claim is more likely true than not, known as the preponderance of evidence standard.
While this burden of proof is lower than in criminal cases, gathering strong evidence can be challenging without support from a nursing home abuse attorney in San Francisco.
To build a solid case, evidence might include:
- Incident or police reports
- Past complaints or claims against the nursing home
- Statements from witnesses or staff
- Photos of injuries
- Surveillance footage
- Medical records and expert testimony
- Bills or receipts documenting losses
In most cases, proving negligence involves showing that the nursing home had a duty of care, breached it, caused harm, and resulted in losses. The Arias Sanguinetti team can guide you through this process to gather the evidence needed for a strong claim.
Trust Arias Sanguinetti to Pursue Justice for Your Family
If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing abuse in a nursing home, it’s essential to act swiftly. At Arias Sanguinetti, we understand the impact that neglect and abuse can have on families, and we’re here to support you through each step.
Connecting with a San Francisco nursing home abuse lawyer can make a difference in building a strong case and holding those responsible accountable. We work diligently to uphold the rights and safety of nursing home residents, offering your family the support and dedication it deserves.
We are immensely proud of the results we’ve achieved for our clients. Contact us to discuss your case and pursue justice and peace of mind for your loved one.
Call or text 310-844-9696 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
