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A Virginia man will be facing trial for accusations of elder abuse and neglect of his 86-year-old mother that eventually lead to her death.
According to an article on the Richmond Times Dispatch, 57-year-old Richard Lee Wallace was responsible for the care of his elderly mother, Elsie Wallace. Wallace had lived with his mother for the majority of his adult life and began taking care of her finances in 2008. Two years later, the elderly woman, who had Alzheimer's, had lost the ability to walk and relied solely on her son for care and assistance. The last few months of the elderly woman's life were spent on a torn-up couch in the home, which is exactly where officers found her body when they were dispatched to the home.
Upon arrival, officers found the elderly woman, who had been deceased for no longer than an hour, covered in flies with bedsores that were filled with maggots. Upon further investigation, the cause of death was the direct result of a bacterial infection in the blood caused by gangrene. Wallace's elder abuse trial is currently underway and expected to come to a close this week.
Contact our California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers today if you or someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse. Whether the abuse happened at a nursing facility or at your own home, it must be reported as it can lead to severe health issues.
Let our attorneys handle your case for you! Call us today at 888-444-7210! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! If you'd like, you may fill out our free case evaluation form to have an attorney contact you.
Two former Santa Barbara County nursing home assistants have been charged with nursing home elder abuse for incidents that occurred at two separate times.
According to the Santa Barbara Independent, two men who both worked for Central Coast Nursing Center, were fired and then arrested on alleged elder abuse. The nursing home, which has since been stripped of its operating licenses for multiple health and safety violations, has a capacity of 154 residents and is considered the county's largest long-term care facilities.
29-year-old Brian Watt, a registered sex offender, was arrested on September 9, 2010 and was charged with felony lewd act upon a dependent adult, felony sexual battery on an institutionalized victim and misdemeanor dependent adult abuse. If convicted of all crimes, he could be facing up to 6 years in prison.
Another former employee, 32-year-old Hugo Rendon, was arrested on October 6th, 2011 and charged with four misdemeanor counts of battering an elder connected with two separate incidents that occurred in May 2011. Both men have been terminated from their positions at the nursing home and are awaiting arraignment.
Do you know someone who has been the victim of elder abuse? If so, contact our California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers immediately as the victims health could be at risk. We understand how frustrating it may be to have witness or suspect signs of elder abuse. We are here to listen to you, provide you with answers to your questions and represent the victim so that they are compensated for their pain and suffering.
Call us today at 888-444-7210 or fill out our FREE nursing home abuse case evaluation form now!
A 36-year-old Tennessee woman has been arrested and charged with nursing home elder abuse and will have to serve 15 months in jail.
According to the Johnson City Press, Amanda Tibble worked as a CAN at John M. Reed Nursing Home in Limestone when she was fired for alleged elder abuse. In January 2010, Tibble was accused of physically, verbally and emotionally abusing the elderly nursing home patients. She pleaded guilty to two counts of willful abuse or neglect of an adult and entered a best interest plea for two other counts. Originally, Tibble was eligible for full probation however the judge revoked that eligibility due to the fact that Tibble seemed to be lying during her testimony and could not remember what she had previously told sheriff investigators in her statement.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse, contact our California Nursing Home Elder Abuse Attorneys as soon as possible! We will investigate the case and make sure that the nursing home or caregiver is held liable for their actions and that the victim is compensated for the pain and suffering that they endured.
Call us today at 888-844-7210 or fill out our FREE nursing home abuse case consultation form to have an attorney contact you directly!
A Petaluma nursing home facility is being sued by the family of a former resident after alleged accusations of nursing home elder abuse.
According to an article on the Petaluma Patch, a 90 year old woman was admitted to Petaluma Health and Rehabilitation. After a short period of time, the facility caregivers failed to perform basic wound monitoring, nutrition and hydration. After the elderly woman's ulcer condition worsened and her wounds became huge and infected, she was admitted to the local hospital. The hospital then filed a claim with the Sonoma County ombudsman's office for elder abuse and neglect.
Nursing home elder abuse can not only affect a resident's behavior and state of well being, but it can also be deadly. If you witness or suspect elder abuse, you must act quickly and report the abuse as soon as possible.
Our California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers are here to answer any questions you may have and take you case to court. We will ensure that the nursing home or caregivers are penalized for their actions and that the victim is compensated for their pain and suffering.
Call us today at 888-444-7210 or fill out our FREE nursing home elder abuse consultation form to have a dedicated lawyer contact you directly!
Witnessing or suspecting nursing home elder abuse in California can be quite stressful, especially if the victim is a friend or loved one. While both victims and their family members are aware that they should report the abuse, speaking to someone about the matter can be both humiliating and devastating.
Thankfully, a new California state law will make reporting nursing home elder abuse easier. As of January 1, 2012 California nursing home employees, residents and their family members will be able to report instances of elder abuse through a confidential internet system.
Unlike the previous method of having to call a dedicated phone line, those who are reporting abuse do not having to wait to speak with someone in order for the abuse to be reported. According to an article on the Record Gazette, in November 2010, 27% of callers hung up rather than wait on the line to report abuse, leaving the victims to continue to suffer and not receive the care and medical attention that they may need.
This new law will help not only prevent individuals from not reporting nursing home elder abuse, but it will also allow those who may be shy or embarrassed to gain confidence in using the new reporting system.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of nursing home elder abuse, contact our California Nursing Home Elder Abuse Lawyers today. We will answer any questions you may have and provide you with the legal advice that you need. Call us today at 888-444-7210 for a FREE case evaluation and quote.
The Shasta Family Justice Center (SFJC), a program dedicated to providing care for victims of California elder abuse, child abuse, domestic violence and/or sexual assault, has received a generous $5,000 donation to help run its day to day operations.
The donation was given by The California Emergency Physicians Group of America (CEPA), the Emergency Physicals at Mercy Medical Center Redding (MMCR), to commemorate the amazing achievements that victims of abuse are able to accomplish thanks to support from the Shasta Family Justice Center.
According to an article on A News Café, the center, which is composed of a dedicated group of doctors, reaches out to both youth and adults who are struggling to break the cycle of abuse. Most victims of nursing home elder abuse, domestic abuse or even sexual abuse feel comfortable coming to the SFJC to seek help and the generous donation will allow the facility to continue making a difference in the community by providing care and assistance to those in need.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of nursing home elder abuse, contact our California Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys at 888-444-7210 or fill out our FREE nursing home elder abuse case evaluation form to have a lawyer contact you directly to discuss the details of your case.
A 59-year-old Santa Barbara man has been arrested for elder abuse after he allegedly defrauded an elderly woman of $215,000.
According to the Pasadena Star News, Philip Eric Myers, an attorney and friend of the elderly woman, used his position as a lawyer to steal money and property as well as commit mortgage fraud from Harriet Zimney. Myers has denied all allegations stating that he set up a trust fund for Zimney after she fell ill and was forced to reside at a nursing home.
Myer's is being held on a $2 million bail at the Santa Barbara County Jail and is being charged for five felony charges including elder abuse. Although many details have not been disclosed, Meyer's has agreed to pay $55,000 in restitution.
If you know someone who is the victim of elder abuse, contact our California Nursing Home Elder Abuse Lawyers immediately. Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to the case. Our nursing home elder abuse attorney's understand how difficult it is to witness signs of nursing home abuse and are here to provide both you and the victim with the attention that you need.
Call us today at 888-444-7210 or fill out our FREE nursing home abuse case consultation form to have an attorney contact you directly.
A 57-year-old Baltimore City woman has been arrested for elder abuse after she allegedly mistreated an elderly woman at a nursing home care facility.
According to an article on the Examiner, Shirleen Diane Sheppard was a geriatric nursing assistant at Stella Maris, Inc. when she allegedly assaulted an 82-year-old resident. Sheppard has been indicted by the Grand Jury in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County on multiple counts including: two counts of neglect of a vulnerable adult in the second degree, one count of abuse of a vulnerable adult in the second degree as well as one count of assault in the second degree.
Sheppard's arraignment is scheduled for mid October where she could be looking at facing 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine for each Abuse and Neglect of a Vulnerable Abuse offence as well as up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine for the second degree charge.
If you or someone you know suspects or has witnessed elder abuse at a California nursing home facility, contact our California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers as soon as possible. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 888-444-7210 or you may fill out our FREE nursing home abuse case evaluation form to have a dedicated nursing home elder abuse attorney contact you directly!
There are several different types of nursing home abuse such as physical, sexual, verbal and emotional as well as neglect that can be both harmful and detrimental to the victim's health. While some signs may be more obvious than others, all must be reported as soon as they are suspected or witnessed to help prevent them from becoming worse.
Our California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers want you to learn all the signs of nursing home abuse so that you can become an advocate in stopping nursing home elder abuse.
What is Neglect Abuse?
Nursing home neglect abuse entails both physical and psychological trauma that is often times unreported. Signs of neglect abuse include, but are not limited to:
-dehydration and/or malnutrition
-bedsores and failure to turn bed ridden residents
- failure to provide needed medical care or attention
- failure to provide sanitary living conditions
-failure to provide proper medication
-failure to help prevent falls
-the use of unnecessary restraints
Reporting Nursing Home Neglect Abuse
If you suspect or have witnessed signs of nursing home neglect abuse in California, immediately report the abuse to the nursing home administrative staff, contact the local police department if the resident's life may be in danger and call our California Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys at 888-444-7210. To have a dedicated attorney contact you directly, fill out our FREE nursing home abuse case consultation form.
Nursing home elder abuse seems to be on the rise as more and more families cannot take care of their elderly relatives and are being forced to rely on the care and medical assistance of nursing home caregivers. Unfortunately, many nursing homes are failing in providing adequate care and in some cases, causing the residents harm.
According to an article on the Star Tribune, Georgia Anetzberger, president of the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse has been quoted saying "the spread of cameras in nursing homes is part of a broader proliferation of video surveillance in society to catch anything from traffic violations to shoplifting" .
Very few states currently have laws allowing family members to install cameras inside their love one's nursing home room. However, this does not stop many individuals from installing these "granny cams", especially when they suspect nursing home abuse.
In several instances, these cameras not only may have saved lives but they have helped prevent future cases of nursing home elder abuse from occurring. An Ohio man was able to catch two nursing home caregivers abusing and hitting his 78-year-old mother who suffers from Alzheimer's while a New Jersey nursing home was found to be abusing an 87-year-old woman which then prompted a wrongful-death lawsuit. In New York, 22 nursing home workers were arrested for the maltreatment of residents after they were caught victimizing the residents on camera.
If you suspect or have witnessed nursing home elder abuse in California, contact our California Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys as soon as possible. Waiting to report the abuse can be detrimental to the resident's health and can even lead to death!
Contact us today at 888-444-7210 or fill out our free nursing home case evaluation form to have a dedicated attorney contact you directly.
A San Diego caregiver is facing up to 6 years for neglect and elder abuse of a 93-year-old World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor.
According to an article on the San Diego 10 News, 62-year-old Milagros Angeles is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from Arnold "Max" Bauer as well as neglecting to provide him with the medical care and attention that he needed and hired her for. Angeles is accused of elder abuse, false imprisonment, theft by a caretaker and being in possession of altered checks.
Protective services checked on the elderly man, they found him living in "filth and squalor", with rat feces and trash all over the home as well as dirty dishes and rotten food. Once officers arrived at Mr. Bauer's home, they found him holding a photo of the USS Vestal, the ship in which he served during the war.
If you suspect or have witnessed elder abuse, contact our California Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys as soon as possible .We will answer any questions you may have, provide you with legal support and represent the victim throughout the entire case.
As our family members get older and their health deteriorates, we may be faced with the tough decision whether to hire an in-home caregiver or entrust a California nursing home facility to provide the necessary medical care and attention. Unfortunately, many nursing homes are understaffed or may hire team members who may not be as medically trained as they should. Because of this, nursing home residents often end up suffering and become victims of elder abuse.
According to an article on the Santa Barbara Independent, a local Santa Barbara company, Caring Team Inc., which owns several nursing homes, has officially been stripped of its operating license after multiple allegations of elder abuse and elder neglect.
The nursing home, Central Coast Nursing Center, which has around 154 in-house residents, has received 43 citations in the last three months for being noncompliant in providing proper patient care; most nursing homes that may be cited, only receive approximately 20 per year. The nursing home will not be closed down; instead, it has been placed under state control allowing the residents to stay where they are without having to relocate.
Elder abuse is a serious matter as it can be extremely hazardous for the resident and can even lead to death. If you suspect elder abuse, contact a leading California Nursing Home Abuse Attorney as soon as possible.
We will answer any questions you may have, provide you with the information on what we can do for you and we will investigate the details of your case so that the alleged abusers are held accountable for their actions. Fill out our free California nursing home abuse case evaluation form to have a dedicated elder abuse attorney contact you directly.
As the economy continues to take a downfall, it seems as if elder abuse in nursing homes is becoming more and more common. Unfortunately, with limited budgets and uneducated nursing staff members, nursing homes are not providing their residents with the medical care and attention that they promised.
In a recent news article provided by UPI.com, two California women were arrested and convicted of elder abuse after coating patients with ointment as a practice joke. These women, 52-year-old Monica Rose Smith and 34-year-old Louise Burton, have been sentenced to 20 days in jail as well as placed on two year probation. On top of this, three other employees received non-custodial sentenced for elder abuse or failure to report it and all five had their California nursing assistant licenses revoked.
Whether the abuse is physical, mental, verbal, and emotional or through neglect, each case must be reported so that the abuse does become fatal. If someone you know and love is or will become a resident at a California nursing home, it is imperative that you learn the signs of elder abuse and know that you can help prevent elder abuse from occurring.
Contact our California Elder Abuse Attorneys as soon as you suspect elder abuse or have witnessed elder abuse of a friend or family member. We will answer any questions you may have, investigate the case and ensure that the nursing home or wrong doer is held accountable for their actions.
Marsha Davis, a 68-year-old nursing home patient, is suing the Seal Beach nursing home that she resided at for elder abuse.
According to Mercury News, Davis resided at Country Villa, a nursing facility in Seal Beach, where she claims that she was wrongly drugged for several months so to take over her Social Security payments. The former preschool teacher states that the nursing home failed to provide her with the proper care and was given powerful psychotropic drugs for schizophrenia and dementia. Davis also claims that she was given the drug Ativan without a prescription, warning or a psychiatric evaluation.
Due to low and uneducated staff members, more and more cases of elder abuse at nursing homes are occurring. The best way to help prevent elder abuse from occurring is to speak with the nursing home employees as well as your friend or loved one who resides there. It is imperative that you learn the signs of elder abuse so that you are able to spot them quickly to help protect your loved ones.
Contact our California Elder Abuse Attorneys today if you suspect or have witnessed elder abuse. We understand how difficult and frustrating this time may be and are here to provide you with answers to any questions you may have as well as represent the victim so that they are compensated for the pain and suffering that they endured.
Two San Mateo County men have been arrested for elder abuse after they caused a brutal home-invasion robbery in South San Francisco.
According to Mercury News, 21-year-old Isaias Navarrete received 28 years in prison for sexual assault, elder abuse, dissuading a witness and obtaining a signature by force. Navarrete and Juan Carlos Vasquez, 34, forced themselves into the home of a 74 year old man and his 53 year old wife, with whom Vasquez had previous done contract work for.
During the 5 hour ordeal, the elder couple was tied up, the husband was beaten and the wife was sexually assaulted by Navarrete. The two men then forced the couple to sign over $1,000 worth in checks and stole jewelry before taking off in the victim's Ford pickup truck. Both men were arrested the following day. Vasquez received 10 years and 4 months in prison for robbery, car theft, elder abuse and obtaining a signature by force.
Elder abuse can occur in my ways whether it is physical, emotional, and verbal or through neglect, however no person should ever have to endure being victimized. If you or someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse, contact our California Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys as soon as possible.
Maria Corazon Park has pleaded guilty to a single count of felony elder abuse after stealing more than $800k from three elderly nursing home residents.
According to the 10 News, Park was an operator of multiple San Diego County residential care facilities where she embezzled nearly $665k from the bank accounts of two elderly men shortly before and after their deaths as well as withdrew $130k from the bank account of a 79-year-old woman that Park provided in-home care for. Park could be sentenced to three years in prison for her felony elder abuse case.
Our California Nursing Home Attorneys understand how difficult and frustrating it can be to discover any type of elder abuse. We are here to provide you with legal advice, answer any questions you may have a represent you throughout the entire case.
Three Sunnyvale nursing home workers have been arrested on suspicion of elder abuse.
According to Mercury News, Arnold Samson, 27, faces charges of elder abuse as well as battery against a resident of a skilled nursing home. The certified nursing assistant allegedly yanked on an elderly man's genitalia and has since been fired from Idylwood Care Center. Two other workers, 22 year old Ryan Tan and 50 year old Ricardo Martinez, were also arrested for having knowledge of the elder abuse and not reporting it.
It is important to learn the signs of elder abuse so that you can stop them from continuing. If you have witnessed abuse at a nursing home or are a victim of elder abuse, speak with a qualified California Elder Abuse attorney today.
California nursing homes have a legal obligation to protect elder residents, provide them with the care and medical attention that they need and ensure that they are safe and watched after. A San Pedro elderly man has been reported missing from a care facility. He was last seen on Saturday and suffers from dementia and hypertension.
According to the Daily Breeze, the 84-year-old is described as a Hispanic male who is 5'7" with gray hair and brown eyes and was wearing a white T-shirt, brown pants and a black jacket. Officers are saying that the elderly man may run away if approached so they are recommending that if he is spotted, to call law enforcement. Elder abuse can come in a variety of ways, and neglecting to watch an elderly individual is included in that.
If you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse, contact our California Elder Abuse Attorneys to find out how we can the victim take their case to court.
An Orange County nursing home has been penalized and fined with $75,000 in violations for elder abuse for a patient's death last year.
The Victoria Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Costa Mesa, has received the most severe penalty under state law after one of its residents died in September. According to the OC Register, a 92-year-old man was admitted to the Victoria Healthcare Center after he had hip surgery. The elderly man was recovering when an undetected ulcer ruptured in his small intestine which then caused his bloodstream to become infected. Family members and an occupational therapist all told officers that the elderly man was lethargic and in pain, but no one contacted the doctor.
If you suspect that someone you know is a victim of elder abuse, do not wait to contact authorities; the elderly person's health and life could be in danger. Contact our Orange County Elder Abuse Attorneys today for more information.
If a friend or a loved one is a resident at a California nursing facility, it is important to learn all the signs of elder abuse so that they can be stopped immediately. Because any type of abuse can cause extensive damage both physically and mentally, knowing the signs of abuse can be beneficial and can provide both you and the resident with peace of mind knowing that they will be protected.
Elder abuse does not always apply to elderly individuals; an elder can be categorized as:
- Anyone over the age of 65
- A dependent adult who is between the ages of 16 and 64 who has physical or mental limitations
- Any person who is between 18 and 64 who has been admitted to a 24-hour facility such as psychiatric hospitals, acute-care hospitals or even a chemical dependency recovery hospital
Signs of elder abuse may or may not be visible, can occur virtually anywhere and include physical, verbal, emotional, sexual and neglect. Nursing homes and facilities have a legal obligation to protect their residents and offer them exceptional care. Some signs of elder abuse include, but are not limited to:
Physical/Sexual Abuse:
- Unexplained injuries
- Bruises, welts
- Open wounds, cuts, bedsores
- Sexual battery/assault
- Torn or bloody underwear
Emotional/Verbal Abuse:
- Withdrawn, non-communicative
- Emotionally upset, agitated
- Humiliates, insults, ignores family members
- Afraid of multiple or specific caretaker
- Wants to be isolated from others
- Exhibits unusual sucking, biting, rocking behavior
Neglect Abuse:
- Unsanitary, unclean living conditions
- No assistance with personal hygiene
- Limited access to food, clothing, medical services
- Dehydrated or malnourished
- Lack of care for existing medical conditions
If you have discovered elder abuse, contact a knowledgeable and qualified California Elder Abuse Attorney immediately. We will assist you in all aspects of the case, provide you with legal advice and will make sure that the victim is compensated for the pain and suffering that they have endured.
Altadena Senior Center will be hosting a "Smarter Seniors Forum" on January 28th to educate seniors and their family members on how to prevent and report elder abuse.
Friday morning from 9am to 11:15am, according to the Pasadena Star News, seniors and their family members are welcomed to attend the forum to learn about identity theft, real estate fraud, foreclosure, loan modification and other common consumer frauds. The forum is free to attend and will include refreshments and giveaways.
The "Smarter Seniors Forum" will be located at:
Altadena Senior Center
560 E Mariposa St.
Altadena, CA 91001
For more information regarding the forum, contact Inez Duarte (213) 974-7238.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse, contact a leading California Elder Abuse Attorney for more information.
A residential care home facility in Fair Oaks is shut down by the state of California after a "granny cam" captures elder abuse.
The Sacramento Bee states that Sean Suh installed a camera next to his grandmother Kyong Hui Duncan's bed to make sure that the staff treated her right. Suh noticed that his grandmother was suffering from unexplained gashes and bruises, and seem to be drugged when he visited; he found a new home to transfer his grandmother to, however, was informed that she had passed away.
Shortly after Duncan's death, Suh went through the camera's footage and found a clip that showed a staffer violently shaking Duncan in her wheelchair. Duncan's family filed a civil lawsuit charging the home with abuse, neglect and wrongful death.
Following the investigation, the state ordered the home to cease operation. On top of this, the state has accused the Fair Oaks home of "fire code violations, failing to dispose of contaminated needles, using prescription medicines that had expired and forging prescriptions". If you know someone who is the victim of elder abuse, contact our Elder Abuse Attorneys today to receive the compensation that they deserve.
Thomas Hogue, 52, was arrested on suspicion of felony manufacturing methamphetamine and elder abuse. According to the OC Register, Hogue was a caretaker of 87 year old elderly women and had set up a methamphetamine lab inside of her mobile home.
Officials were sent to the Anaheim home at 11 p.m. Monday to conduct a welfare check on the elderly woman after her granddaughter was unable to reach her or her caretaker. Anaheim police state that there was not an active heat source inside the home and that there was no threat to the neighbors.
If you or someone you know is the victim of elder abuse or would like more information in spotting elder abuse, contact our knowledgeable Elder Abuse Lawyers today.
Roberto Recendes, 42, received 17 years in state prison for physically abusing 94-year-old woman years ago. Recedes assaulted the woman back in 2002 at the convalescent home in El Camino Way. According to Palo Alto Patch, Recedes received "eight years for forced penetration, four years for elder abuse and a five-year enhancement for inflicting great bodily harm".
After a long search and extradition to the US by Mexican authorities in 2008, Recendes admitted to raping and beating the elderly woman, leaving her severely bruised. He is required to pay restitution to the victim's family as well as register as a sex offender.
The signs of abuse may not be as obvious as bruising, but if you believe someone you know or love may be being abused or neglected, it is imperative that you contact a leading Elder Abuse Defense Attorney. We are dedicated to pursuing justice for both the victims and their families.
The holiday season can be tough for families who have loved ones in nursing homes. California is the first state to publically post ratings of that particular facility. Depending on the quality of care, staffing and inspections, each nursing home will be giving from one to five stars. These ratings are intended to provide both patients and their family members with peace of mind by having them aware of their facility being in compliance of both health and safety laws. The Los Angeles Times states that "California is home to 1,235 federally rated nursing homes...Of those, 195 got the lowest rating, one start, and 187 got five stars". Nursing home officials and patient advocates home that the inspections and ratings improve within the upcoming year.
Because elderly abuse can be prevalent in nursing facilities, the posted ratings will help each nursing home stay compliant, minimizing potential abuse cases. Although the ratings do help comfort patients and their family members, it is still recommended to speak with the staff members and to check out the facility to make sure it is what you or your loved one will be comfortable staying at.
A leading problem for nursing homes across the state and ultimately the nation is understaffing. Recently the Skilled Healthcare Group received a $677 million verdict against them when they were accused of understaffing. According to the record, the nursing home violated state requirements of keeping a minimum number of nurses on staff.
Understaffing can be a clear cause of nursing home abuse. California nursing homes are required to keep a minimum number of nurses on staff in order to ensure that residents are properly cared for and attended to. It is important to contact a California elder abuse attorney if you believe that the nursing home you or your loved one is at is understaffed.
Juries throughout the nation are fed up with nursing home abuse cases and the verdicts are showing it. Within the span of a couple of months one jury in Northern California awarded a $600 million verdict against a nursing home believed to be intentionally understaffing. The $3.1 million Orange County verdict was no surprise given the trend and most recently Georgia announced its highest award against a nursing home. $43 million was awarded when Morris Ellison, an 80 year old patient of the Moran Lake Nursing Home, fell several times. One fall resulted in him breaking his hip. The nursing home is accused of failing to notify his doctors of the injuries.
This pattern is a tragedy and requires vigilance on behalf of loved ones in California nursing homes. If you suspect that you or your family member has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect call our dedicated California nursing home abuse attorneys today.
Earlier this summer, the California State Auditor announced gross oversight by the Department of Public Health in failing to collect fines related to nursing home abuse and neglect citations. Nearly $9 million in fines went uncollected. In egregious cases some fines were reduced 99% from $100,000 to $1000 where a nursing home was found at fault in a resident's death.
State and federal agencies are instrumental to providing good health care to seniors through ombudsman programs and funding, however when the state and federal agencies put into place to protect residents of nursing homes from abuse and neglect fail to do their job everyone suffers. Call our knowledgeable California nursing home abuse lawyers today for a free consultation and to find out more about this growing epidemic.
Barbara Lefforge received a $3.1 million award after being given a brain damaging morphine overdose. Ms. Lefforge was only at the St. Edna Subacute & Rehabilitation Center in Santa Ana for about 5 ½ hours when she received the nearly fatal overdose. St. Edna is owned by Covenant Care and is one of hundreds of California nursing homes that received more than $880 million in compensation from the state. After Lefforge was given the overdose she was not monitored or even taken to the hospital until the next morning despite warnings from the pharmacist that the dosage was too high.
If you or a family member has been the victim of California nursing home abuse or neglect then you deserve compensation for the damages you received. You shouldn't have to pay for someone else's mistake especially when it relates to your health and safety. Our California nursing home abuse attorneys are skilled in representing those who are the victim of elder abuse and will fight hard to get you the compensation that you deserve.
Employees of the Valley View Skilled Nursing Facility rubbed ointment cream on seven patients to make them slippery for the oncoming shift. Misdemeanor criminal charges were filed against six employees. It is suspected that the residents were chosen because they suffered from dementia. Each employee is being charged with injury to elder or dependent adult, battery committed on elder or a dependent adult, conspiracy and battery committed while on hospital property.
Being the victim of California elder abuse or neglect can be devastating. It can affect your life and the lives of loved ones. You need to contact a knowledgeable California Elder Abuse attorney immediately if you have experienced neglect or abuse.
The California Department of Public Health announced that it has cited the Motion Picture Home in Woodland Hills for illegal transfer of dozens of its residents to other California nursing homes. In January 2009 the Motion Picture Home announced that it was closing its historic doors. Motion Picture Home cares for about 80 patients. After the announcement of their 2009 closure, the nursing home allegedly illegally transferred the residents to other nursing homes without advising them of their rights to appeal.
According to CANHR (California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform) knowingly defied the law by not issuing notices to the residents or complying with the promised relocation plan. Being moved without consent can gravely affect a nursing home resident and can result in California nursing home abuse or neglect. If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect the first call you should make is to a qualified California Elder Abuse Lawyer.
Over the last year, the Ventura County ombudsman filed nearly 200 claims against 9 nursing homes. Despite increase in funding from sources such as Medi-Cal, Ventura nursing homes are being reported on more often than ever. From alleged chemical restraints to physical abuse, the realities are shocking. Shoreline Care Center in Oxnard faces a complaint where the same bedpan was used by multiple patients. It should be noted that Shoreline's profits were over $4 million, despite increases in medi-cal funding and profits Shoreline's operator Covenant Care continues to cut staff.
Tragically, California Nursing home abuse is rampant. Increases in funding from state and federal sources seems to have done little besides increase the profit line for the nursing homes. While there are some success stories where funding has helped to increase staffing and better care, even one substantiated story of elder abuse or neglect is too many. If you or a loved one has experienced Ventura nursing home abuse the first call you should make is to a knowledgeable California elder abuse attorney who can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
The Kindred Healthcare Center of Orange was sued for negligence when the bed alarms placed for a patient's security after a fall were frequently not turned on. The bed alarms were installed to notify the staff when the patient got out bed without assistance so that he would be at less of a risk to have a subsequent fall. Floor mats which were also placed around the bed for the patient's protection were removed after only one week. On July 14, 2009, a nursing assistant found the patient after a fall and was unable to determine how long the patient had been there. Ultimately Kindred was fined $85,000.00 and issued a citation.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse in California call our team of qualified nursing home abuse attorneys. Nursing home abuse takes a number of different forms. Elder abuse may be in the form of neglect or intentional emotional and physical abuse. If you suspect California nursing home abuse the first call you should make is to a lawyer who can assist you with your case.
The California Department of Public Health found that the Homewood Care Center in San Jose was negligent when an elderly patient who had been suffering from Alzheimer's died. The Department of Public Health issued a AA citation and fined the facility $80,000. The patient was being fed by a certified nursing assistant when he began to show signs of distress and inability to swallow. No paramedics were called until 20 minutes later as the patient writhed in discomfort. Once the paramedics arrived the patient was pronounced dead.
California Nursing Home Abuse is an all too common experience. Being the victim of California Nursing Home Abuse or neglect can result in serious injury or even death. You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one was the victim of abuse. All nursing homes are held to the same standard and when their care falls below that standard they can be held responsible for negligence or intentional abuse. Call our leading California Nursing Home abuse firm today for a free consultation.
A Sacramento jury awarded the daughter of Frances Tanner the largest amount of punitive damages in the county's history. Tanner's death was contributed to a pressure sore that occurred after a hip fracture that was undiagnosed. Colonial Healthcare of Auburn has been cited three previous times for their contributions in deaths of elderly patients. While the parent company of Colonial plans to dispute the verdict, the award stands as the largest one in Sacramento's history.
Nursing home abuse in California is unforgiveable. Prying on the elderly or neglecting them when loved ones have entrusted them to a facility's care is simply detestable. There is little money that could satisfy a grieving child who has lost a parent untimely do to someone else's neglect or abuse. If you or someone you know has been the victim of California elder abuse you need to hire an attorney. You could be entitled to compensation for your loss. Call our team of California nursing home abuse lawyers today for a free consultation.
An intruder at the Heritage Rehab Center on Vermont Avenue sexually assaulted at least one, possibly three patients in the California nursing home. A lawsuit alleges that the nursing home understaffed the home in order to turn a higher profit, leaving its residents victim to neglect and abuse. The intruder is thought to have entered through an unlocked window at around 6:30 pm on February 10. He approached the woman who was in a wheelchair and fondled her as he sat on her lap. When she threatened to call for help, he left through the window and told her he would be back.
This terrifying scenario of our loved ones being left unattended, without supervision or help happens too often at nursing homes that are understaffed and left without the proper funding. If you or a loved one has been the victim of California Nursing Home Abuse or neglect, the first call you should make is to a qualified nursing home abuse attorney.
Curtis Cortez was charged with molesting two female residents. He is being held on $100,000 bail and was arrested on felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts. Cedars of Marin, the home for the disabled where this occurred had previously warned Cortez against hugging patients or giving back and shoulder rubs. Cortez claimed this was part of his "Hawaiian Culture" but also admitted to having trouble with his girlfriend and touching one woman's breasts and genitals.
Sadly, these acts of California nursing home abuse are all too common. Failure on the part of the nursing home to properly manage its staff can have devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been the victim of California elder abuse the first thing you should do is contact a qualified nursing home abuse attorney who can fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Earlier this year, US News and World Report issued a ranking of the top nursing homes. The following is a list of the top 25 nursing homes in Southern California according to the report.
1. Rady Children's Hospital Bernardo Center, San Diego
2. Community Care Center, Duarte
3. Green Acres Lodge, Rosemead
4. Harbor View Center, Long Beach
5. Hillcrest Manor Sanitarium, National City
6. Parkside Special Care Center, El Cajon
7. Providence St. Elizabeth Care, North Hollywood
8. Whittier Hospital Medical Center, Whittier
9. Windsor Manor, Glendale
10. All Saints Healthcare Sub-acute, North Hollywood
11. Artesia Christian Home, Inc., Artesia
12. Bear Valley Community Hospital, Big Bear Lake
13. Brotman Medical Center, Culver City
14. California Convalescent Center, Los Angeles
15. Cherrylee Lodge, El Monte
16. Clear View Sanitarium, Gardena
17. Community Convalescent Center of San Bernardino, San Bernardino
18. Country Villa Broadway Healthcare Center, San Gabriel
19. Country Villa Glendale Healthcare Center, Glendale
20. Dunlap Sanitarium, Los Angeles
21. Glenbrook at La Costa Glen, Carlsbad
22. Kearny Mesa Convalescent, San Diego
23. Lanterman Developmental Center, Pomona
24. Marguerite Gardens, Alhambra
25. Monterey Care, Rosemeadv
To Read more about the article visit US News and World Report.
Even the top nursing homes can be subject to care below the national standard. While it is important to read all articles and information associated with the nursing homes in your area, the best way to prevent or discover California nursing home abuse is vigilant visits and monitoring of your loved ones. If you or someone you know has been the victim of California elder abuse contact our attorneys today for a free case evaluation.
Barbara Fasold fell at the Ridgecrest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and was left for 12 hours after fracturing both legs and her shoulder. It took a shift change at 5:00 pm before any staff discovered the 76 year old patient on the ground. She had fallen out of bed at nearly 5:00 am. Fasold was badly injured by the fall and died less than a week later at a nearby hospital.
Unfortunately, as we age falls that produce injury are a reality. However being left on the floor in agonizing pain should not be. It is devastating to think that a 76 year old patient of a California Nursing Home would be left for the entire day with two broken legs and a broken shoulder until a shift change in the evening discovered her. Our California Nursing Home abuse attorneys can help. We are here to fight for victim's rights and get you the compensation you deserve if you or a loved one is injured at a nursing home.
Kern Valley Nursing Home was the scene of three unnecessary deaths as evidence leaked that the director of the program was using chemical restraints to subdue patients. According to the Attorney General the nursing home director gave patients "excessive amounts of medicine to keep them quiet." Gwen Hughes, the director of the California nursing home had been fired from a previous care facility for the same act out of Fresno. A preliminary hearing is set for March 9, 2010 where Hughes, nursing home administrator Pamela Ott and staff physician Hoshang Pormi r face up to 11 years in prison.
Unfortunately, three people had to die before the world took notice of this tragedy. California nursing home abuse and neglect is too common. Especially when it involves chemical restraints or overdrugging - it is more difficult to detect and goes on for longer than it should. If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect the first phone call you should make is to a dedicated nursing home abuse lawyer who can assist you to get the most fair settlement in your case.
An 89 year-old patient at the "Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Facility" in Castro Valley was killed after wandering out of the home and getting struck by a vehicle. The patient suffered from Alzheimer's and was likely placed in the home because of their specialized care. If it is shown that the care facility failed to provide the proper supervision over the patient then it will likely be charged with neglect or California nursing home abuse.
All care facilities have a duty to provide their patients with a standard of care common to all other nursing homes. Failure to do this can result in a negligence lawsuit. Even worse, if the acts can be shown to be willful or intentional, the charges could be even more severe. If you suspect that you or someone you love has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect then the first thing that you should do is contact a qualified California nursing home abuse attorney.
A San Diego nursing home assistant is being charged with rape of an elderly patient. Felix Panem is being charged with elder abuse after an employee of the El Dorado Care Center saw him sexually assaulting a resident. Currently he is facing a 10 year prison sentence if convicted of the charges.
Unfortunately, without the proper training and background checks employees of nursing homes can take advantage of the elderly patients that reside in their care. Instances of sexual and physical abuse are all too common. If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of California nursing home abuse or neglect, don't hesitate to contact our qualified attorneys today.
The story is devastating. Three people have died at the hands of one nursing home director who routinely over-drugged patients throughout her course of employment. According to reports she would " chemically restrain" patients with anti-psychotic drugs if they simply "glared" at her. The story was brought to light when Phyllis Peters could not wake her 97 year old mother at the Kern Valley Nursing Home. It was discovered that the amount of anti-psychotic drugs given to the patient were unwarranted. Other patients were given the same torture leaving them malnourished leading to three deaths.
Unfortunately, the reality is that California Nursing Home Abuse occurs in every setting. Directors take advantage of their patients and must be held accountable. Here the district attorney has filed charges against the director, the administrator and the physician, but this is only the start. The FDA states that over-drugging leads to 15,000 deaths in nursing homes each year. With this tragic statistic, it is up to you to act fast. If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, contact one of our leading California nursing home abuse attorneys today. We offer a free consultation and will work hard to get you the best possible outcome in your case.
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