Seeking Justice For Victims Of Elder Abuse And Neglect

Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is far too common in California, and can take many forms including negligence and physical abuse. If your loved one has suffered, we can help

Our firm is dedicated to helping families who have suffered from nursing home abuse seek the justice they deserve. It’s all we do.

So glad I contacted this Elder Abuse Attorney. Did so in behalf of my elderly mother who unfortunately couldn't speak for herself because of her untimely death. Lanzone Morgan represented my siblings and me with the utmost respect, dignity and professional services. They handled our case from the beginning to the end with positive results unbeknownst to our expectations. I give them a GREAT STAR review and highly recommend Lanzone Morgan LLP.

Sharon A.

Defending the Dignity of Elders

Securing Millions in Victim Compensation

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Defending the Elderly

At Lanzone Morgan, LLP, we’re known for successful litigation of hundreds of cases related to abuse and neglect in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Our dedicated team of attorneys are committed to seeking justice and compensation for victims of elder abuse and neglect, making us a trusted choice for those in need of legal advocacy.

If you or a loved one is suffering from abuse in a nursing home or other long term care setting, reach out to us for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys have extensive experience and are dedicated advocates for the rights and safety of elders, as outlined in the California Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA). 

Duty of Care

Nursing homes and elder care facilities have a “duty of care” to residents because residents depend on staff and employees for food, safe shelter, hygiene, and medical care.

Injuries and health complications can result if this standard is not met.

These injuries include but are not limited to bedsores, broken bones, concussions, falls and fractures, spinal injuries, and infections.

Signs of Abuse

Common signs of abuse in a nursing home facility can vary depending on the type of abuse—whether it’s physical, emotional, financial, or neglect. Some of the most common signs to look for include:

Dehydration and Weight Loss

Malnutrition and dehydration happens in nursing homes when the staff fails to attend to the specific dietary needs of its patients. While these conditions are dangerous enough on their own, improper assistance from caregivers during mealtimes can be potentially lethal as well, exposing vulnerable seniors to the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia as food “goes down the wrong pipe” and into the lungs. If a resident loses more than 10% of their body weight or becomes severely dehydrated, it is likely that staff failed to assist them with nutrition and hydration. Failing to provide food or water to a vulnerable resident is a prime example of California elder abuse and neglect. 

Bed Sores

Bed sores are serious injuries that are commonly seen in nursing home abuse cases. Bed sores are pressure ulcers on the skin that develop when a small area of the body is put under pressure for an extended time. Patients with mobility issues are at an increased risk of suffering from bed sores. They are commonly found in areas with thin skin like the tailbone, buttocks, and heels, but can happen anywhere on the body. With proper attention, bed sores are treatable and highly preventable, but once they begin to progress they can quickly lead to life-threatening conditions like MRSA, infections and sepsis. A deep bed sore should never form inside a healthcare facility. This is why bed sores are the most common injury type in California nursing home negligence litigation. 

Falls

Falls are common among seniors and can be accidents. But if a patient is a known fall risk, they should receive proper supervision and support in the form of rails, alarms or pads, and any trip hazards should be removed from their living areas. Broken hips, femur fractures, subdural hematomas (brain bleeds) and other unexplained injuries can all result from falls in nursing homes. When we investigate a nursing home fall case, unfortunately, more often than not we determine that the fall could have been prevented if the nursing home staff acted appropriately. 

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is another potential form of abuse that cannot be ignored in California’s nursing homes. The elderly often struggle with memory issues and general confusion, which can make them targets for sexual predators. Signs of sexual abuse to be aware of include withdrawal or anxiety related to certain parts of the body, the development of unexplained STDs, and bruising and bleeding or pain in the genitals, thighs or breasts. As with the victims of other forms of abuse, sexual abuse victims may feel too ashamed to admit what happened, may not remember it or may be simply unable to communicate what took place. Any form of rape inside a California nursing home must be reported and investigated immediately. 

Physical Assault

Physical attacks should never occur inside a California healthcare facility. Many of our nursing home assault cases involve resident on resident violence. Some more shocking cases involve staff versus resident assault. Regardless of who perpetrated the violence, skilled nursing facilities are supposed to be safe places for our vulnerable family members. A nursing home assault or attack is inexcusable. 

As the loved one or guardian of a nursing home resident, you must keep the potential for any of these scenarios in mind and know what to do if you witness any of the aforementioned “red flags” of abuse. If your loved one unfortunately suffered any of the above red-flag injuries inside a facility, contact our California nursing home abuse attorneys today to learn more about your legal rights.

We offer free, convenient attorney consultations to discuss your potential case. 

At Lanzone Morgan, LLP, we are well-established as an experienced and reputable elder abuse law firm with a proven track record of holding nursing homes accountable. 

We understand that reporting abuse in nursing facilities, especially when a loved one is involved, can be incredibly challenging. However, remaining silent can only worsen the situation.  

If you discover that an elder is being physically, mentally, or financially abused at a nursing home, contact Lanzone Morgan LLP immediately for prompt assistance. We are committed to every client and work tirelessly to ensure justice is served.