California Nursing Home Pays Out $15 Million for Negligent Care
Nursing homes shoulder an enormous responsibility. Our senior loved ones deserve the best care possible – but we cannot be there to supervise nursing homes throughout the day. As a result, we must place our trust in both staff members and the underlying organization – hoping that our elderly family members are treated well.
Unfortunately, this trust is often misplaced. Even if a nursing home seems professional and clean from the outside, it could be committing all kinds of negligent acts behind closed doors. These suspicions were proven correct for many California residents, and one particular nursing home company is now being forced to pay out a $15 million settlement as a result. If you suspect your senior is being subjected to similar acts of nursing home negligence in San Francisco, you might just be right.
Major Nursing Facility Agrees to Pay Out Millions
A major healthcare facility in California has agreed to pay out $15.5 million to settle allegations of understaffing, negligent care, and abusive mistreatment of patients. This company operates 19 facilities across the state, including several locations in the Bay Area. This controversy began in 2021 when the company was accused of illegally understaffing many of its facilities. This led to a further investigation that uncovered a wide range of additional unlawful activities.
Patients suffered needlessly as a result of this understaffing issue. Multiple seniors suffered serious injuries, including amputations, infections, viruses, and sexual assaults. Pests seemed to run free across these facilities, and there were numerous reports of lice and other creatures.
In an effort to conceal these horrific issues, the company falsified data and misled investigators. Specifically, they focused on hiding the true number of their staff. Many of the issues described in the report would have undoubtedly been prevented if there were simply more nurses and staff members looking after these vulnerable seniors.
Despite these heinous acts of negligence, it’s worth pointing out that the company is not going out of business. It seems that authorities in California are going to allow these nursing facilities to continue operation, as long as the company takes steps to improve its policies and practices. They will also need to accept independent monitoring for three years.
No one seems to be facing criminal penalties for these horrific issues. Despite the fact that this clear malpractice led directly to serious injuries and deaths, no one involved with the company will face incarceration.
What Should You Do if You Think Your Senior is Being Abused in a Nursing Home?
If you think your senior is being abused in a California nursing home, you should take a few important steps. You may want to report your suspicions to a government agency that oversees nursing facilities, as this might spark an investigation. You might also want to get in touch with a qualified personal injury attorney, as these legal professionals can help with your next steps.
A key priority in this situation is gathering evidence. An obvious step is to request your senior’s medical records. Review these records and search for evidence of unexplained medical issues, physical abuse, or needless treatments. Remember, your senior should only be prescribed psychiatric medication in very specific situations. Nursing homes cannot prescribe these medications on a whim, although they often do so unlawfully to keep residents in a docile, easily controllable state.
You might also be justified in placing a “nanny cam” near your senior to capture evidence of abuse. However, it is important to speak with an attorney before using hidden cameras, as they may be illegal in numerous situations. Ultimately, your lawyer can help you gather convincing evidence of abuse. Lawyers can also help you negotiate with negligent nursing homes for fair settlements.
Find a Qualified Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in San Francisco
If you have been searching for a nursing home abuse lawyer in San Francisco, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs, including elderly individuals. With our assistance, you can fight for justice and compensation while holding negligent nursing homes accountable. The recent $15 million settlement shows just how rewarding these lawsuits can be. The funds can be used to cover medical expenses, emotional distress, and other legitimate damages. If nursing home negligence has led to the death of your loved one, a lawsuit can also help cover funeral expenses. Book your consultation today to get started with an action plan.
