Assisted Living Facility Lawyer
We have extensive experience suing the following facilities: Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Memory Care Facilities, Adult Day Care Centers, and more.
75+
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
$200+
MILLION
WON
24/7
OUR TEAM'S
AVAILABLE
LEADING ELDER
ABUSE LAW FIRM
Table of Contents:
- How Our California Assisted Living Facility Attorneys Can Help You
- Hear From Our Past Clients
- Types of Assisted Living Facility Abuse Cases We Handle
- Infographic – What to Do If You Suspect Abuse in a California Assisted Living Facility
- What Constitutes Assisted Living Abuse and Neglect?
- Can I Sue an Assisted Living Facility for Abuse and Neglect?
- What Damages Can You Recover in an Assisted Living Facility Negligence Lawsuit?
- How To Report Assisted Living Abuse or Neglect
- How Do I Prove an Assisted Living Facility Negligence Claim?
- Let Our California Assisted Living Attorneys Give Your Loved One a Voice
Assisted living facilities often fail to provide even the minimum required level of care. You have entrusted the facility with the care of your loved one and likely feel betrayed as you watch your loved one’s vitality and independence slip away. Assisted living facilities are not medical facilities, but are still responsible for providing basic services that enhance residents’ independence and quality of life.
If your loved one’s health has deteriorated in an assisted living facility, it may indicate neglect or abuse. Your loved one deserves justice and compensation for the harm they suffered. We can determine whether the facility has neglected or abused your loved one and help you pursue justice. Call our experienced assisted living facility lawyers today at (888) 887-9777 or contact us online for a free consultation.
How Our California Assisted Living Facility Attorneys Can Help You
Moving a loved one into an assisted living facility should give you peace of mind from knowing their needs are being met in a safe, supportive environment. When an assisted living facility lets you and your loved one down, you may be entitled to substantial compensation through a negligence lawsuit. Assisted living facilities are often wealthy corporations that fight negligence claims. You will need a knowledgeable attorney to fight for your loved one and recover the compensation they deserve.
Our experienced California nursing home abuse lawyers represent elderly and dependent adults and their families throughout California. We have over 75 years of combined experience standing up to nursing homes, hospitals, residential care facilities, and assisted living facilities. Because elderly and dependent adult abuse is all we do, we handle assisted living negligence cases with extreme efficiency and a depth of experience unavailable at other law firms.
When you choose Lanzone Morgan, LLP, you are family. Everyone in our firm has empathy and compassion for the victims we represent and their families. You will receive emotional support, referrals to resources, and a customized approach so you receive the individualized attention you deserve.
Hear From Our Past Clients
Our client testimonials come from real people whose lives were forever altered by the mistreatment their loved ones received in care facilities. While no sum of money can atone for elder abuse harms, our clients consistently tell us that holding the facility accountable made the difference they needed.
“This review is being posted much later than I expected, perhaps in part because I still have been mourning the loss of my mother. I contacted the office of Lanzone Morgan, LLP after the passing of my mother, who had been living in an assisted living facility. Everyone in their legal office was so professional, so courteous, very compassionate in speaking with me in regards to my late mother, and so capable in preparing the best legal case to address our family’s concerns. I cannot say enough good [things] about this law firm and their entire staff. I would recommend their legal services to any family who has questions related to the care and comfort of their elder loved ones. Yes, I am still mourning the loss of my mother, but I am also very confident that my grief has been greatly lessened because of the help and compassion provided to our family by the office of Lanzone Morgan, LLP.”
John T.
“Dealing with the grief of losing your loved one is difficult, but when it’s at the hands of a facility that we trusted to care for our mother, it’s overwhelmingly hard. At times, I feel like if I choose a different place, my mother would still be here. From the moment I called Lanzone Morgan, LLP with my complaint, everything went amazingly smooth. They were understanding, kind, and effective at winning our case. I have never been through this process before, but I was extremely surprised how fast it went! They dealt with us with care because they knew we were struggling adapting to life without our mother and submitting the documents they needed, and all the questions and stress that come with filing a case. To anyone that has lost a loved one or endured pain and suffering at the hands of another, I 100% recommend Lazone Morgan. It is getting the justice my mother deserved and saving others from the same fate.”
Chloe E.
Get started on your path to justice with Lanzone Morgan, LLP. With 75+ years of experience, we have a proven track record of holding nursing homes accountable.
Types of Assisted Living Facility Abuse Cases We Handle
We have decades of experience handling claims for all types of injuries in assisted living facilities, including the following:
- Slips and falls
- Broken bones
- Subdural hematomas
- Pressure ulcers
- Sexual assault
- Physical assault
- Verbal abuse
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Poor hygiene
- Wandering and elopement
If you notice warning signs of any type of abuse or neglect, document your observations and gather medical records that could substantiate your concerns. Take photographs of any suspicious injuries. Retain all relevant correspondence from the assisted living facility and make written notes about any conversations you have with nursing home staff about your concerns.
Speak with a knowledgeable assisted living facility attorney at Lanzone Morgan, LLP as soon as possible. We can investigate the care your loved one is receiving, assist with reporting the abuse, and help you explore your legal options. From Del Norte County down to Imperial County, we are just a phone call away at (888) 887-9777. We are available 24/7 to all abused residents and their families, including those in the following areas:
What to Do If You Suspect Abuse in a California Assisted Living Facility
Four Steps To Take Now If You Suspect Assisted Living Facility Neglect or Abuse
If you suspect your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in an assisted living facility, take the following steps:
- Get immediate medical attention. Contact your loved one’s doctor if you suspect their needs are not being met or that they have suffered abuse. If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
- Report the abuse or neglect. Call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s CRISIS Line at (800) 231-4024 and email the Department of Social Services at letusno@dss.ca.gov. If you suspect your loved one has been assaulted or exploited financially, call your local law enforcement office.
- Gather evidence. Photograph injuries, write down your observations, document your conversations with staff, collect medical records, and get contact information from any witnesses.
- Contact our skilled California assisted living attorneys. We can investigate your loved one’s care, help you report abuse and neglect, advise you of your rights and options, and pursue justice. Call (888) 877-9777 now for a free case review.
What Constitutes Assisted Living Abuse and Neglect?
Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities are not medical providers. Thus, abuse and neglect often take different forms in these types of facilities. Assisted living abuse and neglect may include the following:
- Physical abuse, such as hitting, shoving, or rough handling
- Resident-to-resident violence
- Sexual assault
- Verbal abuse
- Failure to assist with daily needs, such as showering, toileting, and dressing
- Poor food quality and unsanitary food preparation and storage practices
- Failure to monitor residents’ food and water consumption
- Failure to recognize medical emergencies
- Failure to notify a physician or family about changes in a resident’s condition
- Acceptance of residents who need skilled nursing care
- Administration of medication without appropriate qualifications
- Theft of property and financial abuse
- Inadequate infection control
- Failure to prevent bedsores
- Inadequate supervision
- Wandering and elopement
Assisted Living Facility Responsibilities
California assisted living facilities are responsible for providing room and board and basic services, including personal assistance and care, observation, supervision, and activities. Care and supervision include assistance with daily needs, such as hygiene. Assisted living facilities generally cannot administer medications, but they can provide minimal assistance and remind residents to take self-administered medications.
Assisted living facilities must inform prospective residents and everyone involved in their placement about the services they do and do not offer. They must not admit anyone who needs 24-hour skilled or intermediate nursing care or has communicable infections. They have lower staffing requirements than nursing homes, but staff must undergo training in sanitation, resident communication, their specific duties, and local resources.
Some assisted living facilities neglect residents’ basic needs, perform services for which they are not qualified, and accept residents who need higher levels of care than they can provide. They often fail to ensure staff have the required training. If your loved one resides in an assisted living facility and you suspect something is wrong, it probably is. Trust your instincts and act now to prevent further harm. Call (888) 887-9777 24/7 to speak to an assisted living attorney near you.
Can I Sue an Assisted Living Facility for Abuse and Neglect?
Yes, you can sue an assisted living facility for abuse and neglect if you can prove that your loved one suffered harm because the facility allowed them to experience abuse or failed to provide necessary care. However, you must have appropriate standing to file the claim.
You can generally file the claim if your loved one has named you a durable power of attorney. Your loved one may need to file the claim if they have sufficient mental and physical capacity and have not executed a power of attorney. If your loved one lacks capacity and has not executed a power of attorney, we can help you petition the court to appoint a conservator or legal guardian.
Lawsuits against assisted living facilities are governed by a statute of limitations, which imposes a filing deadline. While many factors influence the statute of limitations, the deadline for an assisted living facility abuse lawsuit is generally two years after the incident or discovery of the injuries.
Our assisted living facility abuse law firm can help you navigate the legal process, determine how the statute of limitations applies, and timely file your lawsuit.
What Damages Can You Recover in an Assisted Living Facility Negligence Lawsuit?
In an assisted living facility negligence lawsuit, you may be entitled to economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Economic damages cover financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, stolen property, and the costs of moving to another facility. Non-economic damages compensate for subjective losses, such as pain and suffering, loss of function, and emotional distress.
Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases to punish defendants and deter others from similar conduct. To recover punitive damages, you must prove the defendants committed fraud or caused harm through malice or gross negligence.
We are committed to helping every client recover the maximum compensation available. Our attorneys have recovered over $200 million in compensation in settlements and verdicts, including the following:
How To Report Assisted Living Abuse or Neglect
If you suspect your loved one is being abused or deprived of needed care, you can start protecting them today by acting immediately. The California Department of Aging’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for long-term care residents throughout the state, including assisted living facility residents. You can reach the ombudsman by calling the statewide CRISIS Line at (800) 231-4024. The ombudsman can check on your loved one and report abuse or neglect.
The California Department of Social Services investigates assisted living facility abuse and neglect complaints. You can report abuse by sending an email to letusno@dss.ca.gov.
Our well-versed assisted living lawyers can help you file your abuse report, protect your loved one, and explore legal options. If you suspect neglect or abuse, call us at (888) 887-9777. It’s important to involve our team quickly so we can access evidence and file your claim before the statute of limitations expires.
How Do I Prove an Assisted Living Facility Negligence Claim?
To prove negligence in an assisted living facility claim, you must prove that the facility owed your loved one a duty of care, that they did not receive the care they needed, and that they suffered an injury as a result. Assisted living facilities often fight claims, so you will need strong evidence to prove your case, such as the following:
- Medical records from before and after admission to the facility
- Medical records and billing statements related to the injuries
- Statements from people who witnessed the negligence
- Statements from family members who observed the effects of the negligence
- Expert witness testimonies
- Photos of the injuries
- Video footage of any incidents, if available
- Administrative records
Gathering this evidence alone can be challenging, and insurance companies may refuse to contact you or look at your evidence. Our assisted living facility abuse lawyers can gather evidence for you, handle the insurance company, and help you recover the assisted living facility negligence settlement your loved one deserves. We will be ready to go to trial if the insurance company refuses to pay fair compensation.
"We know the ins and outs of nursing home litigation. We know how the long-term care industry operates. Because we know how they operate, we're in the best position to get the best results for the clients."
Let Our California Assisted Living Attorneys Give Your Loved One a Voice
Our world-class assisted living facility lawyers have over 75 years of combined experience and a proven track record of holding elder care facilities accountable. We are dedicated to passionately protecting the elderly community’s rights and welfare. When you choose Lanzone Morgan, LLP, you will receive compassionate, personalized advocacy and emotional support.
Contact us online today or call (888) 887-9777 for a free consultation, and let us put you on the pathway to justice.
Written and edited by our team of expert legal content writers and reviewed and approved by attorney Anthony C. Lanzone.
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- Nursing Homes
- Assisted Living Facilities
- Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, or RCFE
- Memory Care Facilities
- Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Adult Day Care Centers
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities
- Non-Emergency Transport Providers
- Acute Care Hospitals
- Nursing Home Infections
- Falls & Fractures
- Unexplained Broken Bones
- Bedsores/Pressure Sores
- Sepsis
- Medication Errors/Overmedication
- Unauthorized Use of Restraints
- Wheelchair Transfer Injuries
- Elderly Wandering & Elopement
- Elderly Sexual Assault & Abuse
- Dehydration & Malnutrition
- Poor Hygiene
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Amputation
- Choking Deaths
- Wrongful Death
- Financial Elder Abuse