Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect: Legal Options for Families
Harker Injury Law is proud to serve families across California with compassionate, client-focused personal injury representation. When you entrust a loved one to a nursing home, you expect them to receive respectful, professional care. Sadly, abuse and neglect are far too common in long-term care facilities, leaving vulnerable residents injured, scared, or worse.
At Harker Injury Law, we treat your family like our own. If your loved one has suffered harm in a nursing home, we will stand beside you and fight for the dignity, safety, and justice they deserve.
What Counts as Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, all of which are devastating to elderly residents and their families. Common examples include:
- Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, or using excessive force
- Emotional abuse: Verbal threats, humiliation, or intimidation
- Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact or harassment
- Financial abuse: Exploiting or stealing a resident’s money or property
Abuse is intentional, and it often leaves both visible and invisible scars.
What Is Nursing Home Neglect?
Neglect occurs when caregivers fail to meet a resident’s basic needs. This may include:
- Failing to provide food, water, or medication
- Ignoring hygiene and sanitation
- Allowing bedsores or infections to develop
- Not supervising residents, leading to falls or wandering
- Failing to call for medical help when needed
Neglect is often a result of understaffing, poor training, or lack of oversight — but families should never have to excuse or tolerate it.
Warning Signs of Abuse or Neglect
Recognizing the red flags of mistreatment can save a loved one’s life. Warning signs include:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or fractures
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration
- Bedsores or untreated infections
- Withdrawal, fearfulness, or unusual changes in behavior
- Dirty clothing, unwashed hair, or poor living conditions
- Missing personal belongings or sudden financial issues
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly.
Your Legal Rights in California
California law protects nursing home residents through the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act. Families may file lawsuits for abuse or neglect, seeking compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Relocation costs
- Wrongful death damages (if abuse or neglect results in death)
In some cases, families may also be awarded punitive damages to hold nursing homes accountable for extreme misconduct.
How Harker Injury Law Helps Families
Taking action against a nursing home can feel overwhelming. That’s why Harker Injury Law approaches every case with warmth, patience, and respect for families going through a difficult time. We investigate thoroughly by:
- Reviewing medical records and facility reports
- Interviewing staff, residents, and witnesses
- Consulting medical and elder care experts
- Documenting injuries and conditions through photos and testimony
We handle the legal battle so you can focus on your loved one’s recovery and safety.
Local Trust Cues and Resources
In communities like Temecula, Murrieta, and Riverside, families often rely on local nursing facilities for elderly care. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect can occur in facilities near Temecula Valley Hospital or within driving distance of Riverside County Superior Court.
Our team understands the local landscape, including the oversight agencies and courts that handle elder abuse cases. We are committed to standing up for seniors across Southern California.
Why Time Matters
Nursing home abuse cases should never be delayed. Acting quickly ensures:
- Your loved one is removed from danger
- Evidence is preserved
- Witnesses’ memories remain fresh
- The facility faces accountability
California has strict deadlines for filing lawsuits, which makes early legal representation even more critical.
Call Harker Injury Law Today
If you believe your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t wait. Protecting their dignity and safety starts with one call.
Call Harker Injury Law today for a free consultation. We’ll listen with compassion, investigate with diligence, and fight with the same dedication we’d want for our own families.
