Nursing Home and Elder Abuse in California
When families place their loved ones in nursing homes, they do so with trust – trust that their family members will be treated with dignity, compassion, and proper care. Unfortunately, that trust is sometimes broken. Across California and here in the Bay Area, nursing home abuse is a growing concern. For victims and their families, understanding what constitutes abuse – and why it’s crucial to take legal action – is the first step toward justice and accountability.
At The Abel Firm, we are committed to protecting vulnerable seniors and holding negligent caregivers and facilities accountable. If you suspect your loved one is suffering, our experienced Bay Area nursing home abuse lawyers are here to help.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse refers to any intentional harm, neglect, or mistreatment of elderly residents by caregivers, staff, or administrators. Abuse can take many forms:
- Physical abuse – Hitting, shoving, improper restraint use
- Emotional abuse – Verbal threats, humiliation, social isolation
- Sexual abuse – Any non-consensual sexual interaction
- Financial abuse – Theft, forgery, or coercion related to money or property
- Neglect – Failure to meet the resident’s basic needs, including hygiene, nutrition, or medical attention
- Sadly, these types of abuse occur even in well-rated facilities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, from San Francisco and Daly City to Berkeley and Walnut Creek.
The Hidden Dangers: Bedsores and Infections
Some of the most overlooked but dangerous signs of nursing home neglect are bedsores (also known as pressure ulcers) and untreated infections. These conditions often result from prolonged immobility, poor hygiene, and a lack of medical oversight—clear indicators of neglect.
Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers)
Bedsores develop when a resident is left in the same position for too long without being turned or moved. They can cause severe pain, lead to infections, and even become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Infections
Residents with untreated urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, or sepsis may not be able to communicate their symptoms. In many Bay Area cases, these infections have gone unnoticed due to staffing shortages or carelessness—until it’s too late. If your loved one has developed bedsores or a preventable infection in a nursing home, you may have grounds to file a nursing home neglect lawsuit.
Why It’s Important to File a Lawsuit
When nursing home abuse is suspected, taking legal action is more than just a personal decision—it’s a public service. Here’s why filing a lawsuit is essential:
- Justice for the Victim: A lawsuit can help provide much-needed medical care, emotional support, and relocation to a safe environment for the abused senior
- Accountability for Facilities: Many Bay Area nursing homes are part of large corporate chains. Legal claims force these entities to answer for unsafe staffing policies or neglectful care
- Protecting Others: By speaking up, your family can help prevent other residents from becoming victims of the same mistreatment.
- Financial Compensation: Victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages.
How a San Francisco Bay Area Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can Help
Navigating a nursing home abuse case in California requires deep legal knowledge, compassion, and an understanding of local regulations. At The Abel Firm, we are experienced San Francisco elder abuse lawyers who know how to:
- Investigate nursing home records and staffing histories,
- Work with medical experts to prove neglect or abuse,
- Negotiate or litigate claims for maximum compensation.
Whether the abuse happened in a facility in Marin County, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo, or anywhere in California, our firm is ready to fight for your family.
