San Jose Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Don’t Let Nursing Home Abuse Go Unchallenged in San Jose - Call (408) 716-1668 Now
As America’s elderly population grows, more families rely on nursing homes and assisted living facilities for care. Unfortunately, some facilities prioritize profits over residents, cutting costs in ways that lead to understaffing, unsafe conditions, and preventable harm.
Nursing home abuse, whether physical, mental or financial, is a serious concern. Many victims feel embarrassed, fearful, or confused, and may not report the mistreatment to loved ones. Recognizing the risks and knowing how to protect yourself or a family member is essential to ensuring safe, dignified care.
Compassionate San Jose Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
The San Jose nursing home abuse attorneys at Needham Kepner & Fish LLP have years of experience helping elderly clients in the Bay Area who have been abused or neglected at nursing homes and other assisted living facilities. We build a solid case against the facilities by focusing on the facts. If a nursing home or assisted living facility is abusing you, a loved one, or another resident of a long-term care home, we can help hold the proper parties responsible.
Our experienced team can help. Contact us online or over the phone to arrange a free consultation for your San Jose nursing home abuse case.
What Are the 3 Most Common Complaints About Nursing Homes?
Complaints about nursing homes can vary widely, but there are some common concerns that often arise. These complaints typically revolve around issues related to the quality of care, staff, and living conditions.
Here are the three most common complaints about nursing homes:
- Slow response to the resident's needs
- Poor quality of food
- Social isolation
These complaints are not necessarily grounds for a lawsuit, but they can easily turn into a situation where your loved one suffers from abuse or neglect.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
If you suspect that your loved one has been abused and/or neglected in California, then we recommend that you contact our San Jose nursing home abuse lawyers as soon as possible. Elder abuse laws in California prohibit any form of physical, psychological, or financial harm against patients in senior care facilities.
Signs of physical elder abuse may include:
- Unexplained bruises or cuts
- Injuries from falls
- Broken bones
- Sexual assault
- Unexplained or unexpected death of another resident
Signs of elder neglect may include:
- Bed sores
- Rapid weight loss or gain
- Poor hygiene
- Dehydration and/or malnutrition
- Infections
Unexplained changes in behavior may also be a sign of elder abuse and/or neglect:
- Emotional volatility
- Withdrawal from social interaction
- Instances of wandering from the facility
- Reluctance to speak when staff members are within earshot
Elder neglect is considered abuse under the California Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act. Financial elder abuse is also considered a form of elder abuse. Abuse can be as simple as a hospital staff member stealing toiletries from residents or as complicated as investment fraud.
How Do I Stop Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?
Many families assume that if nursing home abuse or neglect were happening, their loved one would speak up. Sadly, that is often not true. Residents (especially those with Alzheimer’s or dementia) may be targeted because they struggle to communicate. Others may feel frightened, ashamed, or confused about what is happening. In extreme cases, they may have even been threatened by their abuser to keep silent about what is happening to them or face consequences.
There is no easy way to stop nursing home abuse and/or neglect without the help of an experienced professional.
If you suspect abuse and/or neglect, then it is important to:
- Document as many signs as possible on your own
- Ask the care providers specific questions before making any accusations
- Keep detailed records of potential abuse and/or neglect
- Take photographs of injuries or unsuitable living conditions
- Write down your loved one’s healthcare routine, required medications and anything else out of the ordinary.
Once you feel like you have collected enough evidence to prove improper care is taking place, it may be time to report what you have seen.
When Should I Report Nursing Home Abuse and/or Neglect?
If you believe that a loved one is in immediate danger, then it is imperative to remove them from the situation as soon as possible. Follow elder abuse reporting guidelines. Once he or she is in a safe place, it is important to know that you have a limited time to file an elder abuse claim in time to produce sufficient legal action.
Statutes of limitations are the limited amount of time after an incident in which an individual can file a suit. The length of time varies based on the type of injury and the type of facility where the abuse and/or neglect took place.
Due to the fact that laws and regulations regarding nursing homes are complex and vary from state to state, it is important to consult with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer in San Jose as soon as possible. A thorough investigation takes time, the more time taken to search for evidence, the stronger your case will be.
How Long Does a Nursing Home Lawsuit in California Take?
A nursing home abuse or neglect lawsuit typically takes between six months to two years to come to a conclusion, but the actual timeframe depends entirely on the unique circumstances of your case.
The process of a nursing home lawsuit is as follows:
- Consultation with an attorney to determine if you have a case
- Filing a notice of civil suit against the defendant
- Pre-trial investigation and discovery
- Submitting a demand letter to the defendant
- Mediation, settlement, or trial to conclude your case
If you wish to speak to an experienced San Jose nursing home abuse lawyer about your case, contact Needham Kepner & Fish LLP today! We will happily discuss your potential case during a free consultation.
Choosing the Right Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in San Jose
Selecting a lawyer for a nursing home abuse or neglect claim is a significant decision, especially when you are already worried about a vulnerable family member. You want to feel confident that your legal team understands the emotional impact of abuse and the legal standards that apply to long-term care facilities in California.
Look for the following in a San Jose nursing home abuse lawyer:
- Focused experience: A background specifically handling nursing home abuse and neglect claims, not just general personal injury cases.
- Proven results: A demonstrated history of successful settlements or verdicts in serious injury or elder abuse matters.
- Clear communication: Regular updates, straightforward explanations, and responsiveness to your questions.
- Compassionate advocacy: A genuine commitment to protecting vulnerable residents and supporting concerned families.
Choosing the right nursing home negligence lawyer in San Jose can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case and your peace of mind. The right legal team will not only pursue accountability but can help your family move forward with clarity and confidence.
We Represent Seniors & Their Families in the Bay Area
If your loved one is in danger due to nursing home abuse, then you have no time to waste. The elder abuse attorneys at Needham Kepner & Fish LLP have decades of experience representing victims throughout the Bay Area, including in Santa Clara, Alameda, and San Mateo counties.
We handle elder abuse cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you pay us nothing unless you recover compensation.
Let our nursing home abuse attorney in San Jose, CA, support you. Call (408) 716-1668 or fill out our online form. We provide free initial consultations to help you understand your legal options.
