Glendale Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Attorney

Art Gharibian, nursing home abuse and neglect attorney.

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities are responsible for providing a safe and nurturing environment for their residents. However, abuse and neglect within these facilities remain widespread issues, with 10% of adults over 65 experiencing abuse. This mistreatment violates the rights of nursing home residents and may leave them physically, emotionally, and financially harmed.

If you notice nursing home abuse signs in your loved one, it’s natural to feel a mix of anger, sadness, and uncertainty. Our compassionate California nursing home neglect attorneys can provide the support you need, helping your family recover compensation for the financial burdens and emotional pain caused by this mistreatment.

What Are the Different Types of Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse and neglect involve any actions—or failures to act—that result in harm to a resident. Abuse can take many forms, including the following mistreatment or neglect:

Type of Abuse Description Example

Physical

Physical abuse in nursing homes refers to deliberate acts causing bodily harm, such as hitting, slapping, shoving, or improper use of restraints.

A staff member hits a resident during an argument, leaving visible bruises on their arm.

Emotional

Psychological or emotional abuse includes verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, and isolation designed to demean or control a resident.

 

A caregiver frequently mocks a resident’s cognitive difficulties, causing the resident to become withdrawn and anxious.

Sexual

Sexual abuse is unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact, including inappropriate touching or assault.

A staff member inappropriately touches a resident with dementia during personal care.

Financial

Financial abuse in nursing homes often appears as unauthorized use of a resident’s funds, property, or assets through forgery, coercion, or theft.

A staff member coerces a resident into signing checks for unauthorized withdrawals.

Neglect

Neglect in a nursing home is the failure to provide basic necessities such as food, water, medical care, hygiene, or a clean environment.

A resident develops severe bedsores because staff fail to reposition them regularly.

What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse?

While physical abuse often leaves visible wounds, elder neglect signs can be harder to detect without understanding the warning signals. Knowing the following signs makes it easier to recognize when something isn’t right and take steps to protect your loved one:

  • Unexplained injuries. Bruises, cuts, or fractures without clear explanations may point to physical abuse or rough handling. Injuries on areas like wrists or ankles can indicate improper restraint use.
  • Unexplained weight loss. Sudden weight changes may result from malnutrition caused by missed meals or intentional withholding of food. Malnutrition weakens the body and increases the risk of illness.
  • Dehydration. Symptoms like dry skin, cracked lips, or confusion may signal that residents are not receiving enough fluids. Intentional neglect or failure to assist with hydration can lead to severe health complications or wrongful death.
  • Poor personal hygiene. Signs of neglect often include hygiene issues like unwashed hair, dirty clothing, or foul odors. When a resident’s basic needs—like bathing, dressing, or restroom assistance—are consistently ignored, it can lead to serious infections and unnecessary discomfort, further diminishing their quality of life.
  • Bedsores or pressure ulcers. Wounds on the back or hips often develop when immobile residents are not repositioned. These injuries can be caused by neglect or as punishment by staff.
  • Emotional withdrawal. Sudden anxiety, fearfulness, or reluctance to speak may point to verbal abuse, threats, or isolation. Emotional abuse often leaves no physical marks but affects mental health.
  • Sexually transmitted infections or bruising. Infections or injuries in sensitive areas may be warning signs of sexual abuse. Additionally, if your loved one shows fearfulness or avoids certain individuals, it could indicate inappropriate contact or assault, and immediate action should be taken to ensure their safety.
  • Missing personal items. Loss of valuables, money, or unauthorized account withdrawals may indicate financial abuse. In some cases, staff or others may coerce residents into giving away possessions.

What Are My Loved One’s Rights in a Nursing Home?

California elder abuse laws, found under the California Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, protect nursing home residents and outline their fundamental rights. These rules ensure that care facilities uphold standards of safety, dignity, and respect, helping protect vulnerable individuals from neglect and abuse. In a nursing home, your loved one has the right to expect the following:

  • A safe, clean, and comfortable living environment.
  • Timely medical care and the ability to choose a doctor or refuse treatment.
  • Freedom from all forms of abuse, neglect, or physical restraints.
  • Privacy in personal matters and confidentiality of medical records.
  • Control over personal finances and access to their belongings.
  • Open communication with family, friends, and legal advocates.
  • Full disclosure of facility policies, fees, and changes in care plans.

Who Is Responsible if Abuse Happens in a Nursing Home?

Discovering nursing home abuse is deeply distressing. Accountability often lies with individuals or entities whose negligence or wrongful actions contributed to the harm, including:

  • Staff members. Employees who commit abuse, neglect residents, or fail to report known incidents can be held accountable for their actions.
  • Facility administrators. Management may be liable for failing to properly screen, train, or supervise staff or for ignoring reports of misconduct.
  • The nursing home. The facility may be responsible for issues like understaffing, poor safety protocols, or fostering an environment where abuse is overlooked.
  • Third-party contractors. Contractors providing medical services, maintenance, or other support can be liable if their negligence or intentional actions harm residents.

How Do I Report Nursing Home Abuse?

As soon as you notice abuse or neglect, you can take steps to address the issue and protect your loved one. To report nursing home abuse, do the following:

  • Contact local authorities. If your loved one is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical attention, call 911. Local law enforcement can intervene to ensure their safety and document any evidence of abuse. Immediate reporting also creates an official record, which can be vital if the case goes to court.
  • File an official complaint. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) investigates complaints about nursing homes and long-term care facilities. File a complaint online, by phone, or via mail to prompt an independent investigation. Include details such as dates, times, names, and a clear description of the suspected abuse or neglect to strengthen your report.
  • Consult a nursing home abuse attorney. Speak with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney near you to learn your family’s legal rights and possible actions you can take against the liable party. A lawyer can help you collect evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, and file a lawsuit for fair compensation to cover medical expenses, relocation costs, and emotional distress.

What Legal Actions Can I Take for Nursing Home Abuse?

If your loved one has experienced abuse, you have legal options to hold the facility accountable. The CDPH may investigate and file a claim on your behalf, but as a public agency, their process may not always address your family’s specific needs.

A civil attorney specializing in nursing home abuse cases can help you take legal action. A qualified lawyer can help you file a claim against the facility, seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering. They can also negotiate a settlement to resolve the matter privately or file a lawsuit, allowing a jury to evaluate the evidence and award damages on behalf of your family.

Working With the Right Attorney: Gharibian Law

When your family needs legal help for nursing home abuse, a compassionate and skilled attorney can make a difference in the outcome of your claim. At Gharibian Law, we help uncover the truth, build a strong case, and seek fair treatment for your loved one. Here’s how we advocate for your family:

  • Gather evidence. We review medical records, incident reports, and facility inspections to identify signs of negligence or abuse.
  • Interview witnesses. Our team speaks with staff, residents, and other witnesses who can provide critical testimony about the abuse or neglect.
  • Prove negligence. We use thorough evidence and expert testimony to show how the facility failed to provide proper care, directly causing harm.
  • Meet legal deadlines. We file claims within California’s statute of limitations, ensuring everything is submitted within the two-year timeframe.
  • Pursue compensation. We fight for financial recovery that covers medical expenses, rehabilitation, ongoing care, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and, in wrongful death cases, funeral costs and loss of companionship.

Why Choose Our Firm?

Choosing the right attorney means finding a team that delivers results and cares about your family’s needs. Our knowledgeable attorneys have won substantial settlements for nursing home abuse victims, including:

  • $1,500,000 for elder neglect
  • $1,200,000 for elder neglect and wrongful death
  • $900,000 for dependent adult neglect and wrongful death

At Gharibian Law, our clients’ stories reflect our commitment to making a difference in nursing home abuse cases. Former clients have said:

  • “Fantastic firm with top notch communication and results. I’m an attorney myself and have referred others here and have unfortunately needed to seek counsel myself. Art & Alex were both compassionate and skilled. If you find yourself unfortunately needing their assistance, do yourself a favor and stop your search. This firm is it. Let them take care you.” – Zhana Azizz
  • “Art is absolutely the best Lawyer and Gharibian is the best firm I have come across. They took care of our case and won in no time with maximum settlement and were always available to answer questions and made us very comfortable. I would go to him again if I need to.” – Bob Sorab
  • “I can honestly say I’m pleased with the services I received at Gharibian Law. From the beginning of my case up until the very end, the whole team was helpful. Not only were they helpful, but were compassionate towards the circumstances of my case. It was a hard case to begin with and to have that compassion and understanding made the whole process easier to deal with….I would recommend Gharibian Law if you are looking for a team of attorneys that guide you every step of the way of your case.” – Debbie Claire

Get Legal Help For Your Loved One Today

If your elderly loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s important to seek help quickly to protect their well-being. At Gharibian Law, our compassionate Glendale nursing home abuse attorneys can guide you through this difficult time and provide the support your family needs to pursue compensation.

We are committed to fighting for the rights of nursing home residents and holding negligent facilities accountable. Contact Gharibian Law today for a free consultation to discuss your case and take the first step toward healing and accountability.

FAQs:

Look for signs like unexplained injuries, sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, emotional withdrawal, or untreated medical conditions. Behavioral changes, such as fear or reluctance to speak about certain staff, can also signal abuse. Regular visits and open communication with your loved one help identify potential issues early.

You can file a lawsuit against a nursing home for neglect if their failure to provide adequate care caused harm. A civil attorney can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, or other losses.

Report your concerns immediately to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and, if urgent, contact law enforcement or 911. Document evidence like injuries or living conditions and consult a civil attorney to discuss legal options for protecting your loved one and holding the facility accountable.

How Gharibian Law Will Handle Your Elder Abuse Cases
If any of these situations sound familiar to you, call Gharibian Law now to discuss your loved one’s condition. We will gather evidence, build a case against your loved one’s abuser, and do everything in our power to restore a sense of autonomy and dignity to your loved one and your family.