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As California’s population ages, more seniors are moving—voluntarily or involuntarily—into convalescent centers, assisted living, or nursing homes.
These centers, also known as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), provide long-term care for seniors, typically age 65 or older. These patients require substantial medical and personal assistance. It’s estimated that over 100,000 people have moved into these facilities each year for the past decade. Currently, there are approximately 219,000 residents statewide.
In the last five years, over 6,000 lawsuits have been filed against these facilities for wrongful death and abuse. Between 3,700 and 4,700 criminal investigations have also been opened.
For facility-specific details or to file a report, contact:
- CDPH (SNFs): 800-236-9747
- CCLD (RCFEs): 844-538-8766
- DMFEA: 800-722-0432
If this involves a personal case, contact us.
Recent Elder Abuse Jury Trials
Jane Roe vs. Roe Healthcare Center – $400,000 Wrongful Death
The decedent entered the center on March 21, 2022. On March 24, 2022, his family found him with a large contusion on his head. There was no documented fall, no neurological check, and no physician was notified. A CT scan taken 16 hours later revealed a subdural hematoma from a traumatic head injury. The decedent never recovered and passed away in July 2022.
The center contended they attempted to contact the physician. Plaintiff’s family argued that ongoing neglect and failure to seek appropriate and timely medical care amounted to a failure to protect the patient.
Case settled July 8, 2024.
John Roe vs. Roe Convalescent Center – $325,000 Wrongful Death
John Doe entered the defendant facility with a compression fracture of his L4 vertebra and weakness in his lower extremities. During his stay, the patient experienced what staff termed “episodes of sitting on the floor.” Later, the patient suffered an unwitnessed fall that changed his mental status. He was found with a scrape above his eye and blood on his bed railings.
The facility failed to evaluate him in a timely manner, perform regular neuro checks, or transport him to a hospital.
Defendant facility claimed they were understaffed and underfunded, leading to inadequate supervision.
Case settled March 18, 2024.
PRO TIPS
- Defendants demanded their names not be mentioned in the lawsuit.
- Settlements were relatively low.
- Neither case went to trial.
- This could mean the attorneys didn’t want to take on the expense and risk of trial, even with compelling facts — or the facilities carried minimal insurance coverage.
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