The nursing home negligence and abuse lawyers at BISNAR | CHASE are extremely concerned about the poor quality of care our seniors receive in many of our nation's nursing homes, especially here in California. The situation is further deteriorating with the economic downturn and companies hankering after profits rather than focusing on providing quality care to their residents.

Death Results From Nursing Home Neglect

According to a KCRA news report, a nursing home in Stockton has been slapped with a $90,000 fine after a California Department of Public Health investigation determined that inadequate care led to the death of a resident. Valley Gardens Health Care and Rehabilitation Center has received an AA Citation, which is usually given for the most serious type of violation -- one that directly contributes to a nursing home resident's death. The resident reportedly had a fall and died later because he was not properly supervised by nursing home staff, health officials said.

My heart goes out to the family of this man who died as a result of this nursing home staff's negligence. I offer my deepest sympathies to his family members who put their trust in this particular nursing home to care for their loved one. Heartbreaking! Please keep this victim's family in your prayers.

Nursing Home Abuse On the Rise

Nursing home abuse and negligence are on the rise not only in California, but also nationwide. According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report in 2003, the magnitude of serious deficiencies that harmed nursing home residents remains “unacceptably high.” One in five nursing homes nationwide -- about 3,500 facilities -- have serious deficiencies that cause residents actual harm or place them in immediate jeopardy, the report said. Moreover, the GAO report also found significant understatements of the care problems that should have been treated a lot more seriously -- pressure sores, severe weight loss and multiple falls resulting in broken bones and other injuries. Subsequent studies are showing that nursing home neglect is getting worse.

If you are a victim of nursing home abuse, please consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer in California, who will make sure that the negligent nursing home owners pay for their wrongdoing. It is also very important for families who are looking to place their loved ones in nursing homes to carefully examine the history and track record of these facilities. The California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform's Web site has some excellent guidelines on what to watch out for when selecting a nursing home.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.