California Injury Blog
As the date mandating the implementation of nursing home star ratings approaches, victims of nursing home neglect and abuse are coming forward more frequently. Those who were afraid to tell of their horrific experiences are now feeling that their voice will be heard, and are attempting to hold their wrong-doers responsible for the pain and suffering they have caused. Instead of the respect and care that American seniors have earned through lifetimes of service they face abuse, neglect, and fraud at the very hands of those tasked with keeping them safe.
Many citizens are shocked by the allegations that arise when seniors reveal instances of elder abuse, but if you are familiar with California nursing homes you know that these problems have existed and transpired for several decades. The nursing home star ratings will help many families choose a nursing home that is fit for their loved ones, but this should be the first of several steps to help protect America’s elderly before it’s too late.
Senior’s Struggles
Although various laws and regulations exist on the books to protect seniors from nursing home abuse, many nursing homes take advantage of loopholes in the law and the limitations of regulations and inspections to skirt their obligations to the seniors in their care. For example, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has highlighted a trend in institutions escaping sanctions by “yo-yoing” in and out of compliance. Nursing homes found in violation are given a grace period in which to fix problems without receiving sanctions. Many nursing homes fix the problems within the grace period (thus avoiding sanctions), but then allow the problems to reappear later on. The list of scams and violations that seniors have to deal with on a daily basis is outrageous and unconscionable.
Our elders are constantly being subjected to those trying to sell them senior insurance scams. During the 1980s and 1990s Interstate Service Insurance Agency signed up thousands of seniors for long-term care policies with promises of low premiums that would stay fixed. Despite their promises, the insurance company increased the “policy rate” which had the effect of raising premiums for everyone. Because of this scam, seniors saw their premiums increase by as much as 800 percent.
Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys
If you or a family member have been victimized by a California nursing home, call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Los Angeles nursing home negligence lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented more than 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.