Fullerton Home Health Agency Abuse and Neglect Lawyer

Fullerton Home Health Agency Abuse and Neglect Attorney

Cases of home health care abuse and neglect are not uncommon. A Fullerton home health agency abuse and neglect lawyer from Hunter Law, PC can hold negligent caregivers and agencies accountable for their actions. We can fight for justice, financial compensation, and the protection of your loved one.

What Is Home Health Agency Abuse and Neglect?

Home health care services are meant to help seniors and those with disabilities safely remain in their own homes, as opposed to moving into a nursing home. These types of agencies provide assistance with:

• Medication management
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Wound care and post-surgical recovery
• Meal preparation and housekeeping
• Assistance with bathing, grooming, and daily tasks
• Companionship

When an agency is short-staffed or improperly trained, abuse and neglect can occur. In Fullerton, cases of abuse and neglect can be reported to the California Department of Public Health in Brea.

Common Types of Abuse in Home Care Settings

Abuse can come in many forms. Some of these include:

• Physical abuse. This can include hitting, restraining, or causing injury to the patient. Signs may include unexplained bruises, cuts, or frequent “accidental” injuries.
• Emotional and psychological abuse. Verbal threats, intimidation, and manipulation all fall under this category and can devastate a senior’s mental health. Isolation and humiliation are other forms of abuse. Families should watch for signs of anxiety, depression, and withdrawal that indicate emotional abuse.
• Sexual abuse. Any non-consensual sexual contact with a vulnerable adult is a crime. Signs may include bruising in sensitive areas, panic attacks, or a sudden fear of being alone with a caregiver.
• Financial exploitation. Caregivers may manipulate, steal from, or defraud their clients. This may involve forging checks, misusing credit cards, or coercing changes to wills or financial documents. It could also include property theft.
• Neglect. Failure to provide necessary care, such as hygiene, food, hydration, or medication, can be caused by negligence, intentional disregard, or understaffing issues with the agency.

Across the nation, there are roughly 11,400 home health agencies that send employees to care for approximately three million patients in their homes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 900,000 employees working for home health care services. Most of these caregivers provide essential, compassionate support, but the unsupervised nature of home health can make it easy for neglect and abuse to go unnoticed.

Causes of Abuse in Home Health Settings

Home health agencies are licensed and regulated under California law as well as federal guidelines. Lapses in oversight and negligence in hiring can allow unqualified or dangerous individuals to enter the home of a vulnerable patient.

Some specific causes of abuse may include:

• Poor training and supervision
• Inadequate background checks
• Lack of accountability or recordkeeping
• Prior complaints were ignored by management
• Understaffing and caregiver burnout

When an agency fails to properly screen or supervise its employees, it can be held liable for the harm caused. In addition, if an individual caregiver committed the abuse or intentionally neglected the patient’s needs, they can also be held civilly and criminally responsible.

Damages in Home Health Care Abuse Claims

At Hunter Law, PC, we fight to get the victim the compensation they deserve after suffering abuse or neglect from a caregiver. Some compensation you or your family may be entitled to includes:

• Medical bills and treatment for injuries
• Reimbursement for stolen or misappropriated funds
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment in life
• Attorney’s fees and litigation costs
• Punitive damages (in cases of egregious misconduct)

Why Choose Hunter Law, PC?

The Fullerton home health agency abuse and neglect firm of Hunter Law, PC has a proven record of successfully representing clients throughout Orange County and the surrounding areas. We thoroughly investigate every case. We aren’t afraid to take on powerful healthcare companies or insurers to protect your family’s rights.

Our clients receive personalized attention and passionate advocacy through each step in the legal process. With decades of experience, Hunter Law, PC fights for the justice your family deserves.

FAQs About Fullerton, CA Home Health Agency Abuse and Neglect Law

Contact a Fullerton Home Health Agency Abuse and Neglect Lawyer

It can be heartbreaking and overwhelming to cope with the aftermath of elder abuse, but you don’t have to go it alone. Contact Hunter Law, PC to schedule an initial consultation. Let us work with you to restore your loved one’s dignity and security. We can hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.