Elder Abuse

July 12, 2007

Peer Abuse: A Growing Problem in Nursing Homes

Peer abuse in nursing homes is becoming more prevalent as the number of residents suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease increases. Nursing facilities that accept individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s or any other psychological disorders have a duty to properly evaluate each resident and plan for the care of that resident in a manner that protects the resident, the staff, and all other residents of the facility. Failure to do so may expose the nursing home to legal liability. Walton Law Firm currently represents the family of a San Bernardino man who died shortly after being attacked in a nursing facility by a fellow resident.

Several recent news stories, including an article in Newsweek, highlight the growing problem of peer abuse in nursing homes. (Click link to see MSNBC’s article: Nursing-Home Residents at risk For Peer Abuse)

March 23, 2007

Bed Rail Causes Alzheimer’s Patient’s Death

by Randall Walton

An Alzheimer’s patient was strangled by her bedrail while residing at an assisted living facility. She slid off her bed, became trapped between the mattress and the bed rail, and died from positional asphyxia. Bed rails, often used to prevent injuries, can be deadly if not used properly and under the right circumstances. Currently there are many defective bedrails on the market whose dimensions do not meet the current FDA recommendations. Walton Law Firm represents the family of the 90-year-old woman who is pursuing a claim against the residential care facility for the improper use of bed rails, and against the manufacturer and distributor for producing and supplying defective bedrails.

May 10, 2006

Large Bed Sore Causes Elderly Woman’s Death

by Randall Walton

An elderly woman developed a large bed sore while residing in a residential care facility. Because of inadequate treatment, the skin wound worsened and the elderly resident died only 10 days after being sent to a hospital for proper wound care. Walton Law Firm represents the woman’s family in prosecuting the assisted living facility for failure to provide adequate wound care and treatment.

May 2, 2006

Care Facility Resident Suffers Severe Hip Fracture

by Randall Walton

A severe hip fracture suffered by a resident of an assisted living facility went undiagnosed by facility staff for two weeks. The resident, who was ambulatory before the hip fracture, died approximately three weeks after being hospitalized for her injury. Mr. Walton filed a lawsuit against the residential care facility for failure to recognize the fracture.

March 1, 2006

Walton Law Firm LLP Formed

by Randall Walton

Attorneys Randy Walton and Scott Barber form Walton Law Firm LLP to join forces in the prosecution of nursing homes and residential facilities for the abuse or neglect of residents. Walton Law Firm LLP will represent individuals all over Southern California who have experienced nursing home elder abuse or neglect, including against San Diego nursing homes, Los Angeles nursing homes, Orange County nursing homes, Riverside nursing homes, and San Bernardino nursing homes.