Southern California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in thousands of deaths in nursing homes across the country. By mid-April, an article in The New York Times reported that more than 7,000 COVID-19 deaths had occurred in nursing homes, and one commentator referred to the facilities as “death pits.” In addition to the sheer risks of coronavirus exposure and COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes, filing a claim during the pandemic can also be a bit more complicated. However, you should know that an experienced Orange County nursing home neglect attorney can help you with your case. In the meantime, the following is a list of things you should know about filing a claim during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nursing Homes May be Liable for COVID-19 Deaths
Nursing homes in California and throughout the country are required to have infection-control procedures in place to prevent the spread of disease throughout the facility. Yet many nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Southern California have not been able to contain the spread of the coronavirus, and thousands of patients in the country have now died from COVID-19. Recognizing the severe threat of COVID-19 to elderly populations in nursing homes, Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that non-COVID patients in certain facilities would be moved to the Navy hospital ship, the Mercy, to prevent exposure. According to the Los Angeles Times, the state has also dispatched “600 nurses trained in infection disease control to assist nursing homes.”
While COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, is highly contagious, it is important for families to know that nursing homes may be liable for a patient’s death. Indeed, patients and their families are starting to file claims against various nursing homes with coronavirus outbreaks.
You Can Meet with an Attorney Virtually
You may be concerned about leaving your home and violating the California Shelter in Place Order to meet with an attorney about filing a nursing home neglect claim. We want to emphasize that you do not need to leave your house in order to “meet” with an experienced nursing home negligence lawyer. Rather, you can meet with an attorney virtually and can get started on your case without ever leaving your home. We want you to stay safe and healthy, and we are committed to serving our clients virtually during the pandemic.
Many Courts are Temporarily Closed, but You can Still Get Started on Your Claim
Many California courts are closed to non-emergency matters, but this does not mean you cannot get started on a nursing home abuse case. Many aspects of the case will occur long before you need to go to trial. With help from a nursing home abuse lawyer, you can begin working on a claim today. Given the number of nursing home deaths reported in The New York Times article, it is especially important for families to seek advice from an experienced lawyer about moving forward with a lawsuit.
Contact an Orange County Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer
Whether you have questions about filing a nursing home abuse claim or have concerns about an elderly loved one’s safety in a Southern California facility, an experienced and compassionate Orange County nursing home abuse attorney can help you. Contact the Walton Law Firm today for more information about filing a nursing home neglect claim in California.
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Risk of Coronavirus Spread in Southern California Nursing Homes
