Southern California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog
In California, residents of Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) and skilled nursing facilities often rely entirely on the facility to arrange and provide transportation. This may be for routine medical appointments, specialist visits, therapy, social outings, or even transfers between facilities. While this might seem straightforward, improper handling during transportation is a significant and often-overlooked source of serious injuries to vulnerable residents.
Elderly residents may have fragile bones, limited mobility, and chronic health conditions that make them highly susceptible to harm. A fall while getting into or out of a van, being improperly secured in a wheelchair, or a sudden jolt during transport can result in fractures, head trauma, or other life-threatening injuries. These incidents are not just “accidents” — they are often the result of negligence by staff who fail to follow basic safety procedures.
At Nursing Home Law Group, we have represented numerous families whose loved ones were hurt during facility-arranged transport. These cases often reveal troubling patterns: untrained drivers, poorly maintained lift equipment, inadequate supervision, and failure to secure residents properly. In some situations, residents are left unattended in vehicles for dangerous periods of time, leading to heat stroke, dehydration, or other preventable medical emergencies.
When Transportation Negligence Becomes a Legal Case
If a facility or its staff fails to provide safe transportation, and a resident is as a result, that may form the basis for a viable legal claim. California law requires both RCFEs and skilled nursing facilities to provide care and supervision that meet the needs of their residents. This duty includes ensuring that transportation is conducted in a safe, competent manner.
A fall caused by a malfunctioning wheelchair lift, a driver who fails to lock a wheelchair in place, or a resident being dropped during transfer is not just a mistake — it may be evidence of negligence or even elder abuse under California law. In these cases, working with an experienced nursing home neglect lawyer can be the difference between unanswered questions and real accountability.
Holding Facilities Accountable
When injuries occur during transportation, facilities sometimes try to downplay the incident or shift blame onto the resident. Families are often told that their loved one “was fine when they left” or that the injury must have happened elsewhere. This is where it becomes critical to gather evidence — medical records, transport logs, staff statements, and eyewitness accounts.
Our team at Nursing Home Law Group investigates these cases thoroughly, uncovering the truth and holding negligent facilities responsible. Whether the injury happened on the way to a medical appointment or during an outing, residents have the right to safe and dignified transportation.
Your Family Deserves Answers
If your loved one has been injured during transportation arranged by an RCFE or skilled nursing facility, you do not have to navigate this alone. A skilled nursing home abuse attorney can help you understand your rights, investigate the incident, and pursue compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.
At Nursing Home Law Group, we are committed to protecting vulnerable seniors and holding negligent care providers accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation with a dedicated nursing home neglect attorney who will fight for your family’s justice.
