Nursing home negligence is becoming a serious problem in the United States. Almost on a daily basis, we see reports of patients being neglected or abused in our nation's nursing homes. A recent report in KCRA News states that the California Department of Public Health has slapped a $100,000 fine on the Placerville Pines Care Center in Sacramento for failing to adequately assess a patient and notify the doctor when the patient's condition changed. Investigators determined that this failure to properly evaluate the patient's condition caused that individual's death.

I sympathize with this patient's family. When families entrust loved ones to the care of such a facility, they do so with the expectation that the loved one will be well taken care of and all their needs will be met. But, unfortunately, that expectation is not met in many of the nation's nursing homes. I offer my deepest condolences to this victim's family. Please keep them in your prayers.

California's Nursing Homes Underperforming

According to a recent report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), California tops the list of states with the most number of poorly performing nursing homes. The California Department of Public Health uses its statutory authority to impose fines against nursing homes to encourage these facilities to improve their level of care. The AA citation, which this Placerville nursing home has received, is handed out for the most serious violation or negligence, which causes the death of a patient.

Nursing homes have the responsibility to care for their residents in a manner that will promote and enhance their quality of life. They are required to come up with a medical, nursing and safety plan to address the needs of the resident and these plans must be periodically reviewed and updated. Also, nursing homes must conduct a comprehensive assessment that describes the resident's capability to perform daily functions and their significant impairments. Had this particular nursing home's staff done their job as they were supposed to, this patient may have survived.

Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse Attorneys

I sincerely hope this deceased victim's family members contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will go after this nursing home and obtain fair compensation for their loss. You cannot put a price on the loss of a beloved family member. However, these lawsuits are the only civil remedy available to families of victims of such nursing home negligence. In this case, the victim's family would be able to file a wrongful death claim against the nursing home and seek compensation for their damages and loss.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.