California Nursing Home Lawsuit How to File a California Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit Reviewed by Julie Rivers, MBA Eldercare Advocate & Expert Home / Nursing Home Legal Advice / Nursing Home Lawsuit / California Nursing Home Lawsuit Quick Answer When abuse or neglect in long-term care facilities leads to harm or a tragic loss, many families take legal action. A California nursing home lawsuit can provide compensation for medical treatment, relocation costs, funeral expenses, and more. Experienced attorneys hold negligent facilities accountable and guide families through the legal process. Find out if you may have a case right now. Get a Free Case Review Understanding California Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits A California nursing home lawsuit is a legal claim filed against a long-term care facility or its staff members when they fail to provide the required level of care to residents. These lawsuits address all forms of nursing home abuse or neglect. Families trust nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care providers to keep residents safe and provide proper care. When these facilities fail, the harm can be severe or even deadly. By filing a California nursing home lawsuit, you can pursue justice and the compensation your family deserves. Some lawsuits pay out $1 million or more. Did You KnowIn one recent case, a California nursing home lawsuit resulted in a $30.9 million award by a Sacramento County jury for severe pressure sores. A skilled California nursing home abuse lawyer can handle the entire legal process for you, giving you the time you need to care for your loved one. The Nursing Home Abuse Center works with top law firms that have recovered over $318 million for nursing home abuse and neglect, including in California. Find out if they can help you, too. Get a free case review right now. Get a Free Case Review by Fight back against nursing home abuse and neglect — start now with a free case review. Start My Free Case Reviewor call (855) 264-6310 California Nursing Home Lawsuit Update In June 2025, the State of California sued Sweetwater Care, a nursing home chain based in Carlsbad, after state investigators uncovered more than 25,000 violations tied to neglect and chronic understaffing. From 2020 to 2024, the company allegedly operated below legal staffing levels while collecting over $196 million in Medi-Cal funding. Investigators say residents suffered serious forms of harm, including untreated bedsores, delayed medical care, and unattended falls. Unfortunately, this is just one of many cases showing how profit-driven understaffing in nursing homes puts residents at risk. Our California Nursing Home Lawsuit Results Compensation is awarded in California nursing home lawsuits through settlements and trial verdicts. Most nursing home lawsuits end in settlements, which usually means avoiding time in court. Money from a nursing home lawsuit is meant to provide families with the financial support needed to recover from the emotional and physical trauma of abuse and neglect. Payouts vary and depend on the specifics of the case. However, some nursing home abuse lawsuits are worth over $1 million. Here are just some of our California nursing home lawsuit results: $2 million for a Castro Valley man whose wife with dementia died within 48 hours of entering a care facility $1 million for a Hayward man whose mother choked to death during assisted feeding $700,000 in Los Angeles to a woman whose mother was denied her medication $845,000 for a Los Angeles woman whose grandmother was hospitalized for severe bedsores $700,000 to a San Lorenzo woman who developed a serious bedsore in a care facility $1 million for an Orangevale woman whose mother-in-law with dementia developed a UTI and pressure sores The best way to determine the value of your California nursing home lawsuit is to get a free consultation from an experienced nursing home lawyer. Start the process right now by calling us at (855) 264-6310 or Click to Live Chat. Benefits of Filing a California Nursing Home Lawsuit Filing a California nursing home lawsuit offers several key benefits. First, successful lawsuits allow justice to be served by holding negligent facilities accountable for their actions. This ensures that those responsible for poor care face the appropriate legal consequences. Additional benefits of filing a California nursing home lawsuit include: Advocating for improved safety and care standards in nursing homes Getting compensation for medical bills, relocation expenses, and other losses Helping prevent similar cases of abuse in the future California nursing home abuse lawsuits not only support victims and their families but also push for better standards of care in nursing homes. By taking legal action, you contribute to improving safety and care for all residents. Types of California Nursing Home Lawsuits The most common type of nursing home lawsuit is a personal injury claim filed in the civil court system. These lawsuits seek to hold defendants financially accountable for the harm they caused. To file a California nursing home abuse lawsuit, those taking legal action must show that the nursing facility breached its duty of care and directly resulted in harm. These are some situations that may lead to a California nursing home lawsuit: Bedrail injuries Broken bones or fractures Dehydration or malnutrition Elopement (exiting the facility unnoticed) Injuries caused by nursing home falls Medication errors or overmedication Neglect in nursing homes leading to injury Nursing home medical malpractice Physical or chemical restraints Poor diabetic care Pressure ulcers, like stage 4 bedsores Sepsis from untreated infections Sexual abuse by staff or other residents Wrongful death Remember, neglect is a form of abuse, so you may be able to sue a nursing home for negligence even if it seems that the harm was unintentional. Nursing home neglect and abuse are never acceptable. Your loved one deserves justice, no matter what caused the harm. Steps in California Nursing Home Lawsuits California nursing home abuse lawsuits follow a specific process, allowing plaintiffs to seek justice and compensation. Understanding these steps helps victims and their families know what to expect. Generally, these are the steps involved in a California nursing home lawsuit: Free consultation: Top nursing home abuse law firms offer free case reviews to determine whether a claim may be valid. Collect evidence: Your legal team carefully evaluates the details to determine if the facility or staff could be held responsible. They will gather medical records, bills, expert opinions, and other evidence to build a strong case. File the California nursing home lawsuit: Your lawyer files the necessary paperwork with the proper court and within your case’s specific deadlines. Settlement negotiations: Your nursing home lawyer will work to secure the highest compensation amount without going to court. Court trial: If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your lawyer will take your case to trial to continue fighting for your family. If you are considering filing a California nursing home abuse lawsuit, a knowledgeable attorney can guide you through each step and help secure the best possible outcome for your case. Hiring an experienced California nursing home lawyer allows you to focus on helping your loved one recover. Meanwhile, your legal team will work diligently to secure the financial support and justice your family deserves. Who Can File a California Nursing Home Lawsuit? Victims of nursing home abuse may be able to file a California nursing home lawsuit if the facility they were in caused harm. Additionally, family members may be able to take legal action if their loved one has tragically passed away or is too frail to act on their own behalf. Generally, these parties may be able to file a nursing home lawsuit: Individual victims: If you personally experienced abuse or neglect in a care facility Family members: Spouses or other close relatives with power of attorney Estate representatives: Executors or personal representatives if the abuse led to the victim’s death To take action for nursing home abuse or neglect, working with a knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate the process with as little stress as possible. Don’t wait. Get started right now. Worried About Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?When you're ready to act, here’s what to expect:1. Spot Red Flags Before It’s Too Late Look for bedsores, confusion, weight loss, fear, or silence. 2. Reach Out to Our Team, Day or Night Speak with a trained advocate who listens and understands. 3. Our Legal Partners File Your Lawsuit We handle the paperwork and figure out who’s responsible. 4. You Get Help — and Money If We Win Receive financial compensation and get justice. Start My Free Case Review When Should I File a California Nursing Home Lawsuit? You should file a California nursing home lawsuit as soon as possible for several important reasons. First, laws called the statute of limitations place strict deadlines on filing lawsuits, and they vary by state. Typically, the statute of limitations for California nursing home abuse lawsuits is 2 years. Additionally, taking action immediately helps as it makes it easier to gather evidence while everything is still fresh. Witnesses usually remember things better, and it’s often easier to get physical evidence right after the incident happens. “You do not need to have proof before speaking with a nursing home neglect lawyer. If you’re concerned that something is wrong, that’s enough to start the conversation.” — Ricky LeBlanc, nursing home abuse lawyer If you or a loved one was harmed due to neglect or abuse, consider filing a California nursing home lawsuit without delay. Call us at (855) 264-6310 right now to get started. California Elder Abuse Laws California elder abuse laws protect individuals aged 65 and older from various forms of mistreatment. These laws define elder abuse in both criminal and civil terms. Criminal elder abuse involves actions that cause or allow physical or mental suffering to an elder, as well as endangering their health (Penal Code Section 368). Civil elder abuse definitions include physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction, and other harmful treatments (Welfare & Institutions Code Section 15610). Elder abuse can be reported to the California Department of Health or APS (Adult Protective Services). In emergency situations, always call 911. “The United States Census Bureau projected in 2000 that California’s elderly population will have doubled by 2025 to 6.4 million – a larger growth rate than any other state.” – State of California Department of Justice California Nursing Home Lawsuit Service Areas The California nursing home abuse lawyers in our network can help families across the state. These are just some of our California nursing home lawsuit service areas: Alturas Anaheim Angels Camp Bakersfield Bishop Chico Chula Vista Clearlake Colusa Concord Corona Crescent City Daly City El Centro Elk Grove Escondido Eureka Fontana Fremont Fresno Fullerton Garden Grove Glendale Grass Valley Hanford Hayward Hollister Huntington Beach Irvine Ione Lancaster Long Beach Los Angeles Loyalton Madera Mammoth Lakes Marysville Merced Modesto Moreno Valley Napa Oakland Oceanside Ontario Orange Orland Oxnard Palmdale Pasadena Placerville Pomona Portola Rancho Cucamonga Red Bluff Redding Riverside Roseville Sacramento Salinas San Bernardino San Diego San Francisco San Jose San Luis Obispo San Rafael Santa Ana Santa Clara Santa Clarita Santa Cruz Santa Maria Santa Rosa Sonora Stockton Sunnyvale Susanville Torrance Vallejo Visalia Woodland Yreka Yuba City Zipcodes: 90011 90059 91701 92007 92251 92501 92801 93001 93101 93201 93202 93203 93401 93513 93541 93610 93650 93901 94002 94022 94101 94203 94501 94503 94505 94510 94901 94922 95001 95023 95201 95221 95301 95305 95306 95410 95422 95501 95531 95601 95602 95605 95623 95901 95912 95913 95914 95915 95945 96001 96006 96008 96010 96021 96101 96120 Show More Our legal partners can file California nursing home neglect lawsuits throughout the state. If your area is not listed, call the Nursing Home Abuse Center right now at (855) 264-6310 to see if we can help. Get Help Filing a California Nursing Home Lawsuit Filing a California nursing home abuse lawsuit can be far more manageable with the right team behind you. Attorneys at top law firms are skilled at handling all of the legal work, so you won’t have extra stress. Our experienced legal partners can help families across California. So far, they’ve recovered over $318 million in nursing home compensation for families nationwide. Call the Nursing Home Abuse Center at (855) 264-6310 right now or get a free case review to see if you qualify to file a California nursing home lawsuit. California Nursing Home Lawsuit FAQsWhat are the odds of winning a lawsuit against a nursing home in California?In California, nursing home cases tend to be stronger when there is clear evidence of neglect or abuse, such as chronic understaffing, untreated bedsores, repeated falls, medication mistakes, or ignored medical needs. Cases are more likely to succeed when medical records, state inspection reports, and expert opinions show the facility failed to meet required care standards. An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer can help you understand your chances of a successful lawsuit. Find a top lawyer right now by getting a free case review. What evidence is crucial in nursing home cases?Strong California nursing home abuse lawsuits usually require this evidence: Expert medical opinions linking the neglect to the harm Medical records and care charts Photos or videos of injuries or conditions Records showing failure to meet staffing requirements State inspection reports and prior violations Witness statements from family, residents, or employees Inspection reports from the California Department of Public Health and complaint histories can be especially important. How much can you sue a nursing home for negligence in California?California nursing home lawsuit payouts vary widely based on factors like the severity of harm, evidence presented, and legal representation. Compensation can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. For example, our California legal partners secured $2 million for a Castro Valley man whose wife with dementia died just 2 days after entering a care facility. Seeking advice from an experienced nursing home abuse attorney is crucial. They can evaluate your case details and accurately estimate potential compensation. Get a free case review right now to see if we can connect you with a top California nursing home lawyer. What is the statute of limitations for nursing home negligence in California?The statute of limitations for victims or family members to file a California nursing home lawsuit is generally 2 years from the date of injury or death. This means it’s crucial for you and your loved ones to take action swiftly if you’re considering legal action after abuse or neglect. How do I file a complaint against a nursing home in California?You can file a complaint against a nursing home in California by contacting the Licensing and Certification Division of the California Department of Public Health (DPH). Provide key details, including the facility’s name, the dates of the incidents, and the names of witnesses or staff involved. Additionally, copies of complaints can be sent to other essential agencies, such as local long-term care ombudsman offices or elected officials, for additional support. Finally, you may be able to file a California nursing home lawsuit with the help of a skilled attorney. Call the Nursing Home Abuse Center right now at (855) 264-6310 to get started. Who regulates California nursing homes?The California Department of Public Health, Licensing and Certification Division regulates California nursing homes. This division oversees licensing and facility inspections to ensure compliance with state and federal standards. Additionally, for facilities that accept Medicare or Medi-Cal, federal guidelines must be met. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program further advocates for residents, addressing concerns and investigating allegations of abuse or neglect. What are examples of resident rights violations?Resident rights in nursing homes are crucial for ensuring dignity and proper care. Here are examples of how these rights might be violated: Breach of privacy and confidentiality Denial of admission based on discrimination Ignoring resident grievances Inadequate living conditions Mismanagement of personal funds Neglecting necessary medical care Restricting visitor access Using restraints without medical justification These violations go against the rules designed to protect residents and maintain their well-being. Nursing Home Abuse Support TeamLast modified: December 4, 2025Reviewed by:Julie Rivers, MBAEldercare Advocate & ExpertFact-CheckedEditorJulie Rivers is an eldercare advocate with over 15 years of dedicated service to victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. Her journey in this field became deeply personal when she assumed the role of an unpaid caregiver during her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Written by:The Nursing Home Abuse Center TeamThe Nursing Home Abuse Center (NHAC) was founded to bring justice to those affected by nursing home and elder abuse. Our mission is to educate and empower victims of abuse and their families to take a stand against this unlawful mistreatment. We work to return dignity back to those who have been broken down by nursing home abuse and neglect. View Sources California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR). (2025). Recognizing and reporting elder abuse. Retrieved from https://canhr.org/recognizing-and-reporting-elder-abuse/. California Department of Aging. (n.d.). Long-term care ombudsman. Retrieved from https://www.aging.ca.gov/Programs/LTCOP/. California Department of Social Services. (n.d.). Adult Protective Services (APS). Retrieved from https://www.cdss.ca.gov/adult-protective-services. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). (2024). Regulations & guidance. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/about-cms/what-we-do/nursing-homes/providers-cms-partners/regulations-guidance. Sacramento Business Journal. (2023). Roseville’s Pine Creek Care Center ordered to pay $30.9 million in wrongful death, elder neglect suit. Retrieved from https://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2023/01/27/pine-creek-care-center-lawsuit-roseville.html. Sokolove Law. (2025). California nursing home abuse lawyer. Retrieved from https://www.sokolovelaw.com/locations/california/nursing-home-abuse/. State of California Department of Justice. (n.d.) Elder abuse. Retrieved from https://oag.ca.gov/dmfea/elder. State of California Department of Justice. (n.d.) Elder abuse laws (criminal). Retrieved from https://oag.ca.gov/dmfea/laws/crim_elder.