A Pattern of Elder Neglect That No Family Should Endure

In 2022, a 68-year-old woman from Los Angeles County was hospitalized for shortness of breath caused by her chronic lung condition. She expected a short stay to regain her strength before returning home to her husband. Instead, a preventable series of failures across multiple facilities turned a manageable illness into a year-long ordeal that no family should ever have to experience.

Her story is one of missed care, poor communication, and neglect of the most basic needs—and it illustrates precisely why the Peck Law Group continues to fight for accountability across California’s healthcare system.

The First Hospitalization: When Basic Care Is Overlooked

The woman was admitted to a Los Angeles-area hospital in September 2022 with a diagnosis of COPD exacerbation. She was stable, able to communicate, and expected to recover. But almost immediately, her care fell below acceptable standards.

She remained in the emergency department for nearly 25 hours before being transferred to a hospital bed. During that entire time, there was no record of repositioning, skin checks, or mobility assessments—essential steps for anyone confined to bed for long periods.

Once admitted, she was placed on complete bed rest and required help with hygiene and toileting. Still, nurses failed to document turning or repositioning. Within two days, she developed a sore on her lower back that went largely unnoticed until it had already broken the skin.

By the time she was discharged, that wound had progressed to a stage-three pressure injury—a deep, painful sore that can take months to heal. What began as a routine hospital stay had already set her on a dangerous path.

The Nursing Facility: Missed Opportunities and Growing Harm

She was discharged to a Los Angeles-area skilled nursing facility for recovery and rehabilitation. On arrival, staff documented her existing pressure injury, her nutritional risks, and her limited mobility. But instead of receiving the consistent support she needed, her condition declined rapidly.

• Turning and positioning were skipped on dozens of shifts.
• A special pressure-relief mattress was delayed by more than a week and, once in place, was often left unchecked.
• Her wound was rarely evaluated and worsened without proper medical follow-up.
• Feeding assistance was inconsistent—records showed many meals left untouched, and alternatives were not offered.
• Within a month, she had lost nearly 10 pounds and her bloodwork showed a dangerous drop in protein levels.

She also endured untreated constipation for nearly a week. When nurses finally intervened, the delay led to rectal bleeding and severe pain, forcing another emergency transfer.

During that same time, her urinary catheter was neglected—no consistent cleaning or replacement schedule, and no care plan in place. This caused a urinary infection that spread into her bloodstream, resulting in MRSA urosepsis, a life-threatening condition.

Each of these failures reflected a breakdown in communication and nursing oversight. Instead of a steady recovery, she was now battling multiple preventable complications.

The Second Hospital Stay: A Missed Chance to Correct Course

When she was readmitted to the same hospital at the end of October 2022, her records already showed severe infection, dehydration, and worsening wounds. Even then, the neglect continued.

She remained in the emergency room for more than a day without any documented repositioning or wound care. When a wound-care nurse finally evaluated her, the ulcer had grown larger and darker, showing clear signs of tissue death.

Despite that finding, she was again left unturned for long periods, and wound treatments were inconsistent. By the time she was discharged, she was completely bedbound and in significant pain.

Back to the Nursing Home: Neglect Becomes Life-Threatening

On returning to the skilled nursing facility, she needed extensive help with every aspect of care. But there was no updated wound assessment, no new orders, and no wound treatments recorded for the first three days.

She was again left in bed without consistent repositioning. Her pain intensified, and within a week, her pressure injury had progressed to stage four—exposing bone and becoming infected.

When her vital signs deteriorated, staff finally called 911. At the next hospital, doctors diagnosed osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection caused by untreated wounds.

The Final Months

Over the following months, she cycled through multiple hospitals and long-term care centers. At one point, her sacral wound measured 9 by 4½ centimeters, with dead tissue and additional deep-tissue injuries. She developed fungal infections, severe malnutrition, and heart failure, requiring a feeding tube and dialysis.

Despite the efforts of later facilities to stabilize her, the damage caused by early neglect could not be reversed. She passed away in August 2023—less than a year after entering the hospital for what should have been a treatable respiratory condition.

What the Investigation Revealed

The records told a clear and disturbing story: this was not the result of a complex illness, but of repeated custodial neglect—the kind that happens when staff fail to provide the simplest elements of care.

• Turning and repositioning were ignored across multiple facilities.
• Wound care orders were delayed or incomplete.
• Catheter care was poorly documented, leading to severe infection.
• Nutritional needs were neglected, resulting in dangerous weight loss.
• Basic comfort and hygiene—the hallmarks of dignity in care—were repeatedly overlooked.

Each facility had opportunities to intervene and prevent further harm. None did.

“Every resident deserves the basics—attentive care, dignity, and safety. When facilities ignore warning signs, the consequences can be devastating. That’s when we step in.”

— Steven Peck, Esq., Peck Law Group

The Outcome

Through a comprehensive review of medical records, nursing documentation, and expert testimony, the Peck Law Group demonstrated how this pattern of neglect spanned multiple care settings. Each facility’s failure contributed to her suffering and eventual death.

The case resolved for $750,000 across three defendants, a result that held the responsible parties accountable and led to improvements in how those facilities handle wound prevention, nutrition monitoring, and infection control.

How Peck Law Group Helps Families

When families suspect neglect, they often face silence, confusion, and missing information. We help uncover the truth and demand accountability.

We Listen and Investigate

Our team gathers records, interviews witnesses, and works with medical experts to identify where care failed.

We Explain and Guide

We communicate in plain language so families understand their options and can make informed decisions.

We Advocate and Fight

If a facility refuses to take responsibility, we’re fully prepared to go to trial. With over 60 years of combined experience, our attorneys are leaders in elder abuse and neglect litigation across California.

We Work on Contingency

You pay nothing unless we win.

Why Families Choose Peck Law Group

• Decades of experience focusing exclusively on elder neglect and abuse cases.
• Proven record of six- and seven-figure results.
• Client-centered approach — compassionate communication and honest guidance.
• Statewide presence — with offices in Los Angeles, Palm Desert, Sacramento, and San Diego.

Speak with a nursing home abuse attorney in California today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take the Next Step

If your loved one suffered preventable injuries, infections, or neglect in a Los Angeles-area hospital or nursing facility, our team is here to help.

The Los Angeles nursing home neglect attorneys at Peck Law Group will listen to your story, review the evidence, and explain your options in clear, compassionate language. We’ll work to protect your loved one’s rights—and ensure that neglect like this never goes unanswered.

Call (866) 999-9085 or fill out our online form for a free, confidential case evaluation.

You pay nothing unless we win.