Seven Figure Settlement in Long Beach

Seven Figure Settlement in Long Beach

Background

In November 2022, our client—a resident of an assisted living facility in Long Beach, California—suddenly went missing. Staff suspected that he left the facility on November 23, 2022, but his location remained unknown. Tragically, his body was later found on an embankment near an AM/PM, just under half a mile from the facility. This heartbreaking situation prompted urgent legal action and a search for accountability.

Legal Settlement

The case resulted in a seven-figure settlement, reflecting the gravity of the neglect exhibited by the facility. The settlement addresses several critical failures:

Failure to Ensure Resident Safety

The facility and its administration did not provide adequate training or supervision. Their oversight allowed residents to wander off, ultimately putting our client at risk.

Neglect in Medication Management

Staff failed to ensure that our client received his necessary medications. This lapse seriously compromised his health, especially given his ongoing medical conditions.

Lack of Required Documentation and Care Planning

The facility did not complete essential care plans or documentation that could have highlighted our client’s specific needs. Proper documentation might have flagged his risks and prompted timely intervention.

Disregard for Absentee Notification Protocols

Although the facility had protocols to handle missing residents, staff did not act promptly when our client went missing. This delay reduced the chance of a safe recovery.

Inadequate Emergency Information Collection

The facility overlooked collecting and maintaining updated emergency contact information, which could have facilitated a quicker response in this crisis.

Conclusion

This case highlights the devastating impact of inadequate care in assisted living facilities. The clear failures in supervision, medication management, documentation, and emergency response led to a tragic outcome for our client.

The seven-figure settlement not only provides a measure of justice but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of adhering to strict care protocols. By addressing these shortcomings, we hope to protect vulnerable residents and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

For more information or legal assistance regarding elder care and resident safety, please contact Peck Law Group.