April 9, 2024, Los Angeles, CA. – A seven-figure settlement has been reached in an assisted living facility neglect case that resulted in the death of an assisted living facility resident in November 2022 .
The 81-year-old resident disappeared from the facility under mysterious circumstances on Nov. 23rd, 2022. He was seen walking as late as Nov. 28th, but his exact whereabouts remained unknown until Nov. 30th, when his body was found on an embankment less than a half-mile away from the facility.
The resident apparently left the facility of his own accord, but was able to elope without the staff being aware due to a lack of adequate supervision. The facility also failed to ensure the resident was provided the necessary medications that needed to be administered around the clock.
“The facility did not prepare or give the resident’s medications to him or a responsible person when he left the facility on November 23rd,” noted Adam Peck of Peck Law Group, which represented the resident’s family in their lawsuit. “And they should have immediately begun calling family members to verify that he was with them.”
Despite policies in place at the assisted living facility to handle missing residents, staff did not recognize that the resident was missing and failed to follow proper protocol in notifying authorities. As a result, the resident was not reported missing at all, until the resident’s daughter received a call from the coroners office on Dec 1st, 2022.
“They should have alerted law enforcement to begin searching for the victim,” Peck said. “More importantly, if the facility had made the appropriate calls, the victim would likely have been found alive, as he was seen walking on Nov. 28th.”
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the facility had also neglected to provide a comprehensive care plan for the resident and to gather essential emergency contact information.
The assisted living facility was directly responsible for the resident’s death, Peck said. Had proper emergency protocols been followed and adequate supervision been provided, the victim’s death could have been prevented.
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Peck Law Group has over 54 years of combined experience protecting victims of personal injury throughout California. Providing personalized care and attention to every client, Peck Law Group ensures that the perpetrators of your injuries are brought to justice and that you receive the highest amount of compensation available.
Steven Peck, ESQ.
About the Author
Attorney Steven Peck has been practicing law since 1981. Within the first three years, after some colleagues and friend’s parents endured nursing home neglect and elder abuse, he continued his education to protect those involved in personal injuries. For over 43 years, his dedication has been unyielding. Steve's approach to client representation and care is deeply respected by his colleagues and clients alike. Steven Peck has extensive trial experience and has recovered tens of millions of dollars in damages for clients.