At Berman & Riedel, LLP, we are deeply committed to protecting the dignity and well-being of the San Diego Elderly. Our Elder Abuse Resources provides a personal, compassionate, and professional approach to identifying, preventing, and addressing elder abuse. With our expert legal team by your side, you have access to essential information, and advice ensure every senior is treated with the respect and care they deserve. Trust Berman & Riedel, LLP to be your reliable legal partner in creating a safer, more supportive environment for our elders.

San Jose Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If your loved one has been mistreated or neglected in a San Jose nursing home, you are not alone. Many families in Northern California face the heartbreaking reality of abuse in long-term care facilities. A San Jose nursing home abuse lawyer at Berman & Riedel, LLP can help you understand your legal options and fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Nursing home residents are among our most vulnerable citizens. When skilled nursing facilities fail to provide proper care or allow abuse, family members have the right to hold them accountable. At Berman & Riedel, LLP, we advocate for victims and their families with a proven track record of success in nursing home neglect cases. Schedule a free consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer in San Jose today to discuss how we can help you protect your loved one.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Cases We Handle in San Jose

Abusive behavior in Santa Clara County nursing homes can take many forms. As a leading San Jose nursing home abuse lawyer, our firm represents victims harmed by many types of neglect and abuse in long-term care facilities.

Nursing Home Neglect

Neglect occurs when residents do not receive adequate care, including medical care. Examples of neglect include:

  • Failure to provide hygiene assistance
  • Failure to turn or move immobile patients, resulting in bed sores
  • Not responding to health concerns or following the resident's care plan
  • Inadequate supervision that results in falls
  • Medication errors

Neglect often leads to malnutrition, dehydration, infections, and other serious complications.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse includes hitting, slapping, pushing, or using excessive restraints. It can also involve rough handling during transfers or care routines. Physical abuse frequently results in broken bones, bruises, and fear among residents.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Staff or other residents may emotionally abuse residents through threats, insults, intimidation, or isolation. This abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or worsening dementia symptoms.

Financial Abuse or Exploitation

Unscrupulous caregivers or staff may manipulate or steal from vulnerable residents. This can include forging checks, coercing financial decisions, or misusing bank accounts and credit cards.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual assault and other forms of sexual abuse are grave concerns in nursing homes. Victims are often unable to report abuse due to cognitive impairments, fear, or shame. Signs may include unexplained injuries, fearfulness around certain staff, or sexually transmitted infections.

A pensive elderly man sits in a wheelchair alone

Elder Neglect & Abuse Laws in California

Nursing home residents are protected by several state and federal laws. The California Health and Safety Code and the federal Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA) set minimum care standards and give residents specific rights. Violations can lead to both civil lawsuits and regulatory penalties.

Other federal laws include:

California also has strong laws protecting residents. The Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) allows victims and their families to seek damages against negligent or abusive facilities. Penal Code 368 makes elder abuse a crime.

The legal process for holding facilities accountable can be complex. That’s why having an experienced San Jose nursing home abuse lawyer to navigate the laws and advocate for your family is essential.

How the San Jose Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at Berman & Riedel, LLP Can Help

If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect, we are ready to help your family seek compensation and hold negligent facilities accountable. Our attorneys bring decades of experience seeking justice for victims in San Jose and throughout Northern California.

When you work with Berman & Riedel, LLP, we will:

  • Gather evidence to build a strong case
  • Investigate the nursing home’s history and practices
  • Consult with medical and elder care experts
  • Handle all communications and filings
  • Represent your family in negotiations or at trial
  • Fight tirelessly for a full financial recovery

Our legal team provides compassionate, personalized service to families at every step. Contact our law office today for a free case evaluation to explore legal options and get the help you need.

Compensation Available in San Jose Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases

In personal injury cases involving nursing home neglect or abuse, victims and families may recover damages for:

  • Medical costs related to the mistreatment
  • Pain and suffering, including mental anguish, physical pain, and emotional distress
  • Wrongful death damages if abuse leads to the loss of life, including funeral expenses
  • Relocation expenses for moving to a safer facility

The value of a claim depends on the severity of harm, the facility’s history of violations, and the strength of the evidence.

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse in Nursing Home Residents

Families need to recognize possible signs of abuse and neglect, including:

  • Poor hygiene or soiled clothing/bedding
  • Unexplained injuries like broken bones or bruises
  • Bed sores (pressure sores)
  • Sudden mood changes or withdrawal
  • Fearfulness or anxiety
  • Unusual financial activity

If you notice any of these signs, take action right away. Below are the steps to take if you suspect abuse. A San Jose nursing home abuse lawyer at our law firm can help you take the next steps to hold the facility accountable.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse

If you believe a nursing home resident is being mistreated, here are the steps to take to report the suspected abuse and ensure your loved one is safe.

  1. Call 911 if you believe there is an immediate threat to the safety or health of elderly individuals
  2. Report concerns to the nursing home administrator and the long-term care ombudsman, who investigates complaints and advocates for long-term care residents. You can call the CRISIS line at 1-800-231-4024.
  3. Submit a complaint to the California Department of Public Health. Investigations into serious complaints must be completed within 90 days.
  4. Document signs of abuse or neglect.
  5. Contact a San Jose nursing home abuse lawyer at Berman & Riedel, LLP for a free case evaluation. We can help you ensure appropriate action is taken and pursue compensation for relocation costs, if needed, and other losses your loved one has suffered.
Close-up of an elderly woman’s hand holding onto a white bed rail in a skilled nursing facility

Resources for Seniors & Caregivers in San Jose & the Bay Area

Here are resources for caregivers and older adults living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or the community.

Reporting & licensing:

Advocacy and education:

Quality of life:

Caregiver resources:

Other local resources for older adults:

  • 2-1-1 Bay Area: A United Way program that acts as a referral service for resources in Santa Clara County.
  • Farewell to Falls: Free, home-based fall prevention program for seniors living in Santa Clara County.
  • Health Trust: A Healthy Aging Initiative to help older adults stay engaged with the community and live a healthy life through a variety of services.
  • RYDE: Curb-to-curb transportation and trip planning for seniors in Santa Clara County.
  • Heart of the Valley, Services for Seniors, Inc: In-home services for seniors such as shopping, yard work, errands, and home projects. (408) 241–1571
  • Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley: Offers resources and support for seniors and their families.
  • Senior Nutrition Program: Serves seniors 60 and older at 13 community centers throughout San Jose.

Nursing Home Negligence FAQs

What Is Considered Negligence in a Nursing Home?

Negligence occurs when a nursing home, medical providers, or staff fail to deliver the standard of care expected, either through action or inaction. Negligence may stem from understaffing, inadequate training, hiring unqualified staff, failing to perform background checks, or failure to provide adequate care.

How Do You Prove Nursing Home Abuse?

Evidence may include:

  • Medical records
  • Photos of injuries
  • Witness statements and personal observation
  • Expert testimony
  • Video footage
  • Nursing home records, such as staff logs, injury reports, and resident charts, which can show a pattern of negligence, poor reporting standards, fraud, and other issues

An experienced San Jose nursing home abuse lawyer can help gather and present this evidence effectively.

How Common Is Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?

Elder abuse is a common but underreported problem. According to the Department of Justice, about 10% of seniors will experience abuse in any given year. Nearly one in six seniors has been the victim of abuse of some type.

While any older adult may be the victim of abuse, those at the highest risk include:

  • Nursing home residents
  • Disabled adults, who are twice as likely to be abused
  • Patients with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, about half of whom experience abuse

Who Can Be Held Liable for Abuse or Neglect in a Nursing Home in California?

Liable parties may include:

  • The facility owner or operator
  • Nursing home employees, supervisors, and managers
  • Contractors
  • Healthcare providers

Schedule a Free Consultation With a San Jose Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer at Our Law Firm

If your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect in San Jose, you may be entitled to compensation. Let the experienced legal team at Berman & Riedel, LLP fight for your family’s rights.

We have earned a reputation as one of the premier elder and nursing home abuse law firms in California, recovering millions for victims and family members in Silicon Valley and beyond. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling complex nursing home abuse cases.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a San Jose nursing home abuse lawyer and learn how we can help your family seek justice.


inter

5 Star Rated Injury Lawyers In California

Bringing our injured clients unparalleled success
Settlement Won
$4,250,000
Elder Neglect
Settlement Won
$2,000,000
Elder Neglect
Settlement Won
$9,100,000
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Settlement Won
$2,200,000
Elder Neglect
Settlement Won
$15,500,000
Serious Personal Injury
Trial verdict
$3,300,000
Automobile Accident

FREE CONSULTATION.

Speak Directly With A Partner Now.

  • NOTE: All Fields Required

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
Real Injuries. Real Testimonials

Watch What Our Clients Have To Say

Families across California share their experiences of how Berman & Riedel, LLP, fought for justice in cases of elder neglect, nursing home abuse, and personal injury.

Elder Neglect by Healthcare Corporation

Jean’s mother was a victim of neglect while at a skilled nursing facility, resulting in surgery that she did not survive. Berman was there to listen and provide the support that the client needed.

Wrongful Death at a California Nursing Home

Michele’s mother suffered a wrongful death at a California nursing home. William M. Berman and the attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP, helped litigate the case with successful results.

Serious Injury at Skilled Nursing Facility

Ira’s wife suffered a traumatic brain injury due to negligence at a skilled nursing facility, and our team of attorneys worked hard to ensure that Ira’s wife and his family received the compensation that they rightfully deserved.

Wrongful Death Legal Services

Ginny suffered a family loss, and Berman lawyers handled her legal needs with compassion and reassurance, allowing her to feel safe and at ease through the entire process.
See more client testimonials
Blog, Insights & News

In The News

August 13, 2026

Elder Financial Abuse Attorney in California

If you suspect that a parent, grandparent, or another older loved one has been financially exploited, you're not alone, and you don't have to figure […] Read More
July 10, 2026

What Is a Demand for Accounting Letter? POA Abuse Explained

What is a demand for accounting letter? ⚖️ Learn how this legal tool can expose POA abuse in California, protect assets, and hold a dishonest agent legally accountable. Read More
July 5, 2026

How to Contest a Will in California: A Step-by-Step Guide

⚖️ Discover how to contest a will in California: legal grounds, strict deadlines & standing to file. Call Berman & Riedel today before your filing deadline runs out. Read More
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions people have about working with a lawyer. During your initial consultation, we will be happy to answer questions that are particular to your case.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Elder Abuse Attorney?

The attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP, accept elder and nursing home cases on a contingency-fee basis. This type of agreement means you do not pay any attorneys’ fees out-of-pocket for legal representation. Attorneys’ fees are also contingent on the outcome of your case.

You benefit from legal representation in exchange for an agreed-upon percentage of a settlement or jury award. We will only recover a fee if you recover compensation.

What Should I Do if I Suspect a Loved One is the Victim of Elder Abuse?

The first step is to report the abuse to the appropriate authorities. Call 911 if the situation is life-threatening. Otherwise, it can be reported to the police and appropriate agencies. For abuse in the community or a hospital, call Adult Protective Services at 1-833-401-0832. For abuse in a nursing home or long-term care facility, contact your local long-term care ombudsman or call 1-888-452-8609

The next step is contacting a California elder neglect lawyer to help you safeguard your loved one’s rights, investigate the abuse, and hold the facility accountable.

Can You Tell Me How Much My Case Is Worth?

There is no way to determine the exact value of an elder abuse or personal injury case, especially early in your case. However, an experienced attorney can give you an estimated range based on their experience with similar cases.

There are many factors that may influence the value of your case, such as:

  • Your total financial or economic damages
  • The severity of your injuries
  • The impact of your injuries on your daily life
  • The strength of your case
  • Whether you share fault for your accident
  • Insurance policy limits 

Some damages are easy to calculate, such as lost wages and medical bills. Calculating the value of diminished earnings for the rest of your life or future medical needs, however, may require the help of experts. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering have no intrinsic financial value. These damages are challenging to calculate. 

If your case goes before a jury, you may potentially be able to recover more than you could through a settlement. However, this introduces a new element of risk: the jury. The circumstances of your accident and even how sympathetic you or the defendant are can influence the outcome.

During your consultation and throughout your case, we will help you understand how these factors influence your case. We will also work tirelessly to document the value of all your damages and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

The vast majority of cases are resolved by reaching a settlement agreement outside of court. Very few personal injury cases actually go to trial, but it is more likely if the facts in your case are in dispute, a legal issue is being contested, or you have a high-value case.

An experienced lawyer will build your case as if it will go to trial from the beginning. The stronger your case and evidence, the more likely a fair settlement will be reached.

How Do I Know If I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

The more serious your injuries or the more complex your case, the more important it becomes to seek experienced legal counsel.

Legal representation is vital if your case involves a complex area of law, such as elder abuse or neglect, premises liability, commercial vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, or serious work-related accidents. Determining liability, navigating decades of legal precedence, and interpreting specific statutes in these cases is best done with years of relevant legal experience.

Remember that the insurance company is not on your side, even if the insurance adjuster seems sympathetic and you receive a settlement offer. If you are being blamed for an accident or sustained serious injury, a lawyer will help you protect your rights and build the strongest case possible. This includes calculating the full value of your current and future losses.

Do You Accept Cases Outside of San Diego?

While our law office is located in San Diego, Berman & Riedel, LLP, accepts cases throughout the state of California.

FREE CONSULTATION.

Speak Directly With A Partner Now.

  • NOTE: All Fields Required

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form

Bermen & Riedel Reviews

Honest Reviews from Customers Just Like You

Trusted By California To Handle Elder Abuse & Neglect, Serious Personal Injury, & Wrongful Death Litigation

Disclaimer
The information on this website is for general information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. No information on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Berman & Riedel, LLP at (858) 997-0678 if you would like to discuss your legal matter with a member of the firm.

© 2026 Berman & Riedel, LLP. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions

Call Us
Free Consultation
To Top