State officials have imposed a $100,000 fine on a Kern County care facility following the death of a 58-year-old man who they say was the victim of nursing home neglect. According to an Associated Press news report, state officials have cited Browning Manor Convalescent Hospital for inadequate care that led to the death of the patient. The man apparently died when he unbuckled the safety strap on his wheelchair and fell to the floor. Officials say the resident also had a history of unbuckling the strap and fell because he was not closely monitored by nursing home staff. The facility received the AA citation, which is the strictest penalty allowed under state law. The nursing home has said it will appeal the citation and fine.

My heart goes out to the family of this patient who officials say died as a result of negligence on the part of the nursing home's staff. The decision to entrust a loved one to a nursing home is never easy and I can only imagine the emotional turmoil this victim's family must be going through. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Deficient Nursing Homes

A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report in 2003, states that deficiencies in the nation’s nursing homes continue to increase at an alarming rate. One in five nursing homes nationwide -- about 3,500 facilities -- have serious deficiencies that cause residents serious injuries or place them in immediate jeopardy, the report said. The report also found significant understatements of the care problems that should have been treated a lot more seriously -- pressure sores, severe weight loss and multiple falls resulting in broken bones and other injuries.

Neglect Related to Understaffing and Training Issues

A majority of nursing home neglect and abuse incidents can be directly attributed to understaffing and lack of training for nursing home staff. In this particular case, it appears that staff members knew or should have known that the patient had the tendency to unbuckle his strap and put himself in danger. They had specific instructions to monitor him, but failed to do so. If I were a member of the victim's family, I would want to know who the nurse on duty was at the time, the staff member's level of experience and training and whether or not that nurse was supervised at the time.

In such cases, it is usually the nursing home residents and their families who get shortchanged and tragically affected. If your loved one has been injured in a nursing home, please contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer to find out how to pursue your legal rights.

Lost a family member in a California nursing home accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Kern County nursing home negligence case. Call 1-800-586-0277. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE California wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

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