Handling Cases of Wrongful Death Due to a Treatment Facility's Negligence
The multi-billion-dollar, for-profit residential drug and alcohol treatment industry is rife with fraud, corruption, and profiteering. Often, these facilities put other priorities above the health and recovery of residents. Profit-driving operators might cut corners and neglect protocols, risking residents' lives. Unfortunately, this negligence has resulted in numerous avoidable deaths within these centers. This is unacceptable, and wrongdoers should be held accountable.
At Lowe Law, APC, we can help you seek justice if you have lost a loved one because of negligence or intentional wrongdoing at a treatment facility. Jeremiah Lowe has established a unique practice area dedicated to wrongful death cases resulting from rehab neglect or abuse in California and nationwide. Our team understands the trauma and distress these matters cause individuals and their families. That is why we go to great lengths to ensure that we can provide meaningful representation.
We intentionally accept only a small number of clients at a time so that we can devote ourselves wholly to their cases. Our team is available for our clients, ready to answer questions, address concerns, and clearly explain what to expect. Award-winning trial lawyers, we are prepared to take on complex matters and do not back down when things get tough.
To schedule a consultation with Jeremiah Lowe, Esq regarding your rehab abuse case, please contact Lowe Law, APC at (619) 815-8156today for a rehab abuse attorney near you.
Abuse and Neglect in Rehab Centers
Residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities provide in-patient care. That means residents are treated 24/7, whether that's administering medical care, mental health treatment, or medications.
When accepting a new resident, these centers must:
Screen the resident to identify the treatment needed,
Refer residents to appropriate facilities equipped to handle special circumstances, and
Provide reasonable care while the individual is a resident.
Rehab centers are obligated to provide service at the industry-accepted level. Unfortunately, not all do.
At non-complying facilities, abuse or neglect can occur, which can take the form of:
Improper screenings
Physical or sexual assault
Financial exploitation
Withholding food
Failing to treat illnesses
Providing incorrect medications or dosages
Failing to contact the proper services in an emergency
Failing to maintain a clean and safe environment
Failing to perform background checks on staff
Failing to provide adequate training to staff
A center that is lax in its duty of care may be considered negligent and liable for damages that occur if a resident dies.
Understanding the Types Rehab Abuse and Neglect
Rehab abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial exploitation. Patients in these facilities often rely on caregivers for support, making them especially vulnerable to mistreatment. Common examples of rehab abuse include:
Physical abuse – Unnecessary restraint, assault, rough handling, or neglect leading to injury
Emotional abuse – Verbal threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation
Sexual abuse – Unwanted advances, coercion, or assault by staff or other patients
Neglect – Failure to provide adequate food, water, hygiene, or medical care
Financial exploitation – Unauthorized use of a patient’s funds or coercion into signing legal documents
Signs of Abuse in Rehabilitation Facilities
Recognizing the warning signs of abuse is critical to protecting yourself or a loved one from ongoing harm. Some key indicators include:
Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
Sudden weight loss or malnutrition
Poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions
Changes in behavior, such as fear, anxiety, or withdrawal
Unexplained financial transactions or missing personal belongings
Signs of overmedication or lack of medical care
If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to take immediate action. Seeking legal help can prevent further harm and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
Holding Rehab Centers Responsible
If your loved one was under the care of a drug or alcohol treatment facility and lost their life because of negligence, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. When you bring a case against a rehab center, you must prove that abuse or neglect led to your loved one's passing.
Generally, this means showing that the facility:
Owed your loved one a duty of care: Staff was expected to provide proper treatment and services for the individual's particular situation.
Breached that duty of care: The staff's actions or inactions fell below accepted standards. In other words, a reasonable and similarly situated professional would not have conducted themselves the same way.
Caused your loved one's death: The staff's neglect or abuse is what led to the loss of life.
Caused compensable losses: You and/or your loved one suffered compensable damages, such as medical care, pain and suffering, and funeral and burial expenses.
Proving negligence requires an in-depth investigation and a review of relevant information. Jeremiah Lowe is a rehab abuse attorney who knows how to leverage skills and resources to determine the cause of the incident, identify liable parties, and seek just compensation through negotiations or litigation.
Legal Options for Rehab Abuse Victims
Victims of rehab abuse have legal rights and may be entitled to compensation for their suffering. At Lowe Law, APC, we help clients pursue legal claims based on:
Wrongful death claims if a loved one has died due to abuse or neglect
Civil lawsuits seeking compensation for financial exploitation
Our team conducts thorough investigations, gathers evidence, and builds strong cases to seek justice for our clients.
Contact Our Rehab Abuse Lawyers
When a person decides to enter a drug or alcohol treatment facility, they do so expecting that the services will help them get better. Unfortunately, dire consequences may result if the individual is subject to abuse or neglect by the staff. If this happens, surviving family members may have legal recourse for holding the responsible parties accountable.
To schedule a consultation with Jeremiah Lowe, Esq regarding your rehab abuse case, please contact Lowe Law, APC at (619) 815-8156today.
California Rehab Abuse FAQs
What should I do if I suspect rehab abuse?
If you suspect abuse, document any signs of mistreatment, report the issue to the facility’s administration, and seek immediate legal advice. Contacting a lawyer early can help protect your rights.
Can I file a lawsuit on behalf of a loved one?
Yes. If your loved one is unable to take legal action due to physical or mental limitations, you may be able to file a claim on their behalf.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for rehab abuse in California?
California has strict deadlines for filing personal injury and abuse claims. It is best to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss the statute of limitations.
What kind of compensation can I recover?
Victims of rehab abuse may be eligible for compensation covering medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages in cases of severe misconduct.
How much does it cost to hire a rehab abuse lawyer?
At Lowe Law, APC, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay any legal fees unless we secure compensation for you.
