Life Care Centers of America Lawsuit 2021: What You Need to Know
Life Care Centers of America, one of the largest nursing home chains in the United States, has been the subject of numerous lawsuits in recent years. In 2021 alone, the company faced at least 102 lawsuits for nursing home violations, including neglect, abuse, and wrongful death.
One of the most notable lawsuits filed against Life Care Centers of America in 2021 was a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a resident who died of a pressure ulcer. The lawsuit alleged that the nursing home failed to provide the resident with adequate care, which led to the development of the pressure ulcer and ultimately her death.
Another lawsuit filed against Life Care Centers of America in 2021 alleged that the company violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to Medicare and TRICARE for rehabilitation therapy services that were not medically necessary. The lawsuit alleged that Life Care Centers of America pressured its therapists to bill for services that were not provided or that were not medically necessary in order to increase the company’s profits.
Life Care Centers of America has denied all allegations of wrongdoing in these lawsuits. However, the company has agreed to pay millions of dollars to settle lawsuits in recent years. For example, in 2016, Life Care Centers of America agreed to pay $145 million to settle a False Claims Act lawsuit brought by the federal government.
Why Are Lawsuits Being Filed Against Life Care Centers of America?
There are a number of reasons why lawsuits are being filed against Life Care Centers of America. One reason is that the company has a history of violating nursing home regulations. For example, in 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) found that Life Care Centers of America had violated nursing home regulations at over 100 of its facilities.
Another reason why lawsuits are being filed against Life Care Centers of America is that the company is one of the largest nursing home chains in the United States. This means that the company has a large number of residents, which increases the likelihood that something will go wrong.
Finally, lawsuits are being filed against Life Care Centers of America because the company is a for-profit company. This means that the company is motivated to make money, which can lead to corners being cut on resident care.
What Can You Do If You or a Loved One Has Been Injured at a Life Care Centers of America Facility?
If you or a loved one has been injured at a Life Care Centers of America facility, you may have legal options. You should contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your case. A lawyer can help you determine whether you have a valid claim and can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
FAQs
Q: What is the False Claims Act?
A: The False Claims Act is a federal law that prohibits the false filing of government claims. The law allows individuals to file lawsuits on behalf of the government to recover damages for false claims.
Q: What is nursing home abuse?
A: Nursing home abuse is any type of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse that is inflicted on a nursing home resident. Nursing home abuse can also include neglect, which is the failure to provide a resident with the basic care they need.
Q: What are the signs of nursing home abuse?
A: The signs of nursing home abuse can vary depending on the type of abuse. However, some common signs of nursing home abuse include:
- Bruises
- Cuts
- Broken bones
- Bedsores
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Isolation
- Withdrawal
- Depression
- Anxiety
Q: What can I do if I suspect nursing home abuse?
A: If you suspect nursing home abuse, you should report it to the authorities. You can also contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your case.
Q: What are my legal options if I have been injured at a nursing home?
A: If you have been injured at a nursing home, you may have a legal claim against the nursing home. You should contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your case.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a nursing home abuse lawyer?
References
- Life Care Centers of America – Violation Tracker: https://violationtracker.goodjobsfirst.org/parent/life-care-centers-of-america
- U.S. Department of Justice Announces $145 Million Settlement with Life Care Centers of America Inc. to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/life-care-centers-america-inc-agrees-pay-145-million-resolve-false-claims-act-allegations
- Life Care Centers of America Sued for Wrongful Death After Resident Dies of Pressure Ulcer: https://www.nursinghomelawcenter.org/wrongful-death.html
Life Care Centers of America, one of the largest nursing home chains in the United States, has been the subject of numerous lawsuits in recent years. In 2021 alone, the company faced at least 102 lawsuits for nursing home violations, including neglect, abuse, and wrongful death. One of the most notable lawsuits filed against Life…