Chemical

Unfortunately, the Los Angeles nursing home and assisted living neglect attorneys at the Law Offices of Ben Yeroushalmi frequently deal with cases involving the use of chemical restraints, including antipsychotic medications and other sedatives. Our attorneys are well-versed in the laws and statutes that govern this area of elder abuse. We have built up extensive experience preparing such cases for trial so that we know how to best serve your interests and recover damages that are just for the pain and suffering your loved one has had to endure.

Chemical restraints are drugs that are used in order to subdue patients and residents and are a form of nursing home abuse. Antipsychotics are the most commonly used chemical restraints. Designed for disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, antipsychotics are often used off-label to subdue patients who suffer from dementia-related agitation, as well. While some medical backing does exist to support the use of antipsychotics to treat mental illnesses, specialists stress the importance of using behavioral therapies as the main therapy to treat dementia, rather than pharmacological ones.

Dementia-related aggravation is linked to delirium, which can be triggered by polypharmacy, the use of too many drugs simultaneously. Therefore, it is inappropriate and illogical to treat such cases of delirium by adding even more medications to a patients’ drug routine. This practice can also be harmful. Polypharmacy increases the risk for side-effects, which for antipsychotics can include stroke, tremors, severe weight loss, slurred speech, psychosis, and even death.

Despite the fact that studies have shown that the practice can double the risk of death in dementia patients, many nursing homes and assisted living facilities continue to use antipsychotics to chemically restrain their patients and residents. One of the major contributory reasons for this type of dangerous behavior is understaffing. When nursing homes and assisted living facilities are inadequately staffed, staff find it necessary to chemically subdue their patients and residents in order to make it easier to care for them without help. These sedating drugs are used so that extra personnel are not necessary for assistance in daily procedures even though it is a right of every nursing home patient to stay in a facility that has adequate staffing. A well-staffed nursing home or assisted living facility has enough employees to supervise patients with dementia during the day, so it is unnecessary to use antipsychotic drugs purely as restraints. That lives are being put at risk for purposes of convenience is completely unacceptable and needs to be stopped. If your loved one has suffered harm due to facility understaffing, call a nursing home and assisted living neglect attorney in Los Angeles for additional help.

Because the use of antipsychotics is so dangerous, and too often is a direct cause of death, it is important to understand the risks and take action against the use of chemical restraints. Although it is acceptable to use antipsychotics for the purpose of treating mental illness, there is no valid excuse for the use of antipsychotics to subdue any other patients. If your loved one’s nursing home is using dangerous medications as chemical restraints you must realize that this is a direct violation of his or her rights, as well as a flagrant form of elder abuse. Contact us today so we can review your case and ensure that your loved one receives just compensation for his or her suffering. Our Los Angeles nursing home and assisted living neglect attorneys are dedicated to litigating nursing home neglect cases and are prepared to fight for your cause, taking the case through to trial if necessary. Our main goal is getting your loved one the compensation he or she deserves, so we will not accept any fees until a just and amenable outcome has been achieved. Discuss your case with us in a free consultation and see how we can help you fight for your loved one’s rights.

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Ben Yeroushalmi accepted my case with much understanding and patience. He went above and beyond with the defense lawyers to reach a fair settlement. He explained the complete case process (as I had never filed a case with anyone) Ben kept my sister and I notified of every email or correspondence he had with the opposing council. Gloria
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Ben is an outstanding litigator, and human being. He took on our case, as if it was his own. He paid close attention to details. His guidance was invaluable. He was very clear and concise, in explaining all potential scenarios to us. He spoke eloquently, and straight to the point at all times. Ben is a true professional, with a passion for his craft. Anonymous review
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Mr Yeroushalmi was our lawyer for a case involving my mother who was a victim of elderly abuse while in a nursing home. He and his team did an excellent job. My mother was able to live comfortably for the remaining years of her life due to the results of our case. I highly recommend Mr Ben Yeroushalmi. Danny
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Mr. Yeroushalmi had provided his legal services for my father's medical injury case. Through mr. Yeroushlmi's excellent services, my family could make informed decisions during the entire course of legal proceedings. Thanks for the professional and responsive services. I strongly recommend Mr. Yeroushimi as your legal advisior. He is the one you can rely on. Thanks. Samuel
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Mr. Yeroushalmi provide excellent representation After my husband passed away from complications due to Alzheimer's. It was a complex case and I was always informed of the progression of the case. The office staff offers the personal touch and patience with my constant phone calls and questions. I highly recommend Ben and his staff if you are looking for an aggressive attorney with high ethics and great attention to details. Terry