From Joel’s interview for the Masters of the Courtroom series on ReelLawyers.com.
According to public health data, Elmcroft of La Mesa has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, recording one of the highest death tolls in not just San Diego County, but in the entire state of California. The assisted-living facility has had previous regulatory issues regarding resident safety—factors that may have contributed to the rapid and deadly outbreak of COVID-19 in its facility.
If you have a loved one who has contracted COVID-19 at Elmcroft of La Mesa and suffered serious injuries or death as a result, please contact San Diego nursing home abuse lawyer Joel R. Bryant today to discuss your case. If neglect was a substantial factor in the Covid-19 infection and resulting injuries to your loved one, you may have a legal right to pursue compensation against the facility.
Joel R. Bryant is proud to be one of San Diego’s only attorneys recognized for assisting victims of abuse and neglect by nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Elmcroft of La Mesa is a senior living community located in East County San Diego that specializes in memory care, providing living services for elderly who have cognitive issues such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Elmcroft of La Mesa is categorized as an assisted-living facility, rather than a nursing home (also known as a skilled nursing facility). This is because an assisted-living facility specifically houses residents who do not require around-the-clock medical care.
According to available data, Elmcroft of La Mesa has recently come under fire for the high number of COVID-19 cases within the facility. As of July 2020, the senior living facility has recorded a total of 18 confirmed cases among the staff, and 34 total COVID-19 cases among residents. Of those 34 cases, 14 resulted in death.
This data suggests the highest death toll in assisted living facilities in San Diego County, and one of the highest in the state of California.
Unfortunately, Elmcroft of La Mesa has an extensive history of regulatory citations, most notably in the number of fights and confrontations that occur between residents. In 2017, an administrative judge put the facility under probation after three fights between residents—one of which turned deadly. Additionally, in 2015 a resident was physically attacked by another that was known to be aggressive, resulting in her death. Apparently, regulators have previously cited that Elmcroft’s issues stem from inadequate supervision, be it through understaffing or improper training.
Based on its past history and regulatory troubles, Elmcroft of La Mesa may very well be responsible for the deadly spread of COVID-19 cases in its facility. Although 34 cases and 14 deaths may not seem high, it is important to note that Elmcroft only has a capacity of 56 beds. This data reflects that over 60% of residents were infected with COVID-19, and 25% of them died as a result.
Contributing factors to this high rate of positive cases may include:
Additionally, Elmcroft of La Mesa may have had more serious issues that are not publicly disclosed. Because the facility officially re-licensed in 2018, all of its regulatory history before that time is not publicly available online. This is often a red flag in assisted-living facilities, as many do this to obscure any previous troubles they may have had.
Elmcroft of La Mesa has recently stated that their cases have seemingly plateaued and they are taking proper precautions to prevent further spread. However, the experiences of those who have already contracted COVID-19 cannot be ignored—especially given recent findings that show profound lasting damage in even those who do not die from the disease. Those who seemingly fully recover may potentially have to live with permanent damage in the lungs, heart and/or brain—an unacceptable consequence for those residents at Elmcroft who have already suffered harm.
At the law offices of Joel R. Bryant, we are here to help you pursue justice on behalf of your loved one. We understand that this may be a frustrating, stressful time, and we are dedicated to utilizing all of our knowledge and resources to fully investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s situation. This includes:
We are here to provide legal support and counsel during this difficult time.
If your loved one has contracted COVID-19 at Elmcroft of La Mesa and suffered serious injuries or death, please contact us immediately to discuss your case. We are eager to investigate your case and help you seek justice. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with us today to see how we can help.