Investigation Underway After 115 Residents Died At Kei-Ai Los Angeles Health Care Center During Covid19 Pandemic
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (July 26, 2024) – California state regulators are investigating 115 deaths that took place at the Kei-Ai Los Angeles Health Care Center at the height of the Covid19 pandemic.
The Kei-Ai Los Angeles Health Care Center was cited multiple times for Covid-safety procedures. According to one state database, Kei-Ai Los Angeles had more deaths than any other skilled nursing facility in the state.
The deaths took place from May 2020 through December 2022. A number of nursing homes across the state of California have faced lawsuits by the families of those who died due to Covid19.
Liability For California Skilled Nursing Home Deaths
The Covid19 pandemic was particularly deadly for nursing homes across the United States. According to The Covid Tracking Project, “About 8% of people who live in US long-term-care facilities have died of COVID-19—nearly 1 in 12. For nursing homes alone, the figure is nearly 1 in 10. The most complete figures we can assemble are both an estimate and a severe undercount of the true impact on long-term-care residents.” Nursing homes should take a number of measures to protect residents from Covid19.
- Nursing homes should develop stringent infection control policies.
- Nursing homes should train staff on proper hygiene practices.
- Nursing homes should regularly screen staff and residents for symptoms of Covid19.
- Nursing homes should promote and facilitate vaccinations for residents and staff.
Depending on the facts of any case, a nursing homes could face civil liability for a resident who died of Covid19 in their care. For example, a nursing home may have failed to implement adequate safety conditions in order to protect residents from Covid19. A number of lawsuits against nursing homes allege that the virus was allowed to spread in part due to “extreme understaffing.” It is important that certain steps are taken after any Covid19 death at a nursing home.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A personal injury attorney should be contacted.
A number of clear mistakes were made by nursing homes in the early part of the pandemic. For example, patients who tested positive for Covid were sent to highly populated nursing homes. The infection would often spread to numerous residents at these facilities. Sadly, though, these same nursing homes that made mistakes have done everything in their power to deny responsibility if someone dies in their care. The family of any person who died in a California nursing home may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating California Skilled Nursing Home Deaths
We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the families of all those who died at Kei-Ai Los Angeles Health Care Center. There needs to be a thorough investigation into all of these tragedies. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents.
Do you need more information about a California nursing home death? Our team of nursing home abuse attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that people are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 825-5200.
Legal Disclaimer
