pexels-anna-shvets-3683036Overdoses Remain On The Rise In California As Rehab Centers Fail to Keep Pace

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (September 21, 2024) – Drug overdoses remain a major cause of preventable death in California, as overdose deaths have continued to rise over the past two decades.

It is estimated that there were 10,952 overdose deaths in 2022 alone. This is the highest overdose death rate since 1999, when statistics became available.

According to USA Facts, “In 2022, California had a drug overdose death rate 17% lower than the US rate overall. The drug overdose death rate in California increased in 15 of the last 23 years for which data is available. The overdose death rate has increased 2.1 times since 2018 and 2.4 times since 2013.”

In 2016, there was a sharp rise in overdose deaths across California and the United States. Part of the problem is the growing use of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

In particular, fentanyl can be 100 times more powerful than morphine. Methamphetamine has also been involved in a disproportionate number of the deaths.

Despite the increased need for competent rehab centers in California, many of the places have lagged state and medical expectations. According to one study mentioned in CBS News, [California] “consistently failed to catch life-threatening problems” and showed “reluctance to shut down programs that pose a danger to the public.” It also found that other states require medical care to be provided inside detox facilities, while California doesn’t.”

Liability For Overdose Deaths At California Rehab Centers 

Deaths at California rehab centers remain alarmingly common. According to CBS News, “Public records show 190 deaths have occurred at licensed rehabs in California since 2010. That doesn’t include sober homes, where people often stay for 30 days or longer after detox. Sober homes are not required to be licensed and do not have to report deaths.” There are a number of signs that a person is going through an opioid overdose.

  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Blue or grayish skin
  • Limp body
  • Unconsciousness

Depending on the facts of any case, a rehab center could face civil liability for the death of any patient in their care. These facilities have a legal obligation to adequately monitor patients and take all actions that are reasonably necessary to keep them safe. Many people die during rehab from suicide or drug overdoses. In particular, there are several mistakes that a rehab center may make that could contribute to a death.

  • Inadequate Supervision
  • Poor Staff Training on Overdose Protocols
  • Improper Medication Management
  • Neglecting Co-occurring Conditions
  • Failure to Respond to Medical Emergencies

It can be hard to know what to do after losing someone in a California rehab facility. Families and individuals turn to these centers in their times of need. But the truth of the matter is that many of them are very poorly run. It is important that the patients of these facilities and their families understand that they do have rights. The family of any patient who died during rehab may have legal recourse through a civil claim.

Getting Legal Help After A Rehab Center Death 

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones in California rehab facilities. State officials need to do their part and ensure that these facilities are safe. It is inexcusable that a single person should die of an overdose at a facility intended to rehab patients.

Have you or someone that you care about been harmed while staying at a California rehab facility? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. 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.

 

 

 

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