Hundreds of Patients Are Dying at California Rehab Centers While Seeking Treatment Every Year
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (December 1, 2024) – An investigation has revealed that hundreds of patients are dying every year at California rehab facilities as they are trying to detox.
The death toll remains high despite the fact that these centers can be extremely expensive. In many cases, patients are spending $40,000 or more in order to get treatment.
There are some reports of families who are concerned that these facilities are taking advantage of patients’ mental states. One man in his 70s has dementia and has spent a small fortune at one facility.
In many cases, patients overdose while in rehab. There are also a number of situations where patients have committed suicide in these facilities.
Part of the problem is that many of the employees at these facilities are not particularly well trained. They may fail to give patients needed medication or make other mistakes.
The death toll at California rehab facilities has prompted a number of lawsuits.
Legal Considerations for California Rehab Center Deaths
The number of people who have died from drug overdoses has continued to climb over the past several decades. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, “Drug overdose deaths involving psychostimulants with abuse potential (primarily methamphetamine) rose from 5,716 in 2015 to 34,022 deaths in 2022. […] Opioid-involved overdose deaths rose from 49,860 in 2019 to 81,806 in 2022.” A number of factors have contributed to this trend.
- There has been a sharp proliferation of powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
- It is common for illicit drugs to contain a mix of several substances, especially fentanyl. This can make treatment harder.
- The availability and potency of certain drugs have increased.
- It is common for opioids to be overprescribed.
Rehab centers have a legal obligation to take measures in order to avoid patient overdoses. Among other things, patients should be closely monitored when they seek treatment. Going to rehab can be one of the lowest points of a person’s life. Patients may be suicidal when they enter. If a rehab facility fails to adequately supervise a patient who dies in their care, this could form the basis of a civil claim. It is important that certain steps are taken after any death at a rehab facility.
- Medical records related to the death should be collected.
- An independent autopsy may need to be performed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- An experienced personal injury lawyer should be contacted.
The vast majority of deaths that take place in a rehab center are completely preventable. These incidents tend to involve some amount of negligence on the part of these facilities. In particular, patients may not be properly monitored. These could be due to a number of different factors, including understaffing. It is crucial that family members of those who die in rehab understand that they do have legal options. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating California Rehab Center Deaths
We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to all of the families who have lost someone in California rehab facilities. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to slow the growth of these preventable tragedies. Getting care in a rehab facility should never become a fatal undertaking due to neglect.
Have you or someone that you care about been harmed while staying at a California rehab facility? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that victims of neglect at rehab facilities 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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