California Officials Suspend Licensed For Veterans Village Rehab Program In San Diego After Reports Of Deaths and Safety Concerns
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (October 29, 2024) – California health officials have suspended the license of San Diego-based Veterans Village after seven client deaths and safety concerns.
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has informed current clients of the suspension. The suspension came a year after the nonprofit Veterans Village entered into a probation agreement over safety violations and deaths.
In particular, it was discovered that five people enrolled in its treatment program died between January 2022 and October 22. The agreement began in March 2023.
However, an additional two deaths occurred between September 2023 and March 2024. DHCS also said that further violations were discovered.
Details about the seven deaths at Veterans Village were not provided.
Legal Considerations For Deaths At Rehab Treatment Centers
Deaths at rehab centers remain all too common. According to USA Today, “More than 1.4 million people sought treatment for alcohol or drug addiction from inpatient, outpatient and residential treatment programs in 2015, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The federal agency recorded 3,362 deaths.” Rehab centers should take a number of measures in order to prevent deaths.
- All patients should undergo a comprehensive medical assessment.
- All patients should have round-the-clock medical supervision, especially during detox phases.
- Staff should be properly trained in overdose and withdrawal management.
- Rehab facilities should limit access to potentially harmful substances through security protocols.
- Rehab facilities should have suicide screening and prevention measures.
Rehab centers have a legal obligation to protect patients from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. If a rehab center failed to meet the standard of care of a treatment facility, they could be held liable for negligence. This may occur in many different ways. For example, staff may have failed to adequately medically monitor patients. The facility may have had poor medication management protocols. Poorly trained staff may not have recognized or addressed the symptoms of distress. It is important that certain steps are taken after any death at a rehab center.
- Apolice report should be created.
- The actions of staff should be understood.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- An experienced personal injury attorney should be contacted.
It can be hard to know where to begin after losing someone in a rehab setting. People often enter these facilities as a measure of last resort. They expect to get quality care. Many patients are suicidal. But in far too many situations, these locations are understaffed or the staff are not particularly well trained. It is important for victims and families to understand that they do have rights. The family of any person who died at a rehab treatment facility may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating San Diego County Rehab Facility Deaths
We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to all of the families who have lost loved ones at Veterans Village in San Diego. There needs to be a thorough investigation into all of the deaths. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to prevent similar tragedies from taking place at treatment facilities across California.
Do you need more information about a death at a California-based rehab treatment facility? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that patients are aware of their rights and that rehab facilities are held to account for their wrongful actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 825-5200.
Legal Disclaimer
