Oakmont Senior Living has faced multiple lawsuits from residents, families, and even former employees, raising various concerns about their care practices and business operations. Here’s an overview of the key issues:
1. Neglect and Improper Care:
- Several lawsuits allege a failure to provide adequate care to residents, leading to injuries, medical complications, and even wrongful deaths.
- Claims include understaffing, lack of proper training for caregivers, medication errors, and inadequate attention to residents’ needs.
- Cases like Kepner v. Oakmont Senior Living, LLC and Eurotas-Steffy v. Oakmont Senior Living detail these accusations.
2. Abandonment and Evacuation Failures:
- High-profile lawsuits emerged after the 2017 wildfires in California, accusing Oakmont of abandoning residents during the evacuation.
- Claims include leaving residents without sufficient assistance, failing to communicate effectively, and causing emotional distress.
- This resulted in a $500,000 settlement with state and county authorities and a class-action lawsuit by families still ongoing.
3. False Advertising and Misrepresentation:
- Lawsuits allege that Oakmont misrepresents the level of care and services they offer to attract residents and families.
- Claims include exaggerating staff qualifications, downplaying potential safety risks, and failing to disclose staffing limitations or financial difficulties.
- A class-action lawsuit, Truth in Advertising v. Oakmont Senior Living, focuses on these deceptive practices.
4. Financial Exploitation and Unfair Fees:
- Some accusations involve financial misconduct, such as overcharging residents for unnecessary services or pressuring them into signing unfavorable contracts.
- Concerns regarding hidden fees, lack of transparency in billing practices, and potential exploitation of vulnerable residents are raised.
5. Retaliation against Residents and Employees:
- Several whistleblowers, including former employees, have filed lawsuits alleging retaliation for speaking up about safety concerns or reporting alleged misconduct within Oakmont facilities.
- This raises concerns about silencing potential critics and hindering efforts to improve resident care.
Outcomes and Current Status:
- Legal outcomes vary across different lawsuits. Some have resulted in settlements, while others are ongoing.
- The California wildfire abandonment case settlement and ongoing class-action suits demonstrate the seriousness of these accusations.
- It’s important to note these are just allegations, and Oakmont denies any wrongdoing in these cases.
Further Exploration:
- You can find detailed information about these lawsuits by searching legal databases using case names mentioned above.
- News articles and investigative reports can provide deeper context and updates on ongoing legal proceedings.
- Consulting with an attorney specializing in elder law or resident rights can provide legal advice and support for individuals or families concerned about Oakmont Senior Living.
