Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin County's affluent communities may mask a troubling reality: elder abuse happens in even the most expensive care facilities. Our former defense attorneys know how high-end nursing homes protect their reputations at the expense of residents — and we fight to expose the truth for families in San Rafael, Novato, and across Marin County.
Marin County, nestled between the Golden Gate Bridge and the rolling hills of Sonoma County, is one of California's wealthiest and most desirable places to live. With a population of approximately 262,000, the county is home to about 65,000 seniors aged 65 and older — one of the highest proportions of any California county. The county seat of San Rafael, along with affluent communities like Mill Valley, Sausalito, Tiburon, and Novato, offer a quality of life that attracts retirees from across the state.
Yet Marin County's prosperity can create a false sense of security about the quality of elder care. With over 20 skilled nursing and residential care facilities, the county's care industry ranges from modest community homes to luxury facilities charging premium rates. High price tags do not guarantee quality care. In fact, the pressure to maintain a polished image can make upscale facilities even more aggressive in concealing abuse, neglect, and understaffing behind glossy brochures and manicured grounds.
At California Nursing Home Law, attorneys Michael Young and Thomas Wallin have seen this pattern firsthand. As former defense attorneys for nursing homes, they know that wealth and prestige do not protect residents from harm — and they use their insider knowledge to pierce through the corporate defenses of Marin County facilities and secure accountability for families.
Our attorneys represent Marin County families in all types of nursing home abuse and neglect cases:
If you suspect a loved one is being abused or neglected in a Marin County nursing home or care facility, it is critical to act quickly. Contact the following agencies to file a report:
These organizations provide resources, support, and advocacy for seniors and their families in Marin County:
California provides some of the strongest legal protections for nursing home residents in the country. Key laws that protect Marin County seniors include:
Welfare & Institutions Code 15600-15675 — This landmark California statute allows elder abuse victims to recover enhanced damages, including attorney's fees and costs. It covers physical abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, abandonment, isolation, and other forms of mistreatment.
California Penal Code Section 368 — Makes it a felony to inflict unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering on an elder or dependent adult. Violations can result in imprisonment and significant fines.
Health & Safety Code 1599 — Guarantees nursing home residents fundamental rights including dignity, privacy, freedom from abuse, adequate medical care, and the right to voice grievances without retaliation.
Our nursing home abuse attorneys represent families in every city and community across Marin County, including: