Q: Seeking legal help for suspicious death at rehabilitation center in CA.

A: First, sorry for your loss.

More information is needed, of course, but typically as a parent you should be able to get access to that report if it's completed. Whether there was foul play involved in her death would require an investigation and its circumstances surrounding her death. You should probably talk to a lawyer.

A: I am so sorry for your tragic loss. There may be a significant case. You should engage an attorney so no missteps are taken or the wrong things said.

A: You probably won't be able to get a report while the police investigation is ongoing. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to discuss your concerns with an attorney to evaluate your possible claims against the facility.

A: Police are investigating your daughter's death as a potential criminal investigation. Therefore, the police report will not be disclosed until the investigation is finished. However, you may have a claim for wrongful death so you should be entitled to the report when completed. Unfortunately, a Notice of Preservation is untimely at this point (4-mos. post incident), but should still be sent out to preserve camera footage and records. Questions and issues are going to arise during the investigation which should be reviewed by an attorney prior to making any decisions or providing a response/reply to law enforcement or other investigative agency. Reach out to a wrongful death attorney. Its in your best interest to educate and inform yourself regarding your rights and remedies herein. All attorneys listed here offer free consultations and don't charge any legal fees unless there is a recovery... so there's no harm in talking.

A: In California, you have a few important steps you can take. First, you (or your attorney) can request the police report directly from the law enforcement agency, often through a Public Records Act request, although access may be limited while an investigation is ongoing. Since you suspect negligence or foul play, you may also have grounds for a wrongful death and/or elder abuse lawsuit against the facility if evidence shows neglect or misconduct contributed to your daughter’s death.

A: Losing a loved one under suspicious circumstances is devastating, and you have every right to demand answers. Since your daughter passed away at a rehabilitation center and you suspect foul play, the first step is ensuring access to the official police report. Authorities cannot legally withhold it indefinitely from you as the next of kin, though the process may require persistence or a formal request under California’s Public Records Act. An attorney can also petition the court to compel disclosure if necessary.

Alongside this, you may have grounds for civil claims against the facility. These could include wrongful death, negligence, or abuse depending on what evidence emerges. Rehabilitation and nursing home facilities have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their residents. If they failed in that duty, they can be held accountable for damages. Preserving evidence quickly is crucial, including medical records, facility logs, and witness accounts.

In parallel with seeking civil remedies, you can also push for continued criminal investigation if you believe foul play occurred. Working with counsel, you can build a record of all your requests and the authorities’ responses, which strengthens your position. Pursuing both accountability and transparency is a difficult road, but it allows you to honor your daughter’s memory by making sure her death is not ignored.