Elder abuse is a disturbingly pervasive problem in California and the rest of the U.S. Elderly people are especially vulnerable and are frequently the targets of abuse and neglect. Many elderly people who are being abused, exploited or neglected are afraid to report what is happening to them, and others have dementia or other problems that might prevent them from being able to report their abuse. It is important for you to understand what constitutes elder abuse and to know the signs. If you believe that your loved one is being abused or neglected, you should immediately seek legal help. An experienced Santa Clarita elder abuse lawyer might help you to get your loved one to a safe place and then work to hold the abusers or the nursing facilities accountable for their wrongful actions.
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse may involve single acts, repeated actions or failures to act. The term encompasses all acts that happen during a relationship with an elderly person that causes him or her to be distressed or to suffer physical, sexual or emotional harm. Elder abuse may occur in nursing homes and in private homes. The perpetrators may be family members, nursing home staff or other nursing home residents.
What qualifies as the basis for an elder abuse lawsuit?
In California, both elderly people and dependent adults are protected by the elder abuse laws. Elderly people include those who are ages 65 or older. Dependent adults include any adults who are between the ages of 18 and 64 and who have mental or physical impairments that inhibit their ability to complete their daily living activities. In order to have enough to file an elder abuse lawsuit, you must be able to prove the elements of the particular type of abuse that has occurred. These cases might involve intentional acts or negligence. Your attorney can advise you about whether what has happened to your loved one is enough to file a lawsuit.
How frequently does elder abuse happen in Santa Clarita?
The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that an estimated 10 percent of elderly adults are abused or neglected. In 2009, a study of people who have dementia found that half had suffered some type of abuse. A New York study found that there are 24 cases of unreported abuse for every one that is filed, meaning that the problem is underreported.
Common forms of elder abuse in Santa Clarita
The National Center on Aging identifies multiple types of elder abuse, including the following:
• Financial exploitation
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Isolation
• Emotional abuse
• Willful deprivation
• Neglect
What to do if you suspect your loved one is being abused
Many elderly people either are afraid to talk about what is happening to them or are unable to do so. You should know the signs of elder abuse, which include the following:
• Withdrawn behavior
• Behavioral changes
• Acting frightened
• Not being allowed to visit your loved one alone
• Missing funds or checks written on your loved one’s account to others
• Bruises, strains, sprains and breaks
• Listlessness
• Missing property
• Signs that your loved one is overmedicated or not being given his or her medication
• Hygiene problems
• Lack of clean living areas
If you notice any of these signs, you should take photographs of what you see. You should then talk to a nursing supervisor and request all of the medical records and notes for your loved one. Ask about unexplained injuries or bruises. If you believe that your loved one has been abused, call 911 if it is a situation that you feel is an emergency. You can also make a report to the 24-hour Los Angeles County APS hotline by calling (877) 477-3646. You should then remove your loved one to a safe place. Finally, contact an experienced elder abuse lawyer in Santa Clarita.
When you should contact a Santa Clarita elder abuse attorney
If your loved one has suffered abuse, it is important to get legal help immediately. An attorney can help you to protect your loved one’s safety. He or she can then file a lawsuit against those who are responsible so that they may be held accountable for their actions. Contact our office today to talk to an experienced elder abuse attorney in Santa Clarita.
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