In California, elder abuse refers to harm inflicted on senior citizens ages 65 and up. Often, the harm is unintentional and a result of negligent caretaking. In other instances, though, the harm is deliberately inflicted by someone looking to take advantage of the senior or their checkbook.
We all have elderly loved ones, and it is up to us to advocate for them when they can’t do so for themselves. This means proactively keeping them away from potentially harmful situations and putting a stop to any elder abuse we discover.
When you hear the term “abuse,” your mind likely jumps straight to physical harm. In truth, though, this is just one of many forms elder abuse can take. Here are the three core forms of elder abuse I see in my legal practice:
No matter the type of abuse you see or suspect, the most important thing you can do right now is speak up. Only by taking action can you put a stop to the abuse, get justice for your loved one, and prevent the same thing from happening to others.
As a personal injury attorney with more than 30 years of experience in San Diego, I can tell you that elder abuse can occur for a number of reasons. Sometimes there is a motivating factor for the abuser in question. At other times, the harm caused was simply a careless mistake:
No matter the cause of harm in your case, I fully intend to hold the responsible person or people accountable and am not afraid to fight for them in court if that’s what it takes to get justice.
There are countless signs of abuse, whether or not the victim is elderly. Generally, what it all comes down to is unusual or inexplicable changes. Since you know your loved one best, it is up to you to look for signs of abuse and report them as soon as possible. These are among the warning signs to watch out for:
If something has raised a red flag for you, take action immediately. Get your loved one the support they need, and call me for legal guidance on what to do next.
If your elderly loved one has begun to act differently, turn up with bruises, lose weight unexpectedly, or show other signs of elder abuse, please don’t hesitate to give me a call. Since 1979, I have been a strong advocate for senior citizens throughout Southern California, and I am ready to go to bat for your loved one. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
