How To Know If Your Loved One is Suffering From Abuse In A Nursing Home?
Watching someone you love get hurt by someone’s malice or negligence is heartbreaking. These situations are even more challenging when harm is coming from people who are supposed to be helping. Unfortunately, this is the reality for countless families and individuals across the country. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that nearly “one in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse.” This staggering statistic means that, on average, five million elder Americans face some form of neglect – or even worse, outright mistreatment. And some studies suggest that only a fraction of these cases are ever reported. One of the reasons that an elder abuse claim may not be reported is that it can sometimes be difficult to spot the signs before it’s too late. Abuse can occur in many different ways, in the home or in care facilities, and at the hand of various people in an elder’s life. Because of this, it’s important to know the signs of abuse so that you can take action when action is necessary.
Some Of The Common Signs Of Elder Abuse & Nursing Home Abuse Can Include…
Poor Hygiene:
You can spot hygienic neglect in the form of skin infections and irritation, dental rot, bed sores, and more.
Malnutrition and Dehydration:
Nutritional neglect often results in severe weight loss, sallow skin, and cognitive problems.
Improper Medical Care:
Medical abuse most commonly occurs when caregivers don’t administer medication correctly.
If this is happening to someone you know, you see changes in mood, increased pain or lethargy, and severe cognitive decline.
Physical Abuse:
When physical abuse occurs, you may start to see new bruises, cuts, and scrapes.
You may also notice a new tendency for the elder to show signs of reclusive behavior as they suffer from the emotional aspects of being mistreated.
Physical Injury:
If an elder is being neglected, they may suffer falls and other injuries that could have been prevented with proper care.
If you notice that someone is getting injured often, or that they have sustained a preventable injury, it may be cause to take a closer look at the situation.
An Elder Abuse Attorney From Our Firm Can Help
Regardless of how subtle or obvious the symptoms of neglect may be, it’s critical that victims of abuse have an advocate on their side. If someone you love is suffering from mistreatment, it is important to know that you are not alone. By working with an attorney who specializes in California elder abuse law, you can find the legal support you need to protect the people who need you. Our firm offers a comprehensive suite of services geared to support our clients across Camarillo, Woodland Hills, and Ojai, California. At Adams & Associates, we specialize in California elder abuse law. We are prepared to draw from a wide range of strategies to ensure that you see the best possible outcome for your case.
Our Areas Of Focus Include:
Financial Elder Abuse: Adams & Associates’ elder abuse lawyers specialize in cases involving the unauthorized use of an elderly person’s finances, assets, or property. The team works closely with victims and their families to regain financial stability, pursue justice, and hold perpetrators accountable while providing compassionate legal support.
Scams: Adams & Associates is dedicated to protecting seniors from scams that exploit their hard-earned savings. The firm’s attorneys investigate these cases thoroughly, ensuring that scammers are brought to justice and helping seniors regain their sense of security and peace of mind through diligent legal representation.
Abuse By Close Family: The team at Adams & Associates offers compassionate legal representation for elderly individuals whose family members have been mistreated. They work tirelessly to uphold their rights, protect them from further harm, and seek the justice they deserve, providing personalized support and guidance throughout the legal process.
Abuse By Caregivers: Adams & Associates is committed to holding caregivers accountable for abusive behavior, ensuring that seniors receive the compassionate care they are entitled to. The firm’s attorneys advocate for their rights, address any misconduct by caregivers, and seek compensation for damages caused by the abuse, all while offering unwavering support to clients.
Skilled Nursing Facilities: The elder abuse lawyers at Adams & Associates are experienced in identifying and addressing substandard care or abusive practices in skilled nursing facilities. They advocate for residents’ rights, working diligently to ensure they receive the quality care they deserve while holding responsible parties accountable through comprehensive legal action.
Neglect: Adams & Associates represents clients who have suffered from neglect, fighting to ensure that seniors receive the attention and care necessary for a healthy and dignified life. The firm’s attorneys are dedicated to protecting their rights, seeking compensation for damages, and promoting improved standards of care for all seniors in need.
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse refers to any intentional or negligent act that causes harm or distress to an elderly individual (typically 65 years or older). This abuse can take various forms, including physical, emotional, financial, sexual, neglect, or abandonment. It can be perpetrated by family members, caregivers, or others in a position of trust or authority. Elder abuse is a serious issue that often goes unreported due to fear or lack of awareness. If you suspect elder abuse, it is crucial to ensure the victim’s safety and report the situation to the appropriate authorities. Consulting with an experienced elder abuse lawyer at Adams & Associates can help victims and their families navigate the legal process and protect their rights.
How Often Does Elder Abuse Happen In California?
Elder abuse is a significant issue in California, with its sizable aging population making the state particularly vulnerable to this problem. Due to under-reporting, it is difficult to determine the exact number of elder abuse cases. However, the National Council on Aging estimates that around 1 in 10 Americans aged 60 or older have experienced some form of elder abuse. In California, elder abuse lawyers at Adams & Associates play a crucial role in addressing and preventing elder abuse by representing victims in elder abuse lawsuits, raising awareness, and advocating for stronger legal protections for seniors.
What To Do If You Discover Elder Abuse?
If you suspect or discover elder abuse, it is essential to take immediate action to protect the victim. Before doing anything else, follow these three steps:
- Ensure the victim’s safety by removing them from the abusive situation.
- Report the abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as Adult Protective Services, local law enforcement, or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. Document any evidence of the abuse, including photographs, medical records, and witness statements.
- Consult with an experienced elder abuse lawyer at Adams & Associates who can guide you through seeking justice, filing elder abuse lawsuits, and protecting the victim’s rights.
An attorney at Adams & Associates can help you understand your legal options and navigate the complex legal system to ensure the best possible outcome for the victim.
When Can You File A Lawsuit For Elder Abuse?
You can file a lawsuit for elder abuse when you have evidence of harm or injury to an elderly individual caused by another person’s intentional or negligent actions. The time-frame for filing a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. In California, you typically have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, exceptions may apply, such as when the victim or their family was unaware of the abuse or the responsible party concealed their actions. It is crucial to consult with an elder abuse lawyer at Adams & Associates as soon as possible to determine the best course of action for your case and navigate the complexities of elder abuse lawsuits. An experienced attorney at the firm can help you build a strong case, represent your interests in court, and pursue the justice and compensation the victim deserves.
Get Started Today
If you are interested in working with a top elder abuse law firm in California, don’t hesitate to contact our office and schedule a consultation. We are proud to serve Southern California from three offices located in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties – and our team is standing by, ready to see that you get the help you need.
You can reach our offices in Camarillo, Woodland Hills, and Ojai, CA by dialing (805) 229-8196, or by visiting our client contact page here. We look forward to speaking with you!
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