Los Angeles Elderly Abuse Attorneys

Signs of Elder Neglect and Abuse

Elder neglect and abuse can manifest in various forms. It’s important to recognize the signs to ensure the safety and well-being of seniors.

Physical signs

• Unexplained physical injuries – Scars, broken bones, sprains, and red bumps may occur in clusters or form symmetrical patterns.
• Untreated medical issues – Senior citizens who are victims of caregiver neglect may suffer from untreated bed sores, open wounds, and other unreported illnesses.
• Poor hygiene – Bad hygiene may involve infections, unwashed hair, dirty skin, body odor, and untrimmed nails. It may also manifest in dirty clothes and unclean living spaces.
• Weight loss – Dependent adults may experience signs of malnutrition and dehydration if not taken care of properly. Moreover, the combined physical and emotional abuse may lead to the deterioration of their overall health.
• Physical restraint marks – Marks on wrists, ankles, or hips also indicate physical abuse on an elderly person.

Emotional signs

• Social withdrawal – An elder or dependent adult may avoid normal activities or social interaction if they experience psychological abuse. For example, they have been interested in board games before the incident, but after the incident, they lost interest in their hobbies.
• Sudden mood changes – People in assisted living facilities usually experience mood swings due to their changing lifestyles. However, physical harm or mental suffering can trigger severe depression, anxiety, and aggressiveness. They may also display unexplainable fear around their abusers.
• Confusion – Although dependent adults are often confused, emotional and physical abuse may cause increased disorientation beyond what is normal for their age.

Financial signs

• Unusual financial activity – Victims of elderly abuse are often forced to withdraw large amounts of money or make unusual purchases. For example, they may buy expensive bags or shoes because of deception.
• Missing belongings – They may also lose their personal property, such as jewelry and other valuable items, due to theft. It may affect the mental health of the partially dependent elderly if the lost things have sentimental value.
• Sudden changes in legal documents – Abusers may deceive the elderly into changing the latter’s wills, powers of attorney, and trust agreements. For instance, Person A, a caregiver in an assisted living facility coerced Person B, a nursing home resident, into giving him a portion of B’s real or personal property.

The Role of Elder Abuse Attorneys

An elder abuse lawyer plays a significant role in protecting and enforcing the rights of senior citizens, offering a range of services to support and advocate for their clients.

Legal advice

An attorney provides advice on their clients’ rights and legal options, helping victims of elder abuse decide whether to reach an amicable settlement or pursue a criminal case against the abuser. Their recommendations are based on the facts provided during consultations with the elderly or their concerned family members.

Estate planning

Estate planning involves creating wills and trusts to ensure the elderly’s assets are distributed according to their wishes. For example, an irrevocable trust can prevent manipulation, ensuring senior citizens’ intended beneficiaries receive the designated assets.

Evidence collection

Attorneys assist clients in gathering evidence such as photographs, CCTV footage, medical records, financial documents, and witness statements to substantiate claims of physical, mental, or sexual abuse. They may collaborate with physicians to document the severity of injuries or mental suffering and consult financial experts to prove cases of financial abuse.

Asset recovery

Asset recovery begins with thorough investigation and evidence gathering, including financial records and witness statements. Attorneys file civil lawsuits for fraud or breach of fiduciary duty, then enforce judgments through wage garnishment or asset seizure, ensuring stolen items are returned to the elderly.

Negotiation

Elder abuse lawyers can negotiate with other parties to achieve fair settlements without lengthy court proceedings, resulting in timely resolutions that prevent further stress for the elderly and restore their financial stability promptly.

Filing lawsuits and representation

Section 368 of the California Penal Code punishes abuses against elders and dependent adults, serving as a basis for filing criminal complaints. If an amicable settlement cannot be reached, the attorney represents the client in court to ensure justice is served.

Contact a Reputable Elder Abuse Attorney

Elder abuse attorneys play a crucial role in assisting vulnerable seniors by providing legal advice, creating legal documents, collecting necessary evidence, aiding in asset recovery, negotiating with the other party, and filing lawsuits if settlements fall through.