Discovering that a loved one has suffered mistreatment or harm in their later years can be heartbreaking. At Arias Sanguinetti, we understand the trust you place in caregivers and how devastating it is when that trust is broken. Many of our team members have aging parents – we’ve witnessed these injustices firsthand and take pride in helping vulnerable seniors.
With over 300 years of combined experience, our team has obtained over $1.5 billion for clients. A Vallejo elder abuse lawyer from our firm can help you address the harm your family has faced and seek justice on their behalf. We handle these cases with care and determination.
If you or a loved one is dealing with injury or abuse, a Vallejo personal injury lawyer from Arias Sanguinetti can help. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
Understanding Elder Abuse
The rise of elder abuse is a growing concern that affects countless seniors. Our team of lawyers is here to support families dealing with this troubling issue. Elder abuse involves harmful actions or neglect that jeopardize a senior’s well-being.
This mistreatment can be intentional or the result of carelessness. Regardless of the cause, it leads to significant harm. Let us help you understand and address the different types and signs of elder abuse so we can protect your loved ones.
Physical Elder Abuse
Physical elder abuse involves deliberate actions intended to harm a senior. It can occur in nursing homes, care facilities, or in-home settings. Common examples include:
- Hitting, slapping, or punching
- Kicking or burning
- Excessive use of restraints
- Rough handling or unnecessary force
Investigations often uncover abuse by reviewing medical records, caregiver practices, and facility standards. Addressing these issues is crucial to safeguarding vulnerable seniors.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse causes significant psychological harm through actions like:
- Verbal threats or humiliation
- Denying visitors or isolating the person
- Treating the senior in a demeaning manner
Although emotional abuse doesn’t leave physical scars, its effects can be devastating and require immediate attention.
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse involves exploiting a senior’s assets or resources for personal gain. Common examples include:
- Theft, embezzlement, or identity theft
- Fraudulent changes to wills or powers of attorney
- Scams targeting financial accounts or personal savings
Careful monitoring of financial records and sudden changes can help uncover this form of abuse.
Abandonment
Abandonment occurs when a caregiver deserts or willfully forsakes an elderly person, leaving them without the necessary support. This might involve:
- Leaving the senior alone at home without resources
- Deserting them at a hospital or care facility without proper arrangements
- Passing responsibility to someone who has not agreed to act as a caregiver
Abandonment is a serious form of abuse that places seniors at great risk of harm.
Neglect
Neglect happens when essential goods or services are withheld, leading to harm or injury. Examples include failing to provide:
- Medical care or proper shelter
- Assistance with hygiene, clean clothing, or bedding
- Adequate food, water, or safety
Recognizing signs of neglect is key to protecting elderly loved ones and addressing harmful situations.
Compensation in Elder Abuse Cases
If you suspect a caretaker has harmed your elderly loved one, pursuing compensation may help address the harm they’ve endured. Vallejo elder abuse attorneys can assist families in seeking justice and financial recovery for various damages, including:
- Medical bills resulting from the abuse
- Costs for emotional or psychological counseling
- Expenses related to relocating the victim to a safer facility
- Damages for the pain and suffering you experienced and continue to endure
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct
The amount recoverable depends on the specifics of the case, such as the severity of injuries, the survivor’s suffering, and the caretaker’s behavior. Each situation is unique, requiring a tailored approach to seek accountability.
Vallejo Elder Abuse Lawyer Near Me 310-844-9696
How Our Vallejo Elder Abuse Attorneys Can Help
California’s elder abuse laws, specifically the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA), provide several ways for survivors to seek justice and compensation.
However, proving these cases can be challenging without skilled legal assistance. Elder abuse attorneys bring the experience and understanding needed to handle these sensitive situations and navigate the complexities of the legal system.
Attorneys can help by:
- Investigating the circumstances surrounding the abuse or neglect.
- Consulting medical experts to assess injuries and care failures.
- Reviewing a caregiver’s or facility’s compliance with California elder abuse laws.
- Identifying responsible parties and gathering the necessary evidence.
- Negotiating settlements or pursuing claims in court, as needed.
By addressing each case thoroughly, attorneys strive to protect seniors and hold those responsible accountable under the law.
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How Long Do You Have to File an Elder Abuse Case in Vallejo
If you suspect elder abuse, it’s important to act quickly. California law generally allows a two–year window to file a lawsuit under the personal injury statute of limitations (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). This timeframe begins on the date the injury occurs or is discovered.
Failing to file within this period could prevent you or your family from seeking justice and holding the responsible parties accountable. Consulting elder abuse lawyers in Vallejo can help families better understand the timeline and take appropriate action.
Acting within the allowed timeframe helps protect your loved one’s rights and ensures their voice is heard in the pursuit of accountability and recovery.
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Steps to Take if You Discover Elder Abuse
If you suspect a loved one is experiencing elder abuse, act quickly to protect their well–being.
Start by relocating them to a safe environment and contacting the proper authorities, such as the police, nursing home management, or your local ombudsman program.
It’s also essential to address your loved one’s immediate needs by arranging medical care and emotional support. These steps can help begin their recovery and document the abuse.
Once your loved one is safe, reach out to our elder abuse attorneys. They can review your situation, explain your options, and help you pursue accountability and justice for the harm caused.
Take Action with a Vallejo Elder Abuse Lawyer
If you’re worried about a loved one’s safety due to suspected elder abuse, it’s natural to feel uncertain about what to do next. At Arias Sanguinetti, we’re here to provide clarity and support. An elder abuse lawyer in Vallejo from our team can help you take action to protect your family members and seek accountability.
We are immensely proud of the results we have achieved for our clients. We approach each case with the care and determination it deserves, and our team is committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
Our firm charges a contingency fee, so there are no upfront costs. Contact us today to discuss your situation, and let us help you take the next steps toward justice.
Call or text 310-844-9696 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
