Despite legal regulations and standards of care requirements, nursing home residents can suffer sexual abuse. At Arias Sanguinetti, our nursing home sexual abuse lawyers in San Francisco advocate for survivors, working to hold abusers and negligent facilities accountable.
Our team of attorneys has over 300 years of combined experience, including partners who have been practicing law on the national level since the 1980s. Our San Francisco sexual abuse lawyers can help your family seek justice and compensation that can help your loved one heal from abuse.
Call us today for a free consultation. We want to listen to your loved oneโs story and provide the justice, accountability, and results you deserve.
Why Legal Representation is Important for Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Claims
Nursing home abuse or neglect has devastating effects on residents, but seeking justice and compensation can prove difficult. Liability can extend beyond the direct abuser, and our investigation may reveal systemic negligence or abuse on the part of the nursing home administration or company.
Holding large institutions responsible requires extensive legal knowledge and experience, which is what our San Francisco personal injury lawyers can provide. We build your case by:
- Performing thorough investigations: We gather evidence as if every case will go to trial, using advanced techniques to ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Working with local private investigators: We collaborate with trusted private investigators and analyze police reports to uncover the truth and strengthen your case.
- Prioritizing quality over volume: Unlike many firms, we focus on cases that require skilled trial lawyers, not just settlement lawyers, ensuring dedicated representation for every client.
- Preparing for trial: Our team is fully prepared to litigate if necessary, leveraging decades of courtroom experience to fight for justice.
We have extensive experience handling large class actions and holding powerful institutions accountable for their negligence. In the landmark USC Tyndall case, Mike Arias and the attorneys at Arias Sanguinetti represented hundreds of survivors and helped establish a new statute of limitations for sexual assault cases.
How Long Do You Have to File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
Recent changes to California law have allowed survivors of sexual abuse to seek justice through civil action. These extensions to the statute of limitations acknowledge the time it takes survivors to process the harm they endured.
The following laws apply to adult survivors, including residents of nursing homes:
- Assembly Bill 2777 (AB 2777): Nursing home residents can file a sexual assault lawsuit if the abuse occurred on or after January 1, 2009, regardless of the statute of limitations expiring. This lookback window opened on January 1, 2023, and stays open until December 31, 2026.
- California Code of Civil Procedure 340.16: Our team of attorneys can file a lawsuit within ten years from the date of the assault or three years from discovering the resulting injuries.
If you are considering filing a California government claim, you generally have as little as six months to do so.
Types of Compensation a San Francisco Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Pursue
At Arias Sanguinetti, we recognize the devastating impact of nursing home sexual abuse. Our team of lawyers is dedicated to helping survivors and their families pursue the compensation they deserve. Potential damages include:
- Reimbursement for past medical bills: This compensation covers the costs of medical care, counseling, and other treatments directly related to the abuse.
- Future medical expenses: Survivors may need ongoing therapy, rehabilitation, or other long-term care, and this compensation addresses those anticipated costs.
- Pain and suffering your loved one experienced and continues to endure: We also pursue compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering resulting from sexual abuse.
- Loss of quality of life: This form of non-economic compensation applies when sexual abuse has diminished your loved oneโs ability to enjoy their life as they once did.
- Treble damages in cases of financial abuse: California law allows for treble damages only in cases where financial abuse occurs. If your loved one suffered financial and sexual abuse, they may be entitled to up to three times the economic damages.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving egregious misconduct, a court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter future abuse.
We are immensely proud of the results we have obtained on behalf of previous clients, having recovered over $1.5 billion in verdicts and settlements. Our San Francisco nursing home abuse lawyers are committed to fighting for justice and accountability for your loved one.
San Francisco Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me 310-844-9696
How to Recognize the Signs of Sexual Abuse in a Nursing Home
Recognizing the signs of sexual abuse in a nursing home can help protect your loved one and address unsafe or harmful conditions. Many survivors may feel too scared, ashamed, or unsure to talk about what happened, so families need to remain attentive to potential warning signs, including:
- Unexplained physical injuries: Bruising, bleeding, or irritation around sensitive areas may indicate abuse and should be addressed immediately.
- Sudden behavioral changes: Signs of anxiety, depression, fear, or withdrawal from social interactions may suggest something is wrong.
- Avoidance of certain staff members or residents: If your loved one appears visibly distressed or fearful around specific individuals, this could be a red flag.
- Fleeing or running away: A resident attempting to leave or expressing a strong desire to escape the facility may be reacting to unsafe or abusive conditions.
- Unusual clothing choices: Wearing excessive layers of clothing, even in warm weather, may be an attempt to hide injuries or feel more secure.
- Hygiene problems or lack of personal care: Sudden changes in grooming habits or neglect of personal hygiene may indicate abuse or neglect by caregivers.
- Reports of inappropriate behavior: If your loved one shares comments about inappropriate touching or conduct, take these statements seriously and investigate further.
If you notice any of these signs, taking action quickly is important. Report your concerns to the facility, document your observations, and contact authorities if necessary. We are here to help you protect your loved one and hold those responsible accountable.
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Call Today to Get Started With Our Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyers in San Francisco
Your family can pursue justice for your loved one by holding sexual abusers and negligent parties accountable. Your family has the right to seek justice with an experienced advocate. We provide personalized, client-focused representation.
Let our sexual abuse attorneys handle the claims process while your family focuses on helping your loved one heal and keeping them safe.
Call Arias Sanguinetti for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are ready to listen to your story and fight for the justice, accountability, and results you deserve.
Call or text 310-844-9696 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form