Types of Elder Abuse

Understanding Elder Abuse In LA and Long Beach

Understanding Elder Abuse

Elder abuse encompasses any malevolent act resulting in harm or loss to our elders. This malfeasance occurs across various settings: private homes, nursing establishments, and assisted living facilities, with perpetrators ranging from caregivers and kin to outright strangers.

You may feel, accurately, that it is time to contact a Los Angeles elder abuse attorney soon.

Types of Elder Abuse

Physical Abuse: Acts of violence—striking, slapping, pushing, or misusing restraints—constitute physical abuse, leaving indelible marks like bruises, fractures, or worse. Scenario: Mrs. Thompson, an 82-year-old widow, resides in a nursing home where a frustrated caregiver, in a fit of anger, pushes her down, resulting in a fractured hip and numerous bruises. The physical trauma is evident, and Mrs. Thompson’s recovery is lengthy and painful, both physically and emotionally.

Emotional Abuse: Verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, and isolation embody emotional abuse, ravaging an elder’s mental health and spiraling them into depression and anxiety. Scenario: Mr. Edwards, a 75-year-old retiree, lives with his son, who constantly belittles him, calls him names, and isolates him from family gatherings. This emotional torment leaves Mr. Edwards feeling worthless and deeply depressed, impacting his overall well-being.

Financial Abuse: The unauthorized siphoning of an elder’s funds or property, including theft, fraud, and the nefarious misuse of Power of Attorney, marks financial abuse—the most prevalent and devastating form, leading to severe financial depletion. Scenario: Ms. Garcia, an 80-year-old woman, entrusts her nephew with her financial affairs through a Power of Attorney. Instead of acting in her best interest, he siphons off her savings for personal use, leaving her unable to pay for essential medications and bills, plunging her into financial ruin.

Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual interaction, from unwanted touching to outright assault, is deemed sexual abuse, a grievous violation of the elder’s dignity. Scenario: Mr. Johnson, an elderly resident in an assisted living facility, is subjected to unwanted touching and sexual advances by a staff member. This horrifying abuse not only violates his personal dignity but also leaves him emotionally scarred and fearful of further interactions.

Neglect: The sheer dereliction in providing essential care—food, shelter, medical attention, and personal hygiene—constitutes neglect, deteriorating an elder’s health and quality of life. Scenario: Mrs. Patel, a 78-year-old woman with limited mobility, is left unattended for hours in a poorly maintained facility. She often misses meals and goes without necessary medical care, leading to severe malnutrition and untreated medical conditions that drastically diminish her quality of life.

Legal Protections and Actions

California law furnishes a robust bulwark against elder abuse. The California Welfare and Institutions Code, alongside the California Penal Code, constructs a formidable legal framework addressing elder abuse, offering both criminal and civil recourse.

Legal Actions for Elder Abuse

Victims or their families can embark on several legal avenues:

Civil Lawsuits: Seeking recompense for medical costs, pain, suffering, and other damages through civil litigation.

Criminal Charges: Perpetrators can face criminal prosecution, resulting in fines and imprisonment.

Protective Orders: Courts may issue protective orders, ensuring the elder’s safety and preventing further abuse.

Role of Elder Abuse Attorneys

Elder abuse attorneys in Los Angeles serve as stalwart advocates for senior rights, unwavering in their commitment to protect the vulnerable. These legal champions play an indispensable role, offering essential legal representation and ensuring accountability for abusers. Their expertise spans a wide array of critical functions:

Investigating Claims: With the meticulous precision of a master detective, elder abuse attorneys undertake the arduous task of amassing evidence. They delve deep into the labyrinth of facts, interviewing witnesses, scrutinizing medical records, and compiling documentation to build compelling cases. Each piece of evidence is a thread in the intricate tapestry they weave, aimed at substantiating claims of abuse with unassailable clarity.

Legal Representation: In the hallowed halls of justice, these attorneys stand as formidable guardians of their clients’ rights. They defend victims with unyielding resolve, navigating the complexities of the legal system with adeptness. Whether through compelling oratory or strategic maneuvering, they seek to ensure that the scales of justice tip in favor of the aggrieved. Their advocacy is not merely a profession, but a crusade for righteousness.

Negotiating Settlements: Beyond the courtroom battles, elder abuse attorneys often engage in the art of negotiation. They broker settlements with a blend of tenacity and diplomacy, securing compensation for the victims. These negotiations are conducted with a keen understanding of the human condition, recognizing that a swift and fair resolution can spare the elderly the protracted agony of a lengthy trial. The settlements they achieve are not just monetary recompense but a balm for the wounds inflicted.

Providing Emotional Support: Recognizing the emotional toll of abuse, these attorneys extend their role beyond the legal sphere. They offer compassion and support to their clients, understanding that healing requires more than just legal victories. By fostering a sense of trust and security, they help victims regain their dignity and confidence.

Advocating for Systemic Change: Elder abuse attorneys are not content with addressing individual cases alone. They are advocates for systemic change, pushing for reforms that enhance protections for the elderly. Through their efforts, they aim to create a society where the dignity and rights of seniors are upheld without question.

Notable Settlements and Case Results

Los Angeles law firms have achieved landmark settlements and verdicts, including:

Multi-Million Dollar Settlements: Firms have clinched settlements ranging from $500,000 to over $5 million, addressing nursing home neglect, financial exploitation, and physical abuse.

Class Action Lawsuits: Successful class action suits against nursing home chains have yielded substantial settlements and the instatement of preventive monitoring systems.

Conclusion

Elder abuse is an egregious affront requiring swift, decisive legal action. Los Angeles elder abuse attorneys are dedicated sentinels, defending seniors’ rights and securing the justice they deserve. If you suspect a loved one suffers from elder abuse, seek immediate legal counsel to protect their well-being and bring the malefactors to account.

References

California Welfare and Institutions Code

• Welfare and Institutions Code § 15610.30: This section defines financial abuse of an elder or dependent adult, detailing actions such as taking, secreting, appropriating, obtaining, or retaining property for wrongful use or with intent to defraud.
• Welfare and Institutions Code § 15600: This section recognizes the state’s responsibility to protect elders and dependent adults from abuse, neglect, or abandonment. It outlines the intent of the Legislature to provide necessary protections and ensure the safety of these vulnerable populations.

California Penal Code

• Penal Code § 368: This section addresses the criminal aspects of elder abuse, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse. It outlines the penalties for misdemeanor and felony elder abuse, which can include imprisonment and fines.
• The California Attorney General’s website provides an overview of the criminal penalties associated with elder abuse, including specific sections of the Penal Code that address various forms of abuse and their corresponding penalties.

Additional Resources

• Shouse Law Group: This legal resource explains the definitions, penalties, and defenses related to elder abuse under Penal Code § 368. It provides examples of elder abuse crimes and outlines potential legal defenses.
• Evans Law Firm: This guide offers an overview of both criminal and civil protections against elder abuse in California. It explains the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, which provides civil remedies for victims of elder abuse.
• Berman & Riedel, LLP: This resource details the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA), including mandatory reporting requirements and the types of abuse covered under the act.