Sacramento Elder Abuse Attorney

Last updated on April 1, 2025

Seeking justice for elder abuse is not always a simple matter, but a skilled elder abuse attorney can help you accomplish the task.

At York Law Firm, our elder abuse lawyers provide clients throughout the Sacramento and Bay Area communities with the compassionate and committed representation they deserve in these delicate matters.

What To Look For In An Elder Abuse Attorney

Choosing the right legal representation for an elder abuse case requires careful consideration. A lawyer’s understanding of Sacramento’s elder care facilities, medical providers and regulatory bodies is important. It can be a key factor in building a strong case for a victim of abuse.

Local attorneys bring valuable insights into state-specific regulations. They maintain connections with investigators who can gather crucial evidence. When selecting a lawyer for elder abuse victims, consider the following:

• Track record in handling similar cases. Look for attorneys with in-depth knowledge of California’s elder abuse laws. This includes The Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) and Title 22. Familiarity with these regulations enables them to identify violations and build compelling arguments.
• Ability to investigate thoroughly. Effective elder abuse attorneys have established relationships with medical professionals. They can evaluate injuries and determine their causes. Attorneys also work with adult protective services, ombudsmen and advocacy groups supporting elder abuse victims.
• The lawyer’s approach to client communication. Elder abuse cases involve sensitive matters. Your attorney should take the time to explain legal processes clearly. They should promptly respond to questions and keep you informed about case developments.
• Strong civil litigation skills. Elder abuse cases often proceed to court. Your lawyer should have experience presenting complex medical evidence. They will be examining witnesses and arguing cases before a jury. They must communicate how the abuse has impacted your loved one’s quality of life.
• Resources matter in elder abuse cases. Your lawyer should have access to investigators, medical experts and support staff. They can dedicate time to gathering evidence and building your case by reviewing facility records, interviewing witnesses and documenting patterns of abuse or neglect.

The goal is to protect your loved one’s rights and hold negligent parties accountable. Reaching out to an elder abuse attorney can help keep evidence intact.

How Prevalent Is Elder Abuse In California?

Elder abuse is a rising concern in California, with over 200,000 cases reported annually. This likely represents a fraction of cases, as elder abuse is significantly underreported. The state’s aging population is vulnerable to physical, emotional, and financial abuse.

• 25% of cases are identity theft. Financial exploitation is a particularly prevalent form of elder abuse in California. This abuse involves the unauthorized use of personal information to access financial resources, leaving victims broke.
• 16% were imposter scams. Scammers pose as trusted individuals to deceive seniors into giving out money or personal information.
• 11% of cases involve credit bureaus, information furnishers, and report users. These cases often involve unauthorized or fraudulent activities affecting seniors’ credit reports, which can have long-term repercussions on their financial health and ability to access services.
• 7% of elder abuse cases involved online shopping and negative reviews. This highlights the risks associated with increased digital engagement among seniors. This includes fraudulent online transactions and scams that exploit the less tech-savvy elderly population.

The true extent of elder abuse in California remains obscured by underreporting. Many victims are reluctant or unable to report abuse due to fear, shame, or dependence on the abuser. California senior citizens need increased awareness, education, and resources.

At York Law Firm, we understand prevention is the most effective tool for fighting elder abuse. That’s why we work hard to educate people on the potential pitfalls of these issues. Part of our work includes promoting community awareness. If your loved one has been a victim of elder abuse, schedule a free consultation with us. We will fight to compensate your loved one for their pain and suffering.

California Elder Abuse Attorneys Can Help Hold Negligent Parties Accountable

When a loved one suffers physical abuse, emotional abuse or neglect from a caregiver, it can be overwhelming for both the elderly person and their family. An elder abuse attorney plays a crucial role in seeking justice for victims, especially when a nursing home abuse lawyer or caregiver is responsible.

A thorough investigation is often necessary to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. An experienced elder abuse attorney begins by reviewing the facts of the case, collecting medical records, interviewing witnesses and consulting with specialists. They also assess whether any state or federal laws protecting seniors, such as California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA), have been violated.

An elder abuse attorney can assist with the following tasks:

• Reviewing medical records and care logs for signs of abuse or neglect
• Speaking with other residents, staff members or witnesses to gather information
• Consulting with medical professionals to assess the injuries and their causes
• Checking facility records and surveillance footage for evidence of misconduct
• Investigating any previous complaints or legal issues involving the facility or staff
• Coordinating with forensic specialists to document patterns of neglect or abuse over time
• Identifying systemic issues within the facility, such as understaffing or improper training, that contribute to mistreatment

With the help of a skilled elder abuse lawyer, families can work toward holding individuals or facilities accountable for their actions. This legal process not only seeks justice for the harmed elderly person but also helps prevent future incidents at the facility. Compensation may be pursued for medical costs, emotional suffering, and any other damages caused by the abuse or neglect.

If your elderly loved one has been mistreated, contacting a knowledgeable elder abuse attorney is an important step in addressing the harm and protecting their rights. Taking legal action can lead to meaningful consequences for those who have failed in their duty of care.

The Impact Of A Successful Legal Outcome On Victims Of Elder Neglect

When a victim of elder neglect pursues justice, a successful outcome can have a life-changing impact. Assisted living facility abuse often results in serious physical, emotional and financial harm.

Holding responsible parties accountable can provide relief for the victims of elder neglect. It can serve as a deterrent against future misconduct. A successful outcome in a civil proceeding can lead to financial compensation that directly benefits the victim.

This compensation can cover:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Pain and suffering caused by the physical injury

Many victims require ongoing medical care to address the harm they suffered. Proper financial recovery can give them quality health care, therapy and other necessary services.

Additionally, financial compensation can support a transition to a safer environment. Many elders experiencing abuse in nursing home settings may fear retaliation or lack the resources to move. Compensation can fund relocation to a more reputable facility or private care. It can help ensure they receive proper treatment and dignity in their later years.

Beyond individual recovery, a successful outcome also serves a greater purpose. It holds negligent parties responsible. A hefty cost can discourage future acts of assisted living facility abuse. By taking legal action, victims and their families shine a light on misconduct within nursing homes or hospitals.

A nursing home abuse attorney can help expose systemic failures, which often encourages facilities to implement corrective measures. These legal actions help reduce the likelihood of future abuse in healthcare facility environments as they often lead to:

• Stricter policies
• Better staff training
• Increased oversight

Public awareness increases when victims come forward, encouraging other victims to seek justice. Lawsuits and settlements act as warnings to institutions.

Civil proceedings provide financial relief for a victim of neglect and promote systemic change in the care industry. With the help of a nursing home abuse attorney, victims can recover damages for physical injury, secure a better quality of life and contribute to the protection of future victims of elder neglect.

How Our Elder Abuse Attorneys Fight For Our Clients

Elder abuse does not just apply to those who are older than 65 years old. A “dependent adult” is someone who is between the ages of 16 and 64, has some form of either physical or mental disability, and either needs assistance with daily tasks or lives in a 24-hour care facility. Both elders and dependent adults who have suffered some form of abuse have the right to file an elder abuse claim.

When we take these cases, we do everything in our power to win for our clients. We review the unique details in your case by working closely with you to get all the facts before developing a custom-tailored strategy. Once we have a plan in place, we fight aggressively to secure the ideal outcome in your case.

Answering Your Elder Abuse And Neglect Questions

There is a lot to know about elder abuse and how to respond to it, and you may find yourself with more questions than answers. At York Law Firm, our California attorneys want to answer some early questions you may have before you meet with us. If you have more questions after reading this page, call 916-643-2200 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation at our office in Sacramento.

Here are a few questions our elder abuse attorneys see:

• What is the difference between elder abuse and elder neglect?
• Who should I report elder abuse to?
• What causes elder abuse or neglect?
• What laws protect elderly individuals in the state?
• What should I do if I think my elderly loved one is being abused or neglected?

What is the difference between elder abuse and elder neglect?

Neglect refers to a caretaker not taking any action to look after a resident, such as not feeding, clothing or cleaning a resident. Abuse is commonly the result of intentional harm that a caretaker causes a resident.

Who should I report elder abuse to?

If you suspect your loved one is suffering from abuse or spot some of the signs of abuse, reach out to your local ombudsman, an advocate for nursing home residents. Also, be sure to reach out to Adult Protective Services and an attorney for additional support.

What causes elder abuse or neglect?

Abuse and neglect in care facilities stem from various complex factors. Nursing facilities strive to provide quality care, but understaffing can harm residents. Overworked staff face demanding schedules and frequent shift changes, which adversely affect the quality of care.

Even responsible doctors and medical professionals can become overwhelmed by high patient loads. This strain often results in rushed care, medication errors or overlooked symptoms. Burnout among caregiving staff can lead to impatience, poor decision-making and compromised care.

Intentional abuse can occur when facilities do not screen or supervise their employees. Some bad actors deliberately target vulnerable seniors for financial exploitation. Others may inflict physical or emotional abuse. This risk increases when facilities lack proper security measures or oversight protocols.

Other contributing factors include:

• Poor communication between staff during shift changes
• Inadequate supervision of new employees
• High staff turnover rates that disrupt continuity of care
• Budget constraints affecting staffing levels and training programs
• Insufficient background-checking procedures
• Limited oversight during evening and weekend shifts

Residents can suffer neglect if a care facility does not maintain adequate staffing or proper training. When homes hire caretakers with histories of misconduct, the risk of abuse increases.

Understanding this helps us identify potential problems early and develop effective preventive strategies. Our attorneys work diligently to hold negligent facilities accountable. We work to protect vulnerable seniors from all forms of abuse and neglect.

What laws protect elderly individuals in California?

Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) and Title 22, administered by the California Department of Social Services, are two primary protective laws. EADACPA confirms an elder’s rights and creates a duty for California to regulate abuse and neglect. Title 22 dictates the requirements that nursing homes need to meet to provide clean and safe care to residents.

What should I do if I think my elderly loved one is being abused or neglected?

If you have suspicions of elder abuse, talk to your loved one to confirm your suspicions. Document anything they may say and any other signs of abuse. Report your findings to the relevant parties and then reach out to us for the representation you and your loved one need.

Do Not Ignore The Signs Of Elder Abuse