Sacramento Elder Abuse Lawyers Fighting For You

No one living in a nursing home should have to suffer from elder abuse, but when a nursing home caregiver harms your loved one with physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, neglect or fraud, someone should hold the abuser accountable for their actions. Seeking justice for elder abuse is not always a simple matter, but a skilled 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. Whether your loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted living facility, or benefits from an adult day care or in-home nurse, we can help you hold an abusive staff member accountable for their actions.

Elderly Neglect: A Silent Threat

Elderly neglect, often insidious yet equally damaging, encompasses a range of lapses in care that compromise the health and dignity of seniors. Consider the following signs that may indicate abuse or neglect:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises or fractures
• Sudden weight loss or malnutrition
• Poor hygiene, including unwashed clothing or living conditions
• Social withdrawal or sudden changes in behavior
• Untreated medical conditions or frequent illnesses
• Financial exploitation or unexplained changes in economic circumstances

Even the absence of overt mistreatment can constitute neglect, underscoring the importance of vigilant oversight and accountability within care settings. Whether it’s the failure to address mobility issues or the disregard for a resident’s expressed preferences, every instance of neglect diminishes the quality of life for our elderly loved ones.

Elderly 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. Experienced elder abuse lawyers begin 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 lawyer 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.

How We 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, call916-643-2200 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation at our office in Sacramento.

Here are a few questions our elder abuse lawyers 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 from staff members can happen for any number of reasons. If the care facility does not have enough staff or did not properly train them, residents may end up suffering from neglect. If the home mistakenly or knowingly hired caretakers with a history of violence, abuse can soon occur.

What laws protect elderly individuals in the state?

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