San Diego Elder Abuse Lawyer
The elderly are more likely to experience abuse if there’s no support system in place.There is nothing more painful or anguishing than discovering that our elderly loved ones have been emotionally or physically abused at the hands of individuals we have entrusted with their care.
If you or your loved one has been a victim of elder abuse, contact Vaage Law: San Diego Abuse Lawyer to get started on your claim. With careful and thorough investigation, we can confirm and determine the extent of the negligence and abuse that has occurred.
Reach out online or by phone at (619) 338-0505.
What Types of Neglect Does a San Diego Elder Abuse Attorney Deal With?
Physical Abuse
This can range from minor injuries, such as bruises or cuts, to severe injuries like fractures, sprains, or internal damage. It often occurs in care facilities or at home, where caregivers may use force to control or punish.
Physical abuse can also include inappropriate use of medications or restraints to restrict the person’s mobility or freedom.
Evidence of physical abuse may include medical reports documenting injuries, photographs of bruises or wounds, eyewitness accounts, and inconsistencies in explanations provided by the caregiver.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
This can involve verbal attacks, threats, intimidation, isolation, chemical restraint, or manipulation. The abuser may constantly criticize, humiliate, or blame the elder, creating a climate of fear and dependence.
This type of abuse can lead to depression, anxiety, withdrawal, and other emotional disorders in the elderly person.
Evidence might include recorded conversations, written correspondence demonstrating abusive language, witness testimonies, or observations of changes in the elder’s behavior, such as increased anxiety, depression, or withdrawal.
Negligence
This can include the caretaker limiting food, water, clothing, shelter, medical care, or personal hygiene. Neglect can be intentional or due to a lack of knowledge or resources. It can result in malnutrition, dehydration, infections, ulcers, bedsores, and worse.
Evidence includes medical records showing deterioration in health, photos of poor living conditions, testimony from witnesses who observed neglect, and documentation of failure to meet basic needs.
Financial Abuse or Exploitation
This can include theft, fraud, misuse of bank accounts or credit cards, or coercion into signing documents like wills or power of attorney. Often, the perpetrator is someone the elder trusts, such as a family member, caregiver, or professional with access to their financial information.
Evidence might include irregularities in financial statements, unauthorized withdrawals, changes in property ownership, sudden changes in the elder’s financial situation, and signed documents that the elder doesn’t recall authorizing.
Sexual Abuse
Patients with neurological diseases or disabilities are more likely to experience abuse when left in the hands of caretakers. If you’ve noticed a recent change in your loved one’s behaviors indicating trauma, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation at (619) 338-0505.
This can include unwanted touching, forced nudity, rape, or forcing the elder to witness sexual acts. It can also involve situations where an elder is coerced into sexual activities they are unable to consent to, due to cognitive impairment or intimidation.
Evidence of behavioral signs, such as sudden fear of specific individuals, changes in hygiene habits, or withdrawal from social interactions, can also be indicative.
Abandonment
Abandonment occurs when a caregiver or responsible party deserts an elder, leaving them without care or support. This can happen in both private homes and institutional settings. It can lead to life-threatening, debilitating consequences, especially for those with mobility issues.
Evidence includes documentation of the elder’s condition at the time of discovery, records showing that the caregiver had a duty to care for the elder, and witness statements from neighbors, friends, or service providers who noticed the absence of care.
It’s important to reach out to a San Diego elder abuse attorney as soon as you recognize the above forms of abuse before it escalates. Your loved one deserves dignity and care, especially when placing trust in the hands of professionals.
Vaage Law: Elder Abuse Law Firm in San Diego
The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to abuse and has enacted special elder abuse laws and protections. We handle cases of elder abuse and medical malpractice on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to worry about paying legal fees unless we obtain compensation for your loved one.
At Vaage Law, every single person in the firm works on your case. With almost 150 years of combined legal experience and more than $175 million recovered for our clients, our track record speaks for itself. We are here to help get your life back on track.
So get in contact with our San Diego elder abuse attorneys. Reach out online or at (619) 338-0505.
Proudly Representing San Diego Residents
Elder Abuse Lawyer in San Diego Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file an Elderly Abuse lawsuit?
Typically, immediate family members, including spouses, children, and sometimes parents, are typically eligible to file an elder abuse lawsuit. In rare exceptions, non-familial guardians may exert their right to a claim.
When should I contact a San Diego Elder Abuse attorney?
You should contact an elder abuse attorney as soon as you suspect any form of abuse or neglect. Even defective medical devices warrant litigation. Early consultation also helps in understanding the legal options and timelines for taking action.
Victims are also more likely to receive fairer compensation when they consult a legal professional.
Do I need an initial consultation?
An initial consultation with an elder abuse attorney is highly advisable and often free. This meeting provides an opportunity to discuss the specifics of your case, understand the legal process, and assess whether the attorney is the right fit for your needs.
It’s a critical step in making informed decisions about pursuing legal action.
How do I choose a reputable Elder Abuse attorney?
To choose a reputable elder abuse attorney, look for experience and specialization in elder law and abuse cases, positive client testimonials, and a strong track record of successful outcomes.
It’s also important to consider the attorney’s communication style and willingness to answer your questions during the initial consultation. Vaage Law in particular has secured $700,000 for its client’s pain and suffering from elder abuse.
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