Baldwin Park Elder Abuse Lawyer

Elder Abuse Attorney in Baldwin Park, CA

It can be difficult to find adequate care for an elderly loved one. If you suspect your loved one is being abused in a facility or in a home setting, you may feel guilty. Your loved one deserves quality care and dignity as they age. A Baldwin Park elder abuse lawyer can help you and your loved one receive justice after an incident of abuse.

Hire an Elder Abuse Lawyer

Even the highest-rated facilities and well-recommended carers can receive elder abuse allegations. If you think your loved one has been abused by a trusted caregiver, hire an elder abuse lawyer to represent your interests.

At Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, we understand how traumatic elder abuse can be for the victim and their family. We provide experienced representation as you seek compensation.

Elder Abuse in the United States

Elder abuse occurs when someone, usually someone in a position of care, intentionally causes harm to an adult over the age of 60. Roughly 21% of Baldwin Park residents are 60 years old or older.

Instances of elder abuse are tracked by the World Health Organization. As of 2024, an estimated 1 in 6 people 60 years or older experience elder abuse in a community setting.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse in the community or in an institutional setting, you are owed compensation for any damages you suffered. Baldwin Park residents can file a civil claim for damages at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Elder abuse can be reported to the Los Angeles County Adult Protective Services or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

Types of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can take many different forms. There are five main types of elder abuse, which include:

• Physical abuse. One of the most common forms of abuse, physical abuse, involves the intentional infliction of harm. Physical restraint, chemical restraint, and forced confinement are also considered types of physical abuse.
• Emotional or psychological abuse. This is the intentional infliction of mental pain, fear, or distress through verbal or nonverbal actions. Caregivers may belittle or threaten those in their care.
• Sexual abuse. Any forced or non-consensual sexual contact between any individual and the elderly patient is considered sexual abuse. Cognitive declines leave the elderly especially vulnerable.
• Neglect. Failing to protect an elderly patient from harm through careless actions or refusing to provide for necessities is neglectful.
• Financial abuse. Any unauthorized use of an elder’s possessions, personal information, or financial resources is still considered abuse, even if it does not affect them physically.

Ways to Recognize Abuse

The majority of elder abuse cases go unreported. The victim may feel afraid or ashamed, or they may not have the mental capacity to seek help. Different types of elder abuse present different signs. You can recognize abuse by looking for:

• Physical abuse often manifests as unexplained bruises, cuts, or scrapes, unexplained doctor visits, delayed medical care, or inconsistent explanations for injuries.
• Emotional and psychological abuse displays as low self-esteem, mood swings, avoidance, changes in behavioral patterns, or changes in eating or sleeping habits.
• Sexual abuse may be evident through problems walking or sitting, bleeding or bruising in the pelvic area, contracting a sexually transmitted disease, or torn clothing.
• Neglect often shows through dehydration or malnutrition, which leads to weight loss, unkempt living conditions, or denial of medical care.
• Financial abuse may involve sudden changes to a will or bank account, missing possessions, unpaid bills, or unusual withdrawals or transfers.

FAQs

What Is the Average Cost of an Elder Abuse Attorney in California?

There is no average cost for an elder abuse attorney in California, as the cost can vary widely due to the specifics of the case. Elder abuse attorneys generally work on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee is a percentage of any compensation that is awarded in a case. More complex cases and cases that go to trial may have a higher fee than those completed through out-of-court negotiations.

What Evidence Do You Need for an Elder Abuse Claim?

For an elder abuse claim, you need clear and convincing evidence of the specific type of abuse you suspect has occurred. You might need:

• Medical records or photos of physical abuse or neglect
• Financial or legal documents demonstrating financial abuse
• Video evidence or witness statements demonstrating behavioral changes that could indicate emotional or psychological abuse
• Documents and logs from a caregiver or a facility

Is It Worth Hiring an Elder Abuse Attorney?

Yes, it is worth it to hire an elder abuse attorney when you suspect that an elderly loved one has experienced any form of abuse. An attorney understands the complex elder abuse laws in your area and how they may apply to your loved one’s situation. They can also gather evidence to support your suspicions and present that evidence on your behalf if the case goes to court.

Who Can Report Elder Abuse in California?

In California, anyone can report elder abuse if they are suspicious. Although anyone can file a report, some groups of people are considered mandated reporters. Mandated reporters include:

• Care facility staff
• Administrators
• Employees
• Healthcare providers
• Social workers
• Counselors
• Mental health workers
• Clergy
• Employees at county welfare departments

Attorneys are not mandated reporters, but they can offer support if you are considering filing an elder abuse claim.

How Can I Report Elder Abuse in California?

There are several ways to report elder abuse in California. If you suspect abuse in an elderly care facility, you can report the abuse to the long-term care ombudsman program or to the Department of Public Health.

If you suspect elder abuse in a community setting, you can notify the long-term care ombudsman program or the Community Care Licensing Department of Social Services. If you suspect physical abuse or immediate harm, notify your local law enforcement agency.

Contact Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor Today

Elder abuse can have a myriad of negative effects on your loved one. Recovering from the harm caused may involve additional medical expenses or therapeutic care. These expenses should be covered by the person or facility that caused the harm. Contact Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor today to schedule your initial consultation.