Covina Elder Abuse Lawyer

Elder Abuse Attorney in Covina, CA

Many families in Covina and throughout the San Gabriel Valley trust nursing homes and other caregivers to take care of their elderly family members, but elder abuse is more common than many people realize. If you recently discovered that an elderly loved one has been abused, it is crucial to speak with a Covina elder abuse lawyer as soon as possible. They can explain your legal options and help you hold the abuser accountable for their harmful actions.

Representing Elder Abuse Claims in Covina, CA

Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor can provide comprehensive legal representation after you have discovered that an elderly family member has been abused. We have been representing injured clients throughout California for more than 40 years, and we are confident we can provide unmatched legal counsel for all stages of this difficult case. You have a short time to build and file your case, so you should reach out to our team as soon as possible.

About 10% of Americans over the age of 60 have experienced elder abuse at least once, and the National Council on Aging estimates that only one of every 24 cases is reported to the authorities. Additionally, most elder abuse cases do not arise from isolated incidents. Many victims of elder abuse suffer prolonged mistreatment, some of which can be tremendously damaging to the victim’s physical and mental health.

Elder abuse cases may entail physical or sexual abuse as well as verbal abuse, financial exploitation, and more. Elders with physical limitations and memory conditions are especially vulnerable. It’s an unfortunate reality that many victims not only experience multiple forms of abuse but also experience this mistreatment for long periods of time. Many victims are afraid to seek help or are intentionally isolated from friends and family by their abusers.

When you visit with an elderly family member, pay close attention to any signs that they have been abused. Most elder abuse is committed by family members and primary caregivers, but it can be difficult to confirm whether some type of abuse has taken place. If you confirm your suspicions, you should remove the victim from their dangerous situation immediately and then hire an elder abuse lawyer right away so they can start building your case.

Claiming Compensation for Elder Abuse in Covina

You may have grounds to file a personal injury case against whoever abused your elderly family member. Success with this case requires proving that the defendant directly caused actual harm, such as physical injuries, psychological distress, and other losses, such as lost income if you were forced to take time off from work to address the situation.

An experienced attorney could reveal that you have grounds to claim far more compensation than you initially expected. In a personal injury case, the injured plaintiff must prove the full extent of the damages they suffered and then prove that the defendant is directly responsible for causing them. They can not only claim direct and immediate losses, but also anticipated future losses like ongoing medical expenses if the victim suffered a serious injury.

Your Covina elder abuse attorney can gather evidence to prove the truth of the situation. Once a defendant has been confirmed to have abused an elderly person, they not only face civil liability for the damages they caused to the victim and the victim’s family, but they are also likely to face criminal prosecution for breaking California’s laws against elder abuse. Penalties could include heavy fines, loss of professional licenses, and incarceration.

Some personal injury cases can be resolved through settlement negotiations, while others must be resolved at trial. The team at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor is confident we can guide you to a favorable outcome, but it is important that you start building your case as soon as possible. If you are ready to learn how an experienced Covina elder abuse attorney can help, reach out to our team at your first opportunity.

FAQs

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Elder Abuse?

The evidence needed to prove elder abuse could include witness statements, medical records, physical evidence from the victim’s living space, and visual documentation of any physical signs of abuse. Your Covina elder abuse lawyer can help you gather this evidence so you can hold the defendant accountable for the damages they caused. You must prove liability before you can claim any compensation in a personal injury case for elder abuse.

What Is the Punishment for Elder Abuse in California?

The punishment for elder abuse in California can include heavy fines, liability for the victim’s damages, loss of professional licenses, and jail time. Generally, the severity of the defendant’s penalties will depend on the nature and severity of the abuse they committed. When elder abuse results in catastrophic injury or death, the defendant is likely to face felony prosecution and the harshest possible penalties under California’s elder abuse laws.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in an Elder Abuse Case in Covina?

In Covina, the damages that can be recovered from an elder abuse case include medical expenses for treating the victim’s injuries, the family’s lost wages, transportation costs, other out-of-pocket expenses, and compensation for the victim’s pain and suffering. In some of these cases, plaintiffs are also awarded punitive damages by the court to reflect the illegal nature of the defendant’s actions.

Why Should I Hire an Elder Abuse Lawyer?

You should hire an elder abuse lawyer to have a better chance of success with your case. You may believe that liability for the damages cited in your claim is obvious, or that the criminal case against the defendant proves that they are liable for your damages. However, this criminal case seeks to punish the defendant for breaking the law, not to compensate the victim, so you need to hire an elder abuse lawyer to help you build the strongest possible civil claim for damages.

The attorneys at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor understand how devastating it is for any family to discover that their elderly loved one has been abused, and we are confident we can help our client build a successful personal injury case when they have experienced this. If you believe you have grounds to file an elder abuse case, contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Covina elder abuse lawyer.