Orange County Elder Abuse Lawyer

Bringing a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit in California

Sadly, nursing home abuse and elder neglect is believed to affect thousands of families in the United States every year (Nursing Home Abuse Statistics, Nursing Home Abuse Justice). While many nursing home abuse cases are reported each year, even more go unreported. Whether you or your loved one have suffered cruelty at the hands of a caregiver, or have experienced financial abuse in your nursing home, you deserve justice.

At Sexual Harassment Employment Attorneys we offer over 20 years of proven representation for victims of nursing home abuse. Don’t hesitate, call our Orange County nursing home abuse lawyers today at (888) 427-8064. We offer free initial consultations to prospective clients.

On This Page:

• What Is Elder Abuse and Neglect?
• Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
• Nursing Home Resident's Rights
• Elder Abuse FAQ
• Let Our Team Help!

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines elder abuse as “an intentional act or failure to act” that results in injury or harm to an elderly adult. In this case, an elder is considered to be someone over the age of 60. Abuse can occur in a variety of different environments: nursing homes, hospitals, or even in the elderly adult’s own home at the hands of a trusted caregiver or family member.

Different Types of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse isn’t just physical. Abuse or neglect can come in a variety of forms. Some of the most common types of elder abuse include:

• Physical abuse - Slapping, pushing, hitting, or restraining the elderly individual against their will.
• Emotional abuse - Yelling, threatening, or saying cruel or hurtful things to the elderly person or preventing them from seeing their friends or family.
• Sexual abuse - Forcing the elderly individual to watch or participate in unwanted sexual acts.
• Financial abuse - This can include theft, fraud, or blackmail at the expense of the elderly individual.
• Neglect - Failing to provide for basic needs such as hygiene, food, water, medication, etc.
• Abandonment - Leaving the elderly person alone and failing to provide for their care or basic needs.

If you aren’t sure whether what your loved one experienced is considered elder abuse in CA, you can reach out to the team at Sexual Harassment Employment Attorneys today to discuss your situation in a free consultation.

Keeping an eye open for some of these signs of elder abuse can help you address the issue early on, before too much harm is done. The following are common signs of elder abuse:

• Your loved one has become more withdrawn or is demonstrating increased agitation or violence
• Their appearance has changed significantly (looking disheveled or unclean, weight loss)
• They have unexplained injuries: bruises, burns, scars, bed sores
• Their living space looks unsafe or unclean
• They are displaying signs of being traumatized: refusing to participate in activities they once enjoyed, rocking back and forth

If you notice your loved one displaying signs of elder abuse or neglect, you must act immediately. Contact our Orange County elder abuse attorneys today to discuss your situation in free, no-obligation consultation.

Sadly, nursing homes are a common setting for elder abuse or neglect. It’s important that both you and your loved one understand their rights as a resident in order to protect them from potential abuse or neglect. It’s also important that you ensure there is an open line of communication between your loved one and yourself if anything does happen. As a nursing home resident, your family member has the following rights protected by both the federal and state government:

1. The right to be treated with respect and dignity
2. The right to participate in programs or activities 
3. The right to be treated without discrimination based on race, color, nationality, disability, age, or religion
4. The right to proper medical care
5. The right to not be abused or neglected
6. The right to notify your doctor and your representative of any injuries, medical conditions, or treatment changes
7. The right to complain to nursing home staff about concerns without fear of punishment
8. The right to privacy, living arrangements, and property
9. The right to have visitors
10. The right to manage your own money and finances
11. The right to obtain information on different services and fees
12. The right to leave the home for visits and in the event you decide to move out
13. The right to receive social services, including counseling and help contacting a legal representative
14. The right to not be unfairly transferred to another nursing home or discharged
15. The right to form or participate in resident groups that speak with the staff on behalf of resident concerns and issues 

Call (888) 427-8064 today if you or a loved one have been the victim of nursing home or elder abuse. Our team of elder abuse attorneys in Orange County offer expert representation and over 20 years of proven results.