Vulnerable people in society are common targets of abuse, such as children and the elderly. Although elder abuse is an awful reality to accept, it’s essential to be aware of the risk for abuse so you can identify when elder abuse has occurred. Victims of abuse aren’t always eager to come forward and demand justice because they may experience trauma or shame about what’s happened to them.
At The Kindley Firm, APC, we work hard to obtain justice on behalf of abuse victims. A San Diego elder abuse lawyer from our team can help you protect your loved one and put an end to their suffering. We’ll investigate the suspected abuse and use evidence to hold the appropriate parties accountable.
Types of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse can be physical, sexual, psychological, financial, or come in the form of neglect. If your loved one is living in a nursing home, the nurse or doctor caring for them may abuse them by forgetting to give them daily medication or failing to bathe them every day.
Physical elder abuse can involve slapping, pinching, or hitting the elderly victim. Sexual abuse is any inappropriate touching that the elderly victim didn’t consent to. Psychological abuse can involve harassing, demeaning, belittling, or teasing the elderly victim. Financial abuse can involve tricking the victim into paying the abuser or taking money without the elderly victim knowing.
Identifying Signs of Elder Abuse
Your elderly loved one may not verbally talk about the abuse they’ve experienced, but you may identify that abuse has occurred in other ways. When you visit your family member, look out for signs of elder abuse which can include any of the following:
- Uncommon mood changes
- Bedsores
- Unexplained cuts and bruises
- Worsening or development of illnesses
- Bad hygiene
- Lack of communication with close family members
Whom to Sue for Elder Abuse
Once you’ve confirmed that elder abuse is occurring using photographs, medical records, witness testimonies, or video footage, you can file a lawsuit and determine whom to sue for the incident. If your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, you may need to sue the entire company for negligence. If your loved one is being abused by an individual, you can sue the abuser personally for damages.
Your loved one deserves the maximum settlement for both the financial and non-financial losses they’ve suffered. If your loved one suffered injuries or worsening illnesses because of the abuse, you may claim medical expenses as a financial loss. Abuse usually results in extensive non-financial losses, including pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress.
Contact a San Diego Elder Abuse Attorney
No one deserves to be abused, especially those who are vulnerable and can’t fully take care of themselves. The elderly need people to protect them, and adults must notice the signs of elder abuse and speak up when these tragedies occur.
If you’re ready to discuss your loved one’s case with a San Diego elder abuse lawyer from The Kindley Firm, APC, fill out the contact form below or call 619-550-1313 to schedule a free consultation.
