Neglect Lawyer in Orange County
When an older loved one depends on someone else for daily care, neglect can be difficult to recognize until the consequences become serious. Missed medications, untreated injuries, poor hygiene, malnutrition, isolation, or unsafe living conditions may be signs that a caregiver is failing to provide the care a vulnerable senior needs.
If you are concerned about a loved one, our neglect lawyer in Orange County can help you understand what may be happening and what steps you can take to protect them.
At Travis Siegel, our practice focuses exclusively on elder abuse and nursing home abuse cases. We have represented families in these difficult situations since our firm was founded in 2002. Located near the intersection of the Santa Ana Freeway (the 5) and the Costa Mesa Freeway (the 55), our office offers convenient travel for clients across Orange County, Los Angeles County, and throughout Southern California.
Call (562) 414-5294 today to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Elder Neglect and Caregiver Abuse
Elder neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to adequately meet an older person's physical, medical, emotional, or basic daily needs. The caregiver may be a family member providing unpaid care or a professional responsible for residents in a nursing home, RCFE, assisted living facility, or other care setting.
Caregiving can be demanding, and professional facilities may also struggle with understaffing or inadequate training. Those circumstances can contribute to poor care, but they do not excuse neglect or abuse. When a caregiver fails to provide necessary care, the consequences can be devastating for a senior who may have limited ability to advocate for themselves.
Caregiver abuse can take several forms. In addition to neglect, it may involve emotional or psychological abuse, physical or sexual abuse, financial abuse, medication-related misconduct, senior abandonment, or deliberate isolation. Sometimes, what initially appears to be a failure to provide basic care is part of a larger pattern of mistreatment.
Recognizing the Signs of Elder Neglect
Elderly people don’t always tell their families that something is wrong. They may feel embarrassed, fear retaliation, have difficulty communicating, or simply believe that what is happening is normal. That makes changes in a loved one's condition particularly important to notice.
- Some warning signs are physical or medical. These can include:
- Extreme weight loss, dehydration, malnutrition, or unusual thirst
- Untreated illnesses, injuries, infections, or worsening medical conditions
- Empty, outdated, or improperly administered prescriptions
- Untreated bed sores
- Unexplained injuries or physical decline
- Lack of necessary medical equipment such as glasses, hearing aids, dentures, walkers, or wheelchairs
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 562-414-5294 today!
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Choosing the right nursing home for your loved ones is a personal (and tough) decision. It is something you must decide on your own, or with the rest of your family. With that in mind, however, there are a few resources you can use to help with the decision.
The Health Facilities Consumer Information System provided by the state of California lets you search for different types of health facilities, including nursing homes. The Medicare website also provides a tool for finding nursing homes.
The Health Facilities Consumer Information System also lets you search for complaints against said facilities. You can use this tool to check on any homes you might be considering and see if complaints have been filed against them.
Remember, if you suspect any form of elderly abuse or negligence has occurred, trust your instincts and call us at Siegel Law. 562-414-5294
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Pressure sores, also called bed sores and pressure ulcers, are a common sign of nursing home abuse or neglect. They are caused by unrelieved pressure on the skin. Bed sores typically appear near areas where the bones are close to the skin: the hips, back, elbows, and ankles. When pressure sores first show up, they’re just skin irritation. With prompt treatment, they typically have no lasting effects. When not treated quickly, however, later stages can result in serious damage not only to the skin but also to muscle and bone.
The greatest tragedy of pressure sores is that they are relatively easy to prevent. Regular movement of a person restricted to a bed or wheelchair can help avoid pressure sores. Someone who must remain in bed should be moved about every two hours. The use of a pressure-reducing mattress can help. A proper diet, cleanliness, and daily exercise all help prevent pressure sores and eliminate the serious harm that can accompany them.
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The answer is no. Siegel Law takes all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that our clients owe the firm nothing for expenses unless they are awarded a monetary settlement or we receive a favorable verdict at trial. All expenses will be deducted from the settlement or jury verdict. Not a dime will be taken out of your pocket.
