Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Orange County
Sexual abuse of an older adult can be especially difficult to recognize when the victim has dementia, memory loss, mobility limitations, or difficulty communicating. If you suspect that a loved one has been sexually abused by a caregiver, family member, or another person with access to them, our sexual abuse lawyer in Orange County can help you understand your options and take appropriate action.
Travis Siegel focuses exclusively on elder abuse and nursing home abuse cases, giving families a legal resource for these deeply personal situations. We can meet virtually for your convenience.
Call (562) 414-5294 or contact us online today.
When You Should Call a Sexual Abuse Lawyer
You do not need to know exactly what happened before reaching out to our office. Sexual abuse may leave physical evidence, but it can also appear through changes in behavior or emotional well-being. If something about your loved one's condition or treatment does not seem right, it is worth taking seriously.
Physical Signs May Require Immediate Attention
Unexplained bruising around the inner thighs or genital area, pelvic injuries, genital or anal pain, bleeding, irritation, or difficulty sitting or walking can warrant prompt medical attention. Torn, stained, or bloody clothing and the unexplained appearance of a sexually transmitted infection can also raise serious concerns.
If your loved one has suffered an apparent injury or may still be in danger, seeking emergency medical care comes first. Documentation from healthcare providers may also become important later when determining what occurred.
Behavioral Changes Can Tell You Something Is Wrong
Not every victim can explain what happened. An older adult may be frightened, embarrassed, confused, or unable to communicate because of dementia or another cognitive impairment. Watch for sudden withdrawal, agitation, depression, panic, sleep disturbances, unusual sexual behavior, or a noticeable fear of a particular caregiver or visitor.
These changes do not prove sexual abuse on their own, but they deserve attention when they appear alongside other warning signs. A previously social resident who suddenly becomes withdrawn, for example, may be communicating distress without having the ability to explain its cause.
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.