Signs of Elder Abuse
If your loved one is in a nursing home or other type of assisted living facility, you should never have to worry about them being abused or neglected. However, we know that elder abuse occurs regularly.
If you discover that your elderly loved one has been abused, speak to an attorney as soon as possible. At Travis Siegel, our knowledgeable and experienced team is ready to get to work on your behalf. Our Orange County elder abuse attorneys will investigate what happened and work to secure the compensation your loved one deserves.
Why Is Travis Siegel Your Choice For This?
If you suspect your loved one has been abused, turn to a firm that focuses solely on holding those who abuse the elderly accountable for their actions.
- We understand the laws in place at both the state and federal levels that protect the elderly.
- You will always work with your attorney on your case, not a junior associate or a paralegal.
- We work on a contingency fee basis, so you will not pay a dime until we secure the compensation you deserve.
- How An Attorney Can Help
An attorney is going to be beneficial with these cases in many ways, particularly when it comes to investigating what happened. Your lawyer will understand how to use the courts to get the evidence necessary to uncover abuse. Your attorney will also:
- Secure expert witnesses if necessary to testify about the abuse.
- Handle all communications with other parties involved in order to reach a successful settlement on your loved one’s behalf.
- Prepare the case to go to trial if the defendants do not agree to a fair settlement.
The Signs Of Elder Abuse
There are various signs and symptoms that family members and friends can be on the lookout for when it comes to elder abuse. This includes:
Possible Physical Abuse and Neglect Indicators
You can look for a range of physical symptoms that may indicate abuse is taking place.
- Malnutrition and/or dehydration
- Bedsores, pressure sores, pressure ulcers
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unseen but suspected physical injury such as painful reactions when touched
- Unexplained bruises, skin tears, broken bones, or broken teeth
If you think your elderly loved one has suffered neglect or abuse, do not wait to act. Whether the abuse occurred in a nursing home, residential care facility, or private home, our Orange County elder abuse attorneys will conduct the necessary investigations and gather the information needed to bring those responsible to justice.
Awards & Memberships
Behavioral Indicators
Many signs of abuse may not have physical indicators.
- Fear
- Helplessness
- Hesitation to talk openly
- Giving implausible excuses
- Non-responsiveness
- Withdrawal
- Agitation
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Confusion or disorientation
- Defensiveness
- Depression
- Fear of certain members of staff or volunteers
You should also be on the lookout for financial abuse. Keep an eye on an elderly resident’s bank accounts and ask for detailed billing and receipts for their expenses each month. If something does not add up, you need to bring it up with staff or law enforcement.
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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.
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If you suspect that abuse has occurred, know that you are not alone and do not have to suffer in silence. Trust yourself and follow your instincts. First of all, contact the California Department of Social Services, Adult Protective Services (APS). This is a government agency specifically charged with licensing, certifying, and overseeing nursing homes and similar facilities. They are in charge of investigating reports of abuse, so making a report to them is the best place to start.
Once you have contacted them, call us at Siegel Law. We have years of experience handling these kinds of cases and will sit down with you for free and help you understand your options going forward. It is easy to become overwhelmed in this situation, which is why our Orange County elder abuse lawyers offer guidance to those who need it.
What You Can Do Now
If your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home or other facility, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Travis Siegel, we will work diligently to investigate what happened so we can secure the compensation your loved one deserves, including:
- Compensation for your loved one’s medical expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Pain and suffering damages
- Coverage to relocate to a new facility
- Possible punitive damages against the negligent employees or facility
When you need an Orange County elder abuse attorney, you can reach out to Travis Siegel at 562-414-5294 or contact us online to discuss your senior’s legal rights and potential compensation.
