Elder Abuse Lawyer in Tustin
When an older family member suddenly becomes withdrawn, loses control of their finances, appears poorly cared for, or has unexplained injuries, it can be difficult to know whether you are seeing normal changes associated with aging or something more serious. Our elder abuse lawyer in Tustin can help your family investigate when the circumstances do not add up.
Founded in 2002, Travis Siegel focuses exclusively on elder abuse and nursing home abuse cases. Call (562) 414-5294 for a free consultation.
What Elder Abuse Can Look Like
Elder abuse can happen in a private home, through an in-home caregiver, or in a licensed residential care setting. It does not always leave an obvious physical injury. Sometimes the first warning is a change in behavior, unexplained financial activity, declining living conditions, or a loved one becoming increasingly isolated.
Looking at the bigger picture can help reveal whether there is a pattern that deserves closer attention.
When a Loved One’s Basic Needs Are Not Being Met
Older adults who depend on someone else for food, hygiene, medication, transportation, supervision, or other necessities can be particularly vulnerable to neglect. Repeated failures may contribute to senior malnutrition, poor hygiene, untreated medical conditions, or other harm.
Senior abandonment and senior isolation can also become serious concerns when a dependent adult is left without necessary care or meaningful access to help.
Self-neglect presents a different situation. An older adult may be unable or unwilling to manage basic needs independently, raising questions about whether intervention or supportive services are necessary. Orange County specifically identifies self-neglect as an elder-abuse concern that should be reported.
When Abuse Goes Beyond Physical Injuries
Elder abuse can involve physical harm, but it may also involve intimidation, humiliation, unwanted sexual contact, or inappropriate physical restraint. Emotional abuse may appear through fear, withdrawal, unusual anxiety, or changes in behavior.
Cognitive impairment can increase a person's vulnerability as well. A senior experiencing Alzheimer's disease may have difficulty recognizing mistreatment or explaining what happened, making changes in behavior or routine particularly important to investigate. Senior sexual abuse may likewise be difficult for a vulnerable adult to report directly.
When Someone Takes Advantage of an Older Adult
Financial abuse can be especially difficult for families to recognize when a trusted relative, caregiver, or other person has access to an older adult's money or property. Warning signs can include unexplained withdrawals, missing belongings, unusual purchases, pressure to change financial or estate documents, or someone suddenly taking control of the senior's finances.
The key question is often who had access to the older adult, their property, and their decision-making, and whether that person used that access improperly. Orange County's APS resources specifically identify financial abuse as one of the forms of elder abuse handled through its reporting system.
Protecting the Victims of Elder Abuse
Travis Siegel provides compassionate personal attention alongside aggressive trial advocacy for clients throughout the Tustin area. You’ll work directly with our experienced lawyer. We can meet virtually, and we work on a contingency basis, so there are no legal fees unless a settlement is secured. If something about your loved one's situation does not feel right, reaching out to our office is a practical first step.
Call (562) 414-5294 or contact us online today.
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
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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.
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