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 Siegel Law, 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 Siegel Law 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

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.

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 Siegel Law, 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 Siegel Law at (562) 645-4145 or contact us online to discuss your senior’s legal rights and potential compensation.