Fairfield Elder Abuse Lawyer

As people age, life becomes harder. Elders often need long-term care to help them perform daily tasks, and family members often cannot provide this round-the-clock care. Making the decision to place a loved one into a nursing home or place their care into the hands of a caregiver is always difficult, particularly considering that elder abuse is on the rise in California. If your loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect, our Fairfield elder abuse lawyer can help you claim the damages they deserve.

Which Individuals are Protected from Elder Abuse Under the Law?

The term ‘elder abuse’ may seem as though the law only protects senior citizens. In fact, California law provides protection for elders, dependent adults, and individuals with developmental disabilities.

California law defines an elder as anyone who is 65 years old or older. Dependent adults are defined as anyone between the ages of 18 and 64 and who has a mental or physical limitation that restricts their ability to carry out normal activities or ensure their rights are upheld. Anyone admitted to a 24-hour healthcare facility as an in-patient is also considered a dependent adult.

A developmentally disabled individual, on the other hand, is anyone who develops a disability before they are 18 years old. The disability must be substantial and must be expected to continue indefinitely.

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse can take many forms, sadly. The most common types of elder abuse are as follows:

• Abandonment
• Abduction
• Physical abuse
• Financial abuse
• Isolation
• Neglect
• Self-neglect

While the above are the most common types of elder abuse, any time a senior, dependent adult, or developmentally disabled individual suffers from this type of abuse, they can hold the at-fault party liable for paying damages with the help of an elder abuse lawyer in Fairfield.

Spotting Elder Abuse

It may seem impossible to identify elder abuse when it occurs, especially if your loved one is in a facility and you do not see them every day. However, it is possible to spot elder abuse when it occurs. The most common signs include:

• Bedsores
• Physical injuries such as blisters, pinch marks, and scratches
• Dirty sheets, undergarments, or living conditions
• Marks on the wrists or ankles that indicate the use of restraints
• Malnourishment and dehydration
• Valuable property that suddenly goes missing
• A sudden and unexplained change to an elder’s estate plan or financial accounts
• Medical conditions that are left untreated

Any time you spot these signs, or any others that may suggest abuse is occurring, it is important to speak to a Fairfield elder abuse attorney for help.

Our California Elder Abuse Lawyers Can Help Your Family

If your loved one has been the victim of abuse, an elder abuse attorney in Fairfield at Brod Law Firm can help with your case. We know the laws on elder abuse in California, will advise on how they apply to your case, and fight to help you recover the maximum damages you deserve. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

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