At Berman & Riedel, LLP, we are deeply committed to protecting the dignity and well-being of the San Diego Elderly. Our Elder Abuse Resources provides a personal, compassionate, and professional approach to identifying, preventing, and addressing elder abuse. With our expert legal team by your side, you have access to essential information, and advice ensure every senior is treated with the respect and care they deserve. Trust Berman & Riedel, LLP to be your reliable legal partner in creating a safer, more supportive environment for our elders.
As some of the most vulnerable people in our community, seniors are all too often neglected, abused, or mistreated by those they trust the most. If an elderly family member has been the victim of abuse or neglect, a Monterey elder abuse attorney at Berman & Riedel, LLP is here to help you fight for justice.
Our law firm has earned a reputation as one of the leading elder abuse law firms in California. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to discuss how we can help you protect your loved one and hold the abuser accountable.
Types of Elder Neglect and Abuse in California
Elder abuse comes in many forms. It generally refers to financial, physical, emotional, or psychological harm to a vulnerable older adult in the form of:
Physical abuse
Financial exploitation or financial abuse
Sexual abuse
Psychological or emotional abuse
Abandonment
Neglect, or failure to provide a dependent person with the necessary shelter, safety, nutrition, social interaction, and medical care
In California, these forms of elder abuse are crimes. California PC 368 establishes enhanced criminal penalties for the abuse of elderly people.
What Are Signs of Elder Abuse or Neglect?
It can be hard to recognize neglect or abuse in an aging adult, especially if they have dementia. Visiting often and watching for these signs is the best way to detect possible neglect or abuse:
Sudden and unexplained changes in behavior, especially in the presence of facility staff or a caregiver
Anxiety, fearful behavior, or withdrawal from social activities
Unsanitary conditions
Poor personal hygiene, such as soiled clothing or hair that is unwashed or unbrushed
If you notice signs of elder abuse, take action right away. Report your suspicions to the appropriate authorities to make sure your loved one is safe.
How to Report Elder Abuse & Neglect in Monterey County CA
If any of these signs come up in an assisted living facility or a personal home setting, it's crucial that you know who to contact and how.
Here's how to report elder abuse in Monterey County. Addressing an immediate threat is your top priority followed by reporting your concerns. The next step is contacting a Monterey elder abuse lawyer to help you understand your legal options.
Medical Emergency or Immediate Danger: Call 911
In any case where there is an immediate risk of harm or if your loved one needs urgent medical care, call 911. Emergency responders can assist immediately to get your loved one medical care and make sure they're safe.
Ongoing Abuse or Suspected Criminal Activity: Local Police Department
Report suspected abuse to local law enforcement, who can investigate potential criminal actions or refer cases to the appropriate agencies. Police may respond much faster than local health authorities, even if it isn't an emergency.
Below are the non-emergency numbers for local police departments in Monterey County:
Carmel Police Department: (831) 624-6403
Del Rey Oaks Police Department: (831) 375-8525
Gonzales Police Department: (831) 755-5111
Greenfield Police Department: (831) 385-8311
King City Police Department: (831) 385-8311
Marina Police Department: (831) 384-7575
Monterey Police Department: (831) 646-3914
Pacific Grove Police Department: (831) 647-7900
Presidio of Monterey Police Department: (831) 242-7851
Salinas Police Department: (831) 758-7321
Sand City Police Department: (831) 394-6811
Seaside Police Department: (831) 899-6748
Soledad Police Department: (831) 755-5111
If the older adult is located in unincorporated Monterey County, contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office at one of the following non-emergency numbers based on your area:
Salinas: (831) 755-5111
Monterey: (831) 647-7911
King City: (831) 385-8311
Elder Abuse or Neglect in the Community: Adult Protective Services (APS)
The Monterey County Department of Social Services (DSS) investigates abuse and neglect in the community. If you believe an older adult is being mistreated or experiencing self-neglect, contact Monterey County Adult Protective Services (APS) at (831) 755-4466 or call the 24-hour hotline at 1-877-565-2020.
APS social workers investigate reports involving dependent adults and seniors 60 and older in the following settings:
Residents in private homes
Residents and tenants in apartments
Guests or residents in hotels
Patients in acute care and inpatient hospitals
Complaints Involving Assisted Living Facilities & Other Residential Care Facilities: California Department of Social Services (CDSS)
The Department of Social Services (CDSS) oversees facilities that provide non-medical care and supervision. The most common type of facility is a residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE).
Abuse or neglect can be reported to the CDSS if it occurs in these types of facilities:
Assisted living facilities
Memory care facilities
Board and care homes
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), which are retirement communities with everything from independent living and assisted living to skilled nursing available on one campus
Abuse in Nursing Homes & Intermediate Care Facilities: Department of Public Health (CDPH)
The Department of Public Health (CDPH) oversees facilities that provide skilled medical care in California. This department licenses and inspects facilities such as:
Nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs)
Rehabilitation centers
Intermediate care facilities (ICFs), which provide 24-hour residential services for people with developmental disabilities
Acute care hospitals, which provide intensive and short-term medical care
Adult day health centers, community-based programs with social, therapeutic, and skilled nursing services for adults with functional impairment as an alternative to a nursing home
Complaints Involving Long-Term Care Facilities: Long-Term Care Ombudsman
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or poor care in any type of long-term care facility, a long-term care ombudsman can be a helpful advocate. The Monterey County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program through the Alliance on Aging helps residents resolve complaints, coordinate assistance, address concerns, work with law enforcement, and navigate options.
You can contact the LTC ombudsman at (831) 758-4011 for help.
Complaints Involving Home Care Organizations: Home Care Services Branch (HCSB)
A home care organization (HCO) provides non-medical in-home supportive care services for people who need assistance with daily activities, meal preparation, or light housekeeping. These services help elderly people and people with disabilities live independently in their homes.
HCOs are licensed by the Department of Social Services (CDSS) through the Home Care Services Branch (HCSB).
Complaints about home care aides or home care organizations can be submitted online or by calling the complaint hotline at (844) 538-8766.
Complaints Involving Home Health Agencies & Aides: Department of Public Health (CDPH)
A home health agency (HHA) is a licensed organization that provides in-home medical, therapy, and skilled nursing services. These agencies may provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, skilled nursing care, and home health aide services, for instance.
HHAs are licensed by the Department of Public Health. If you have a complaint involving a home health agency or home health aide, you can call the main line at (916) 445-4423 or leave a message at (916) 492-8232.
Resources for Seniors and Caregivers in Monterey County & the Bay Area
Below are local resources for older adults and caregivers in the Monterey area.
211 Monterey County: 24-hour referrals and information about local services for seniors and caregivers
Taxi Voucher Program: Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) has a taxi voucher program in partnership with the Monterey County Regional Taxi Authority (RTA) and participating cities. Seniors can receive free vouchers worth $14 for travel within participating cities.
Alliance on Aging: Free services and resources for Monterey County seniors
Pursuing Legal Action After Elder Neglect or Abuse
Older adults and family members have the right to pursue legal action against abusive care providers. A personal injury claim allows victims and their families to seek financial compensation for the losses and suffering they have suffered from the abuse.
In cases involving fraud, intentional abuse, or oppressive or malicious conduct, victims may be entitled to punitive damages.
A Monterey elder abuse attorney at Berman & Riedel, LLP is here to help you explore your legal options and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.
How Our Monterey Elder Abuse Lawyers Can Help You
The Monterey County elder abuse attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP have years of experience representing clients in elder abuse cases throughout California. As one of the largest and most successful elder abuse and neglect law firms in the state, we are not afraid to litigate and go up against large assisted living companies, home healthcare companies, and other healthcare providers. We have a proven track record with many large settlements and verdicts achieved for our clients.
We are committed to pursuing the best possible results in your case. We can help you by:
Conducting an investigation and gathering evidence
Establishing liability for your loved one's injuries
Working with experts to establish the long-term effects and how the injuries happened
Negotiating on your behalf for a fair settlement
Providing compassionate legal advice and guidance
Filing a lawsuit and proceeding to litigation when necessary
Call our law office today to speak with a Monterey County elder abuse attorney during a free case evaluation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Monterey Elder Abuse Attorney at Berman & Riedel, LLP
After reporting suspected elder abuse, the next step is working with a Monterey elder abuse law firm to hold abusive caregivers and negligent facilities accountable. At Berman & Riedel, LLP, we have built our reputation on standing up for the rights, health, and safety of vulnerable seniors across California.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation with a Monterey elder abuse attorney. We accept cases throughout the state on a contingency fee basis with no out-of-pocket legal fees and the tireless representation you deserve.
Cities & Communities We Serve in Monterey County
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Watch What Our Clients Have To Say
Families across California share their experiences of how Berman & Riedel, LLP, fought for justice in cases of elder neglect, nursing home abuse, and personal injury.
Elder Neglect by Healthcare Corporation
Jean’s mother was a victim of neglect while at a skilled nursing facility, resulting in surgery that she did not survive. Berman was there to listen and provide the support that the client needed.
Wrongful Death at a California Nursing Home
Michele’s mother suffered a wrongful death at a California nursing home. William M. Berman and the attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP, helped litigate the case with successful results.
Serious Injury at Skilled Nursing Facility
Ira’s wife suffered a traumatic brain injury due to negligence at a skilled nursing facility, and our team of attorneys worked hard to ensure that Ira’s wife and his family received the compensation that they rightfully deserved.
Wrongful Death Legal Services
Ginny suffered a family loss, and Berman lawyers handled her legal needs with compassion and reassurance, allowing her to feel safe and at ease through the entire process.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions people have about working with a lawyer. During your initial consultation, we will be happy to answer questions that are particular to your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Elder Abuse Attorney?
The attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP, accept elder and nursing home cases on a contingency-fee basis. This type of agreement means you do not pay any attorneys’ fees out-of-pocket for legal representation. Attorneys’ fees are also contingent on the outcome of your case.
You benefit from legal representation in exchange for an agreed-upon percentage of a settlement or jury award. We will only recover a fee if you recover compensation.
What Should I Do if I Suspect a Loved One is the Victim of Elder Abuse?
The first step is to report the abuse to the appropriate authorities. Call 911 if the situation is life-threatening. Otherwise, it can be reported to the police and appropriate agencies. For abuse in the community or a hospital, call Adult Protective Services at 1-833-401-0832. For abuse in a nursing home or long-term care facility, contact your local long-term care ombudsman or call 1-888-452-8609.
The next step is contacting a California elder neglect lawyer to help you safeguard your loved one’s rights, investigate the abuse, and hold the facility accountable.
Can You Tell Me How Much My Case Is Worth?
There is no way to determine the exact value of an elder abuse or personal injury case, especially early in your case. However, an experienced attorney can give you an estimated range based on their experience with similar cases.
There are many factors that may influence the value of your case, such as:
Your total financial or economic damages
The severity of your injuries
The impact of your injuries on your daily life
The strength of your case
Whether you share fault for your accident
Insurance policy limits
Some damages are easy to calculate, such as lost wages and medical bills. Calculating the value of diminished earnings for the rest of your life or future medical needs, however, may require the help of experts. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering have no intrinsic financial value. These damages are challenging to calculate.
If your case goes before a jury, you may potentially be able to recover more than you could through a settlement. However, this introduces a new element of risk: the jury. The circumstances of your accident and even how sympathetic you or the defendant are can influence the outcome.
During your consultation and throughout your case, we will help you understand how these factors influence your case. We will also work tirelessly to document the value of all your damages and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
The vast majority of cases are resolved by reaching a settlement agreement outside of court. Very few personal injury cases actually go to trial, but it is more likely if the facts in your case are in dispute, a legal issue is being contested, or you have a high-value case.
An experienced lawyer will build your case as if it will go to trial from the beginning. The stronger your case and evidence, the more likely a fair settlement will be reached.
How Do I Know If I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
The more serious your injuries or the more complex your case, the more important it becomes to seek experienced legal counsel.
Legal representation is vital if your case involves a complex area of law, such as elder abuse or neglect, premises liability, commercial vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, or serious work-related accidents. Determining liability, navigating decades of legal precedence, and interpreting specific statutes in these cases is best done with years of relevant legal experience.
Remember that the insurance company is not on your side, even if the insurance adjuster seems sympathetic and you receive a settlement offer. If you are being blamed for an accident or sustained serious injury, a lawyer will help you protect your rights and build the strongest case possible. This includes calculating the full value of your current and future losses.
Do You Accept Cases Outside of San Diego?
While our law office is located in San Diego, Berman & Riedel, LLP, accepts cases throughout the state of California.
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The information on this website is for general information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. No information on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Berman & Riedel, LLP at (858) 997-0678 if you would like to discuss your legal matter with a member of the firm.
