San Bernardino Elder Abuse Attorney

If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, visit this page instead.

If your loved one has been mistreated or neglected, a San Bernardino elder abuse attorney at Berman & Riedel, LLP can help. Our firm is dedicated to protecting vulnerable seniors and holding those who abuse them accountable. Whether the abuse occurred at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a continuing care retirement community, we’re here to help you take action.

What Is Considered Elder Abuse in San Bernardino?

Elder abuse refers to any harmful act that causes physical, emotional, or financial harm to an older adult. In San Bernardino and throughout California, elder abuse includes:

• Physical abuse, such as hitting, pushing, or restraining
• Financial abuse or financial exploitation, like stealing money or manipulating an elderly person into changing legal documents
• Sexual abuse, including any non-consensual sexual activity
• Emotional abuse, which may involve verbal threats, humiliation, or isolation

Types of Elder Abuse Cases We Handle in San Bernardino

At Berman & Riedel, LLP, we have extensive experience handling all forms of elder abuse and neglect across Southern California. Our San Bernardino elder abuse attorneys represent victims and families in cases involving:

• Physical abuse and assault
• Sexual abuse or misconduct
• Financial exploitation and fraud
• Emotional and psychological abuse
• Neglect or abandonment
• Falls caused by inadequate supervision or neglect
• Infections such as sepsis
• Medical malpractice in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other settings

No matter the type of abuse, our team is here to help your family seek justice and compensation. Schedule a free consultation with a San Bernardino elder abuse attorney today to discuss how we can help you protect your loved one.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse & Neglect

Elderly victims may be unable or afraid to speak up. That’s why family members need to know the signs of abuse or neglect. These may include:

• Unexplained injuries, including bruises or broken bones
• Sudden financial changes, such as missing money or unusual transactions
• Poor hygiene or unsanitary conditions
• Signs of dehydration or malnutrition, including sudden weight loss
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers
• Fearfulness or withdrawal from social interaction
• Caregiver refusing to allow visitors

Mistreatment poses a threat to your loved one's health, safety, and well-being. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait to take action.

California Elder Abuse Laws and Protections

Curious about elder care law in California? California law protects older adults from mistreatment and provides a legal framework for holding abusers and negligent facilities liable.

The Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) protects seniors 65 and older from many forms of mistreatment. It empowers elder abuse victims and their families to take legal action against abusers. This law allows for criminal and civil penalties for abuse of older adults. Victims or families may seek enhanced remedies, including pain and suffering and attorney's fees, with clear, convincing evidence.

Penal Code 368 criminalizes abuse or neglect of elders. This law creates enhanced criminal penalties for elder abuse.

Victims of abuse and family members may pursue legal action with an elder law attorney in California to seek compensation for medical expenses, the cost to transfer facilities, out-of-pocket expenses, physical pain, emotional distress, and more. Cases involving intentional abuse, fraud, or malicious or oppressive behavior may be eligible for punitive damages.

Need senior abuse legal help in San Bernardino? A San Bernardino elder abuse attorney at our firm can help you understand your rights and legal options if you believe a loved one is being mistreated. Give us a call today to speak with a San Bernardino elder neglect attorney.

How Our San Bernardino Elder Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At Berman & Riedel, LLP, our San Bernardino elder abuse lawyers have the experience and resources needed to investigate elder abuse and hold negligent facilities and abusive caregivers responsible. Our law firm is one of the largest, most successful elder abuse law firms in California. We have extensive experience litigating high-value cases with a track record of significant settlements and jury awards.

Most of our cases are referred to us by other attorneys or previous clients due to our experience and success with elder abuse cases.

We provide aggressive representation to achieve the best possible results that reflect the true extent of the harm your loved one and family have suffered.

Here's how a San Bernardino elder abuse attorney at Berman & Riedel, LLP can help you:

• Gather evidence and investigate the abuse
• Identify all responsible parties after carefully reviewing the company's legal structure and practices
• Work closely with medical experts to prove the severity of the injuries and long-term consequences
• Seek compensation that reflects your full financial, physical, and emotional losses
• Proceed to litigation and present your case to a jury if necessary
• Give you personalized advice, assist you through the legal process, and help you explore the best options to protect your loved one

We are committed to securing justice for seniors who have been mistreated.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Elder Abuse in San Bernardino

If you suspect elder abuse, it’s important to act quickly, even before contacting a San Bernardino elder abuse attorney. Here's how to report elder abuse in San Bernardino. Once your suspicions are reported and any immediate threats are addressed, a San Bernardino elder abuse lawyer can help you take the next steps.

Emergencies: Call 911

If a loved one’s safety is at immediate risk, call 911 right away. Emergency medical responders can take immediate action to secure your loved one's safety and ensure they get medical care if needed.

Any Suspected Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation: Local Law Enforcement

If it isn't an emergency, report your concerns to law enforcement. Police can respond quickly to investigate your suspicions. They may also file criminal charges with evidence of abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect.

If the older adult is within the San Bernardino city limits, call the San Bernardino Police Department non-emergency line at (909) 383-5311. For abuse in an unincorporated area of the county, call the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department at (760) 956-5001 in the Desert region or (909) 387-8313 in the Valley.

Abuse, Neglect, or Abandonment in the Community: Adult Protective Services (APS)

Call San Bernardino County APS through the 24-hour hotline at 1-877-565-2020 to report suspected abuse of a senior living in the community. An APS social worker will investigate and respond to reports of neglect or abuse in a private home, hotel, apartment, or an inpatient or acute care hospital. APS handles cases involving dependent adults and seniors 60 and older.

Assisted Living & Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs): Department of Social Services (CDSS)

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is responsible for licensing, regulating, and inspecting many types of facilities in San Bernardino:

• Residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs), including board and care and assisted living facilities
• Adult day programs
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

The Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) investigates complaints and reports of abuse. You can report abuse online or call 844-LET-US-NO (844-538-8766).

Nursing Homes, Home Health Agencies & Intermediate Care Facilities: Department of Public Health

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) licenses, inspects, and investigates licensed facilities that provide skilled medical care to older adults, including:

• Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) or nursing homes
• Intermediate care facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Acute care hospitals
• Adult day health centers

You can file a complaint with the CDPH online. Reports of neglect or abuse will be investigated. It's also never a bad idea to speak with a San Bernardino nursing home abuse attorney.

Long-Term Care Facilities: Long-Term Care Ombudsman

The San Bernardino County Long-Term Care Ombudsman program assists residents and their families in resolving concerns in assisted living and nursing facilities. A long-term care ombudsman advocates for you and helps in many ways:

• Ensuring facility administrators are aware of issues
• Meeting with staff to address concerns
• Coordinating assistance with professional boards and state licensing agencies
• Working with law enforcement to address criminal abuse or neglect
• Helping families and LTC residents navigate their options and identify remedies

WISE & Healthy Aging provides the LTC ombudsman program in San Bernardino. You can report abuse by calling (800) 334-9473 or contacting the San Bernardino office at (909) 332-6490.

Home Care Organizations: Home Care Services Branch (HCSB)

In California, Home Care Organizations (HCOs) provide in-home supportive care services like light housekeeping, meal prep, and assistance with daily activities. HCOs are licensed by the Home Care Services Branch (HCSB) of the Department of Social Services (CDSS). Home care aides must register with California's Home Care Aide Registry.

You can report abuse or submit complaints online or by calling the CCLD Complaint Hotline: 844-LET-US-NO (844-538-8766).

Home Health Agencies and Aides: Department of Public Health

Unlike HCOs, home health agencies provide in-home medical services. These agencies are licensed by the CDPH. You can call the message center at (916) 492-8232 or the main line at (916) 445-4423 to make a complaint about a Home Health Aide (HHA) or home health agency. Another option is emailing the complaint form to [email protected].

San Bernardino Elder Abuse Resources and Support

Here are helpful resources for older people, caregivers, and families in San Bernardino and the surrounding area of the Inland Empire.

• Inland SoCal 2-1-1: Free 24-hour service for information and referrals to community services
• OmniTrans: Several transportation programs for seniors, including the Volunteer Driver program and RIDE, a monthly subsidy for seniors to use Uber or taxi services
• Senior centers: San Bernardino operates two senior centers for ages 50+ with a nutrition program, activities, and other services
• San Bernardino Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS): Agency providing services to help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life, including in-home supportive services (IHSS)
• San Bernardino cooling centers: Places to stay cool during heat waves or dangerous temperatures
• Central Valley Age Wise: Non-traditional mental health services for high-risk adults 59 and older who receive or qualify for Medi-Cal
• Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP): Provides services to older adults to avoid or delay unneeded placement in a nursing facility by supporting independent living in the community
• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus, and other CSU campuses: Adults 50 and older can take part in a range of courses, lectures, and social events to learn through university-level courses without grades, assignments, or college credit.
• Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) of San Bernardino County: The ADRC provides short-term service coordination, transition services, and referrals

San Bernardino Elder Abuse Attorney FAQs

When Should I Contact a San Bernardino Elder Abuse Attorney?

You should contact a San Bernardino elder abuse attorney as soon as you suspect mistreatment or neglect. A knowledgeable elder abuse lawyer in San Bernardino can evaluate evidence, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process. Early legal help improves the chances of protecting your loved one and building a strong case.

Can Families Recover Financial Compensation for Elder Abuse?

Yes. Victims and families may pursue financial compensation for damages related to elder abuse. Depending on the case, this may include medical bills, emotional distress, relocation costs, and other losses. Experienced San Bernardino County attorneys can investigate what happened and work to recover the full compensation your family deserves.

What Injuries Are Common in Elder Abuse Cases?

Many elder abuse cases involve serious injuries such as bruising, infections, or broken bones caused by neglect, falls, or physical mistreatment. A California elder law attorney can work with medical experts to document these injuries and prove the harm caused when elder abuse takes place in homes, facilities, or care settings.

Who Can Help If Abuse Happens in a Long Term Care Facility in San Bernardino County?

If abuse occurs in a facility in San Bernardino County, families can report concerns to the local ombudsman, who advocates for residents and investigates complaints. You can also contact the law offices of a San Bernardino elder abuse attorney to review your situation and determine whether legal action should be taken.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a San Bernardino Elder Abuse Attorney at Berman & Riedel, LLP

If you suspect a loved one is being abused, the first step is to report the abuse and make sure your loved one is safe. The next step is to contact a San Bernardino elder abuse attorney to hold the responsible party accountable.

At Berman & Riedel, LLP, our San Bernardino California lawyers are here to help you protect your loved one and explore your legal options. We offer free consultations and take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Let us help you take the next step. Call (858) 350-8855 today to schedule your free case review.