Our San Diego elder abuse attorneys know well the hardships that are associated with being an elder abuse victim. Victims of elder abuse and nursing home abuse and neglect are often vulnerable and do not feel empowered to confront their abusers. However, victims must understand that they do not need to tolerate such abuse and neglect, and they should be afforded every opportunity to take steps to protect themselves and live their lives with dignity. We hope that the following information provided by our elder negligence lawyers will be of help to you or someone you love who has been an unfortunate victim of elder abuse.
What can you do if you believe you are a victim of elder abuse or elder neglect?
First, make yourself familiar with the signs of abuse and neglect. Abuse is not only physical (cuts, bruises, fractures and broken bones), but can also be behavioral and emotional (you feel saddened or depressed due to verbal abuse, you are scared to be alone with a caretaker because of their anger towards you or other residents or patients).
Next, try to talk to another staff member or administrator at the facility. Chances are good that if you are being treated poorly, so are other patients or residents at the facility. A properly staffed Skilled Nursing Facility, Residential Care Facility for the Elderly or nursing home will take the time to hear your concerns, investigate them, and come to a resolution that respects your rights.
If efforts to resolve your concerns about elder abuse and neglect, or nursing home abuse and neglect are unsuccessful, our California elder neglect lawyers recommend calling your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s Office for assistance. For information regarding the Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s office closest to you, you can call (800) 231-4024 or view a comprehensive list at www.aging.ca.gov/programs/ombudsman_contacts.asp.
It may even become necessary to file a formal complaint with the proper authorities. Our San Diego elder negligence attorneys have provided detailed instructions on how to file a formal complaint to report elder abuse. If you are ever in immediate danger of harm, please call 911.
Reporting elder abuse is critical if you or someone you know has suffered at the hands of an elderly care facility.
How our San Diego elder neglect attorneys can help
If you have been hurt, injured, or suffered unnecessarily as a result of elder abuse, you may be entitled to compensation under the law. Our California elder abuse lawyers have handled numerous nursing home abuse cases with outstanding results for our clients. In addition to assisting you with filing a formal complaint, we will also take your claim to trial to seek awards for damages should you have a legitimate case. Contact a San Diego elder abuse attorney at our firm today with the details of your situation.
