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Glendale Elder Physical Abuse Lawyer
Fighting for the rights of Glendale seniors who were physically abused
Physical abuse is never acceptable and is a heinous act when it involves a senior. Unfortunately, home caretakers, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities use physical abuse and restraints to control or punish patients. Sometimes, they have no patience or empathy for the seniors and injure them to get their way. Anyone tasked with caring for seniors should have the training and experience necessary to care for seniors with emotional, physical, or cognitive challenges. If you find that a caretaker is physically abusing your loved one, reach out to the Glendale elder abuse lawyer from Garcia & Artigliere. We have a track record of success handling cases involving abused seniors, contact us today.
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How can our Glendale elder physical abuse lawyers help?
- What is considered physical abuse of older adults?
- Are there signs of abuse to look for?
- What causes elder abuse in Glendale?
- What injuries do elderly individuals suffer from physical abuse in Glendale?
- Who is liable for causing physical injuries to the elderly in Glendale?
- The value of your physical abuse claim
- What is the filing process for a Glendale elder physical abuse claim?
- Do you have a Glendale elder physical abuse lawyer near me?
What is considered physical abuse of the elderly?
Physical abuse of a senior is unthinkable for most people, but thousands of these cases are filed annually. The abuse often comes from caretakers and others who are meant to protect, care, and make seniors’ lives easier. Physical abuse can cause injuries and psychological trauma, and any violence against a person over 60 is considered elder physical abuse. Sometimes it comes with neglect. Some examples of physical abuse include:
- Kicking
- Pushing
- Punching
- Burning
- Pinching
- Slapping
- Biting
- Scratching
- Restraints
There are often underlying issues that lead perpetrators to abuse others, such as suffering abuse themselves, are struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, are dealing with mental illness, or have a criminal history. These factors can be uncovered during an investigation by a Glendale physical abuse of the elderly lawyer.
Are there signs of abuse to look for?
Physical abuse can be evident in some cases and less in others. Bruises can be covered up in time for familial visits, but a broken bone would be much harder to hide since it requires a cast and months of treatment. Injuries can also lead to other complications like bed sores from bed rest. Physical abuse can also spiral into a decline in the seniors' health, leading to a wrongful death.
When a senior cannot report the abuse, friends, family, and loved ones must look for red flags such as:
- Bruising
- Bone dislocation
- Bite marks
- Strap marks on wrists and ankles
- An increase in hospital visits for new injuries
- Weight loss, dehydration, or malnourishment
- Frequent cuts and scrapes
- A significant decline in physical health
- Struggling with mental health like anxiety and depression
- Fear of specific caregivers or staff members
When visiting your loved one at a nursing home or other facility, ask them about their care and safety. They may be apprehensive about telling you what is happening out of shame, guilt, or fear. If they have concerns regarding physical abuse, take them seriously and report the incident by taking the following steps:
- Document any reports made.
- Call 911 to report the abuse if your loved one is in imminent danger.
- Remove the senior from the care facility to safety.
- Seek medical attention from someone outside the care facility and keep all medical records.
- Report the alleged abuse to the nursing home, a manager, or another appropriate party.
- Call the county non-emergency law enforcement number.
- Contact Adult Protective Services.
- Call the ombudsman program.
- Keep all documentation of abuse and losses.
- Speak to our Glendale physical abuse lawyer.
Your loved one is someone who should be respected and cared for, not abused. The best way to help them is to report the abuse, get them to safety, and call Garcia & Artigliere.
What causes elder abuse in Glendale?
There are several risk factors for elder abuse. Often, those who live with caregivers or are in long-term care facilities are more susceptible to elder physical abuse. Hospices, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities are ideal environments for physical abuse to occur. Other potential risk factors include:
- Mental illness
- Isolation from friends and family
- Physical impairments or disabilities
- Seniors who are unable to communicate or defend themselves.
Underlying issues that can lead caregivers to physically abuse elders include:
- Fatigue and stress from understaffing in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
- Drug and alcohol usage
- Anxiety or stress due to financial issues
- Psychological issues
- A history of domestic violence and abuse
- A criminal history
Regardless of the underlying reasons, abusing another person is unacceptable. When the victim is a vulnerable senior, it is a traumatic experience. Family is the first line of defense, and it can be up to you to ensure their safety and seek justice. Speak to a physical abuse lawyer in Glendale today.
What injuries do elderly individuals suffer from physical abuse in Glendale?
Physical abuse can result in injuries that can heal over time and others that cause permanent impairment. Some injuries that seniors suffer include:
- Spinal cord damage
- Cuts, sprains, and bruises
- Burn injuries
- Confusion and grogginess from over-medicating
- Loss of consciousness
- Broken bones
- Loose or missing teeth
- Unexplained and sudden hair loss
Who is liable for causing physical injuries to the elderly in Glendale?
The perpetrators of the abuse are liable for their actions. However, other parties can also be held responsible for facilitating the physical abuse, such as:
- Nursing homes
- Caregivers
- Hiring managers
- Home health aides
- Hospice care centers
- Other residents of the facility
- Support staff
These people and their supervisors can be responsible for damages related to physical abuse. Our Glendale physical abuse lawyer will uncover every party liable for the abuse and hold them accountable.
The value of your physical abuse claim
Elder abuse of any kind is illegal nationwide. Perpetrators can face criminal consequences and civil penalties. Families can file civil lawsuits on behalf of the abused senior seeking financial compensation for injuries and other losses. Victims can obtain compensation for the following:
- Loss of consortium
- Medical bills
- Psychological therapy
- Legal fees
- Court costs
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Lower quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages
- Other related financial losses
For your claim to be successful, you must have clear and convincing evidence, such as:
- Surveillance videos
- Eyewitness statements
- Photographs
- Expert testimony
- Medical records
Victims and their families must establish all elements of a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Don’t worry–our Glendale physical abuse lawyers can help with this process.
What is the filing process for a Glendale elder physical abuse claim?
The civil process is like other personal injury cases. You will meet with a Glendale physical abuse lawyer and discuss the details of your case. You will have two years from discovering the abuse to file a claim with the relevant California court. Once your claim is filed, our team will investigate the case by collecting evidence and using our resources.
Do you have a Glendale elder physical abuse lawyer near me?
Elder physical abuse is unacceptable, and we are here to fight for justice. Our Glendale physical abuse lawyers have obtained over $3 billion for our clients. We hold at-home agencies, long-term care facilities, caretakers, and others responsible for the injuries and trauma they have inflicted on your loved one. Schedule an initial consultation with a Glendale elder physical abuse lawyer from Garcia & Artigliere. We have Long Beach and Los Angeles offices and serve clients throughout California.
Speak with a Glendale elder physical abuse lawyer today
The Glendale physical abuse lawyers at Garcia & Artigliere understand the severity of these cases. We will vehemently fight for the rights of your loved one so that they can focus on healing both physically and emotionally. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
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