PHYSICAL ELDER ABUSE
Count On Our Team to Protect Your Interests
IS YOUR ELDERLY LOVED ONE IN JEOPARDY?
Our Modesto Elder Abuse Attorneys Can Protect Victims of Physical Elder Abuse
When you place a friend, grandparent, parent, or family member in an assisted-living facility, the last thing you expect your loved one to endure is neglect or abuse. Unfortunately, unscrupulous people working in these facilities may take advantage of someone you love. Therefore, if you believe your loved one is a victim of negligence or physical elder abuse in a nursing home, you should take immediate action. In particular, contacting one of our Modesto elder abuse attorneys ensures that we can investigate the details and hold the negligent parties accountable for his or her injuries. Moreover, prompt action can prevent further harm. Consequently, the earlier you act, the better the outcome may be.
What Is the Definition of Elder Abuse?
According to violence prevention resources from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), elder abuse is defined as:
“An intentional act, or failure to act, by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving expectations of trust that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult.”
In general, elder abuse and neglect can be physical, emotional, and/or financial. Therefore, if you need help recognizing physical elder abuse, then here are some warning signs to consider. Additionally, being aware of these signs can help prevent serious consequences. Moreover, early recognition often improves recovery.
Warning Signs of Physical Elder Abuse
Weight Loss:
Losing weight can be dangerous for seniors. After visiting your elderly loved ones, if you notice weight loss, ask questions. Because weight loss may indicate a multitude of problems at the facility, it could signal possible negligence. In particular, unexplained rapid weight loss should raise immediate concern.
Dehydration:
Maintaining a proper diet is essential in a person’s later years. In particular, proper hydration is a key part of this diet. If you notice signs of dehydration, such as dry skin, rapid breathing, or sunken eyes, you should investigate immediately. Furthermore, dehydration can cause serious medical complications if left untreated.
Frequent Falls:
Frequent falls may indicate negligence. For example, the facility may have failed to enact proper fall-prevention measures. Therefore, it is important to alert a healthcare provider or attorney if this occurs. Additionally, fall injuries can lead to long-term mobility issues, so quick action is critical.
Medication Issues:
Administering too little or too much medication intentionally is a form of elder abuse. If you suspect your loved one’s medicine is being mismanaged, it is highly recommended to seek help from qualified Modesto elder abuse attorneys. Moreover, incorrect medication can cause immediate and severe health risks.
Refusing Alone
Time: Observing the senior in person is the best way to investigate abuse. However, if staff refuse to allow private visits, this is cause for concern. In addition, refusal to allow private interactions may indicate attempts to hide abuse.
Welts, Bruising, and Bed Sores:
Visible injuries such as welts, bed sores, cuts, or bruising may indicate neglect. In addition, extreme cases could involve intentional harm by caretakers, including physical abuse as a form of discipline. Furthermore, repeated injuries often signal systemic issues within the facility.
Broken Bones and Fractures:
While elderly people are more fragile, multiple fractures may signal abuse. All healthcare professionals are expected to provide a professional level of care. Therefore, recurring broken bones or fractures in a facility may indicate a failure to meet legal standards. In particular, clusters of injuries across multiple residents warrant immediate investigation.
What Laws Protect the Elderly From Abuse in California?
Since each situation is unique and presents its own challenges, the best way to protect your loved one is to contact one of our Modesto elder abuse attorneys. In addition, our firm will use every legal option available to strengthen your claim. However, if you suspect abuse in the interim, it helps to understand some common laws that protect seniors. Moreover, knowing the law can guide you in taking immediate steps.
Key California Laws
AB-937 (2013): This law prohibits caretakers from denying elders various personal rights, such as receiving mail, making phone calls, or having visitors. In particular, it ensures basic dignity and communication rights.
AB-2171(2014): This law establishes specific rights for residents of privately-operated residential facilities for the elderly. In general, it ensures that elderly residents are treated with dignity and granted reasonable privacy. Additionally, it provides a framework to challenge any breaches of these rights.
SB-1911 (2018): This Senate bill criminalizes elder abuse and defines certain actions as criminal, including isolating a senior. Furthermore, this law allows for legal action against caretakers who intentionally harm seniors.
Do You Have Elder Law Questions?
Are you concerned about a nursing home facility’s level of care after noticing red flags during a visit? Our elderly loved ones are some of the nation’s most vulnerable people. Taking advantage of them is not just illegal, it is unethical. Therefore, if you believe your loved one is being physically abused, a Modesto elder abuse lawyer from our firm can help. Moreover, early intervention can prevent further harm and ensure legal protections are applied.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
At Swingle, Van Egmond & Heitlinger, we believe in helping seniors who may be in jeopardy. Furthermore, we understand the emotional trauma of placing a loved one in a facility, only to discover neglect or abuse. Therefore, contact a Modesto elder abuse attorney from our firm today for a free case evaluation. In addition, we can help relocate your loved one to a facility where they can recover safely.
Once your loved one’s health is stabilized, we can help file a claim against the caretaker or individual responsible for their injuries. Moreover, our legal team is adaptive and accommodating, regardless of the circumstances of your case. Importantly, your initial consultation is always free and confidential. Consequently, Contact us online or call our Modesto law firm at 209-522-2211 to schedule an appointment immediately. Additionally, our attorneys will guide you through every step to ensure justice and recovery. Ultimately, swift action can protect your loved one from further harm and achieve accountability.
“This firm exemplifies how a multi-faceted group of attorneys can work together to achieve positive results.”
- James M.
