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Elder abuse and negligence in nursing homes are grave concerns, casting a shadow on the well-being and dignity of our seniors. As an experienced Elder Law Attorney in California, Susan B. Geffen is committed to safeguarding the rights of the elderly. This blog aims to guide you through understanding the signs of elder abuse, the relevant laws in California, and evaluating if you have a case against a nursing home.

Recognizing Signs of Elder Abuse and Negligence

Elder abuse can manifest in several forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial exploitation, and neglect. Some common indicators include:

  1. Physical Abuse: Unexplained injuries such as bruises, burns, or scars, especially if they appear symmetrically on two sides of the body.
  2. Emotional Abuse: Unusual changes in behavior or sleep, fear or anxiety, isolation, or withdrawal from normal activities.
  3. Neglect: Poor hygiene, unattended medical needs, bedsores, or weight loss.
  4. Financial Abuse: Sudden changes in financial situations, unusual withdrawals, or alterations in wills and powers of attorney.
  5. Sexual Abuse: Bruises around breasts or genital areas and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases.

Understanding Elder Abuse Laws in California

In California, elder abuse is taken very seriously. The state’s laws protect seniors living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Under the California Welfare and Institutions Code, elder abuse includes physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction, and other treatment resulting in physical harm or mental suffering.

Furthermore, California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) allow victims of elder abuse to seek special remedies. These can include attorney’s fees, costs, and even punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct.

Evaluating Your Case

Determining whether you have a viable case against a nursing home involves several factors:

  • Evidence of Abuse or Neglect: Documentation of injuries, medical records, or witness testimonies can be crucial.
  • Linking Harm to the Nursing Home’s Actions or Inaction: It must be established that the harm was a result of the nursing home’s negligence or intentional acts.
  • Understanding the Standard of Care: Assessing whether the nursing home failed to meet the legal standards of care required in California.

Consult with Elder Law Attorney Susan B. Geffen

Do you suspect that your loved one is a victim of elder abuse or negligence in a nursing home? It’s essential to act promptly. If you have a case that you would like to have evaluated, a one-hour consultation might be a good start. The law offices of Susan B Geffen will review all of the facts with you either over the phone or in person, to help determine if you have a strong case.

Elder abuse is not only a violation of trust but also a serious legal issue. Protecting the rights and dignity of our seniors is paramount. Contact Susan B. Geffen, an experienced Elder Law Attorney in California, to guide you through the complexities of the law and ensure that justice is served.

Posted on behalf of Susan B. Geffen

2447 Pacific Coast Hwy #234
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Phone: (800) 285-2659
Email:

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Do you have a case you would like evaluated?

If you have a case that you would like to have evaluated, a one hour consultation might be a good start. The law offices of Susan B Geffen will review all of the facts with you either over the phone or in person, to help determine if you have a strong case.

Susan Geffen saved my life! An elderly relative was the victim of lottery fraud and was acting as the neighborhood ATM, in total over $200,000. Her legal expertise, compassion, and expertise in geriatrics guided the family through a successful process of care management and understanding. At all times the victim and the family trusted Susan and received compassionate support. Her referrals to other professionals were stellar and her reputation among her peers is impeccable. I recommend her without qualification.

Irene Z., Newport Beach

I could have searched the country and not have found a more capable and qualified person.

Debbie K., Moreno Valley, CA

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Our Clients Reviews

Susan Geffen saved my life! An elderly relative was the victim of lottery fraud and was acting as the neighborhood ATM, in total over $200,000. Her legal expertise, compassion, and expertise in geriatrics guided the family through a successful process of care management and understanding. At all times the victim and the family trusted Susan and received compassionate support. Her referrals to other professionals were stellar and her reputation among her peers is impeccable. I recommend her without qualification.
Irene Z., Newport Beach
After moving my 88 year old mom from Chicago to California, I was looking for a competent attorney to review and make some minor changes to her living trust. Susan B. Geffen has a wonderful “desk side” manner with her elderly clients and even helped my mom recover $3,000 that her prior attorney in Chicago refused to release from escrow of the sale of her home 2 years ago. I would highly recommend Susan B Geffen’s services to anyone dealing with elderly parents.
D’Marie C., Hermosa Beach, CA
My parents and I retained Susan Geffen’s legal services to navigate through the Medi-Cal process and to preserve my parent’s assets. The process was long and hard, but Susan hung in there with us, even when my parents seemed reluctant and indecisive. Susan showed her professionalism and concern for the elderly by continuing to provide legal services and guidance without payment during a period between the two phases of our journey. I would recommend Susan to anyone in need of legal services relating to the elderly and elder care.
Rick Y., Torrance, CA
When my wife of 53 years suddenly became terminally ill, I asked Susan B. Geffen to provide assistance with new wills and trust documents on short notice. She worked diligently and completed the requisite documents in record time. She also provided in-valuable advice concerning bequests and gathering information for estate tax filings.
Steve K., Rancho Palos Verdes
I highly recommend her for estate planning and elder law questions.
Mike A., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
I could have searched the country and not have found a more capable and qualified person.
Debbie K., Moreno Valley, CA