Glendale Elder Abuse and Neglect Attorneys

Elder black man distressed at a nursing home facility.

As we age, our physical and cognitive abilities may decline, leaving elderly individuals more vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Whether at home, in nursing homes, or assisted living facilities, elder abuse can occur in various forms, impacting not only the seniors but also their families.

For over 10 years, the qualified elder abuse attorneys at Gharibian Law have been serving Glendale and the surrounding areas, advocating for justice and the rights of the elderly. Our firm specializes in elder abuse and neglect cases, focusing on holding those responsible accountable while ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved ones.

What Is Elder Abuse?

In civil law, elder abuse happens when a caregiver injures or poses a serious risk of injury to an elderly individual due to their negligent or intentionally harmful actions. This can include physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. California law defines “elder” as any individual aged 65 or older and protects them under stringent elder abuse laws.

Types of Elder Abuse

In civil law, elder abuse happens when a caregiver injures or poses a serious risk of injury to an elderly individual due to their negligent or intentionally harmful actions. This can include physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. California law defines “elder” as any individual aged 65 or older and protects them under stringent elder abuse laws.

The abuse and neglect of elders is a tragic issue that takes many forms, each leading to severe emotional, physical, or financial harm to elderly individuals. Elder abuse statistics indicate over 200,000 cases are reported to the state each year, and complaints to the Long Term Care Ombudsman in California exceeded the national rate by up to 5% in recent years.

Whether the abuse occurs in a caregiving environment, such as a nursing home or the elder’s own home, it is essential to recognize the different types of mistreatment and signs of elder abuse to prevent further harm.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is one of the most visible forms of elder abuse and involves inflicting bodily harm or pain. Physical elder abuse examples include hitting, slapping, shoving, kicking, or misusing physical restraints. Physical abuse may also occur when a caregiver mishandles or forcefully moves the elder, causing injuries such as bruises, fractures, or even internal bleeding.

Common signs of physical abuse include:

    • Unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones
    • Marks or bruising around the wrists or ankles from restraints
    • Frequent hospital visits due to falls or injuries
    • Caregivers refusing to allow visitors to see the elder alone

Emotional Abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse is verbal or non-verbal actions that cause emotional distress, fear, or mental suffering and happens more often than expected. One survey of caregivers found that up to 40% admitted to perpetrating psychological abuse at least once in the past year.

Examples of emotional elder abuse in nursing homes include belittling, threats, intimidation, isolation, or humiliation. It may also occur when a caregiver intentionally isolates the elder from family and friends, leaving them feeling abandoned and helpless.

Signs of emotional abuse may include:

    • Sudden withdrawal from social interactions
    • Changes in mood or behavior, such as depression or anxiety
    • Fear or nervousness around certain individuals
    • Unusual behaviors like rocking, biting, or mumbling

Financial Abuse

Elder financial abuse or exploitation is the illegal or unethical use of an elder’s assets, funds, or property. This can occur through manipulation, coercion, or outright theft and include unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, changes to wills, powers of attorney, or other legal documents, and missing personal belongings or property.

Financial abusers are often family members, caregivers, or scam artists who prey on vulnerable seniors, exploiting their trust and diminishing mental capacity.

Common forms of financial abuse include:

    • Stealing money or possessions
    • Forging signatures to withdraw funds or change legal documents
    • Coercing an elder to sign over property, financial accounts, or powers of attorney
    • Fraudulent investment schemes or scams targeting the elderly

Neglect

Neglect occurs when caregivers fail to provide the necessary care and attention to meet an elder’s basic needs. This includes giving them adequate food, water, shelter, medical attention, and personal hygiene care. Neglect can be intentional, where the caregiver deliberately withholds care, or unintentional, stemming from inexperience or being overwhelmed.

Common indicators of neglect include:

    • Malnutrition or dehydration
    • Poor hygiene, such as unclean clothes or unwashed hair
    • Untreated medical conditions, including bedsores or infections
    • Unsafe living conditions, such as a lack of heat, running water, or proper sanitation

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse of the elderly can range from inappropriate touching or groping to rape and sexual assault. Elderly individuals, particularly those with cognitive impairments like dementia, are at higher risk of sexual abuse because they may be unable to communicate or defend themselves.

Signs of sexual abuse may include:

    • Bruising or bleeding around the genital or anal areas
    • Torn or stained undergarments
    • Sudden difficulty walking or sitting
    • Withdrawal from social activities or fearfulness around certain individuals

What To Do if You Suspect Elder Abuse

If you believe a loved one may be a victim of elder abuse, act swiftly. Here are the steps you can take:

    • Call 911. If there is immediate danger or you suspect physical abuse, contact law enforcement right away. They can intervene to protect the elder from further harm.
    • Document the evidence. Take photos of any injuries, unsafe living conditions, or other signs of neglect. Keep correspondence with the facility or caregiver regarding prior complaints. These records will support your case when reporting elder abuse.
    • Consult an elder abuse attorney. A qualified elder abuse and neglect attorney can help you understand your legal options and the best strategy for protecting your loved one’s rights. At Gharibian Law, our elder abuse attorneys can help you collect evidence, report the abuse, and seek fair compensation in a civil claim.
    • Report the abuse. Contact the appropriate agency below based on where the abuse occurred:

Gharibian Law: Advocating for Elderly Victims in California

At Gharibian Law, we have been fighting for justice for the elderly in Glendale, CA, for more than a decade. Our team of dedicated elder abuse and neglect attorneys know California’s elder abuse laws and have successfully obtained significant settlements for victims and their families.

Our past results include:

    • $1,500,000 settlement for elder neglect
    • $1,200,000 settlement for elder neglect and wrongful death
    • $900,000 settlement for dependent adult neglect and wrongful death
    • $875,000 settlement for elder neglect and wrongful death

Past clients have praised our team for their dedication, professionalism, and compassionate approach to elder abuse cases. When you work with an elder abuse attorney from Gharibian Law, you can expect us to protect your family’s rights and seek the best possible outcome.

Where To Report Type of Case Handled Complaint Process
Department of Social Services (DSS)
Handles abuse in long-term care facilities.
Call 1-844-538-8766 or report online through the California DSS website. DSS can investigate and coordinate with law enforcement if necessary.
Oversees nursing homes and investigates reports of neglect or mistreatment.
Call 1-800-236-9747 or file a complaint online. CDPH can inspect facilities, impose fines, and mandate corrective actions.
Call 1-800-236-9747 or file a complaint online. CDPH can inspect facilities, impose fines, and mandate corrective actions.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Call 1-800-231-4024 to file a concern or contact your local ombudsman. The ombudsman will investigate complaints and mediate solutions to improve care.
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Addresses abuse of elders in non-institutional settings.
Call the elder abuse hotline at 1-833-401-0832 or report abuse through your local APS office. APS provides assistance, including removing the elder from unsafe conditions if needed.

Contact Gharibian Law Today

If you believe that your loved one has been a victim of elder abuse or neglect, contact our law firm for a free consultation. We will fight to ensure your loved one’s safety, dignity, and legal rights are protected.

FAQs:

What qualifies as elder abuse in California?
Elder abuse can include physical harm, emotional abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or abandonment of a person aged 65 or older.

What is the case law for elder abuse in California?
In California, elder abuse is governed by the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA), found in WIC Statutes 15600 to 15675. These statutes define standards for proving abuse or neglect in civil lawsuits and possible damages awarded to victims.

What is the statute of limitations on elder abuse in California?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the abuse to file a lawsuit. Speak with an elder abuse attorney as soon as possible to determine your timelines to file and initiate the complaint or lawsuit.

What are the elements of elder abuse?
The elements of elder abuse involve a relationship where the perpetrator has a duty to care for the elder, they failed to fulfill that duty, and this failure resulted in harm or injury to the elder. The harm must also have been caused by intentional actions or negligent behavior.

How do you report elder abuse in California?
The easiest way to report elder abuse is to contact Adult Protective Services at 1-833-401-0832 or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-231-4024. You can also report to the Department of Social Services for long-term care facilities or the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for nursing homes.

How Gharibian Law Will Handle Your Elder Abuse Cases
If any of these situations sound familiar to you, call Gharibian Law now to discuss your loved one’s condition. We will gather evidence, build a case against your loved one’s abuser, and do everything in our power to restore a sense of autonomy and dignity to your loved one and your family.