Santa Ana Elder Abuse and Neglect Lawyer
Are You In Need of an Elder Abuse Attorney in Santa Ana?
Elder abuse is a big problem that affects about 1 in 10 seniors over the age of 60, according to national numbers. Seniors deserve better, and if you or your loved one has been the victim of elder abuse, you deserve justice.
Remember, you and your family are not alone in this. An experienced Santa Ana elder abuse and neglect attorney can advise you on the best steps to take to move forward with your case.
Why Choose Us Over Other Santa Ana Elder Abuse and Neglect Lawyers?
HN Injury Lawyers is a Santa Ana elder abuse law firm that thoroughly understands how challenging elder abuse can be on families. Our attorneys give caring, personalized support to each of our clients, helping you step-by-step through the tricky legal process with the aim to protect your loved one's rights and dignity.
If you choose HN Injury Lawyers as your advocate, you're choosing Santa Ana nursing home abuse lawyers who really care about your loved one's safety and happiness and have the experience to support them.
HN Injury Lawyers: Elder Abuse Law Firm In Santa Ana
- Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined legal experience.
- Our attorneys have won over $100 million for our clients.
- Edward W. Hess, Jr., has served as a former insurance and corporate defense litigator.
- Phillip B. Nghiem has been included as a lawyer in Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers.
Call our Santa Ana elder abuse law firm at (657) 333-5726 to hold predatory caregivers accountable.
Do You Have a Case for Elder Abuse and Neglect?
Some actions that caregivers take can blur the lines between what's right and what's wrong. So, what is elder abuse? And how can you know if you have a legitimate elder abuse lawsuit?
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is a very serious issue that affects many elderly individuals, often taking different forms, such as physical harm, neglect, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation. In California, elder abuse is defined by law as causing harm or failing to act, which puts someone aged 65 or older at risk. This can include physical abuse, such as hitting, pushing, or causing physical pain or injury. Emotional abuse involves speaking or behaving in a way that causes emotional harm. Neglect is when a caretaker doesn't provide the care and attention needed for a senior's well-being. Finally, financial exploitation is the misuse or stealing of an elder's money or belongings.
Making a Case
In order for your elder abuse attorney to make a strong case of elder abuse, they will need to prove a few things. First, caregivers have a "duty of care" to the seniors they support. This means caretakers have to provide a safe and caring environment where seniors can be happy and healthy. Those who interact daily with seniors are responsible for their immediate well-being.
When we look into possible elder abuse situations, we carefully check if caregivers didn't fulfill this duty. Negligence can happen in many forms, like ignoring seniors' medical needs, not following safety rules, or taking advantage of seniors physically, emotionally, or financially. These actions break the trust and hurt our seniors' rights.
If we find neglect or abuse, we need to show how it affected the senior. This harm can be physical injuries or less obvious things like emotional pain, losing money, or making seniors want to isolate themselves, keeping them away from friends and activities. However, every case is different. The best way to know whether or not your loved one may be the victim of elder abuse is to speak to an experienced Santa Ana elder abuse and neglect attorney.
Common Signs of Elder Abuse
If you suspect your elderly loved one may be the victim of abuse, here are some signs you should look out for:
- Unexplained injury includes bruises, broken bones, or cuts that come with no good explanation.
- Getting illnesses or infections often (like sepsis), including urinary tract infections, could mean someone isn't being cared for properly.
- Lack of hygiene includes messy hair, being dirty, or wearing unwashed clothes.
- Bed sores are skin problems that develop from lying in one place too long without enough care.
- Malnutrition includes weight loss or being very thirsty, which means not being fed or given drinks properly.
- Sexually transmitted infections might mean someone is being touched in ways they shouldn't be or not getting medical care when needed.
- Emotional issues such as having anger, crying a lot, or not being able to calm down might mean the senior is scared or uneasy around staff.
- Losing self-esteem includes feeling worthless or not wanting to talk to other people or look them in the eye.
- Strange or sudden money changes such as bank withdrawals or financial activity that don't make sense might mean someone is taking their money.
How Can Our Santa Ana Elder Abuse Lawyers Help?
Our Santa Ana elder abuse and neglect lawyers are here to help families deal with elder abuse. Our Santa Ana personal injury attorneys know how to spot signs of elder abuse and will guide you in finding the right legal steps to take. Some of the ways our Santa Ana elder abuse law firm can help you include getting financial help by working hard to get money back for things like doctor bills and moving expenses. This way, you get the support you need.
We also talk to insurance companies for you, working out deals and solving problems so you don't have to worry about it. Essentially, we show you each step in the legal way, making sure you don't make mistakes that could be expensive. This includes gathering evidence, such as all the important papers and stories from witnesses, to build a strong case for you.
Finally, if the insurance doesn't make a fair deal, we get ready for court, preparing our case to aim for the best result by making sure your side is heard.
Types of Compensation Available for an Elder Abuse Case in Santa Ana
In an elder abuse case, several types of compensation may be available to the victim or their family. This compensation is categorized into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include compensation for any medical bills arising due to the abuse, coverage for any emotional or psychological counseling necessary, the cost of relocation to a new facility, and recovery of stolen money. Meanwhile, non-economic damages address the emotional distress and suffering caused by the abuse, including pain and suffering and the loss of quality of life.
Don't Wait to File: The Statute of Limitations for Elder Abuse Cases in California
In California, you usually have two years to file an elder abuse lawsuit from the date the abuse occurred. However, if the abuse wasn't obvious right away, you could be allowed more time to file. But missing this deadline could mean you can't get the compensation you need, so it's important to act fast if you think elder abuse is happening.
Call (657) 333-5726 so HN Injury Lawyers can help you meet the deadline to file your case.
What to Do if You Discover Elder Abuse or Neglect
First, you should talk to your loved one. Gently ask them about their feelings and experiences, and make sure they know it's safe to share what's happening. You also want to document everything. Keep a detailed record of any signs of abuse or neglect you notice. This might include dates, times, and descriptions of incidents.
Consult an attorney, such as a Santa Ana elder abuse and neglect lawyer, to help you understand your rights and what steps to take next. You should also ensure your loved one can seek medical care so they get the medical attention they need. This is important for their health and can also serve as evidence in case an elder abuse lawsuit ever develops.
Of course, you don't want to forget to report the abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS) at 1-833-401-0832 or law enforcement. Finally, you want to provide emotional support to your loved one, offering understanding and reassurance throughout the process.
What Our Clients Have to Say About Us
"We Got the Settlement" - Pamela Lamb (5-Star Google Review)
I can't express my gratitude for all Phillip and his staff at [HN Injury Lawyers] have done for me. Not only did they make sure I was taken care of physically but mentally, they kept my mind at ease. Even when I thought I had no chance, Phillip's [staff] did not give up on me or my case. We got the settlement, and I could not thank them enough. Love you guys!
"He Was Able to Get Me the Maximum Settlement Possible" - Tyler A. (5-Star Google Review)
My recent experience working with Phil Nghiem and his [staff] has been stellar…I rarely ever write reviews, but I had to find the time to write one for him and his team. A+ experience all around! Thank you, Phil, for everything; you really made a tremendous difference for my family and me throughout this entire experience. I would highly recommend anyone and everyone give Phil a call right away if you have any questions regarding your accident or case. I can assure you that he is professional and top-notch. In the future, I will definitely be sending friends and family his way if ever the need arises.
Let Us Help You With Your Case Today!
The attorneys at HN Injury Lawyers understand that elder abuse is not easy to talk about. Still, no one deserves to be treated poorly, especially not our elders—they are a vulnerable population that deserves protection and dignity.
If you think one of your loved ones may be the victim of elder abuse, you may have legal options. Give our attorneys a call at (657) 333-5726 to discuss your case for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can elder abuse happen outside of nursing homes?
Yes, elder abuse can happen in any place where seniors are cared for, like private homes, hospitals, or day centers.
What does elder abuse mean in California law?
California law says elder abuse includes causing harm or neglect to anyone 65 or older. This can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial.
Who looks into elder abuse cases in Santa Ana?
Groups like Adult Protective Services, the Santa Ana Police Department, and the California Department of Social Services investigate these cases.
Are there punishments for elder abuse in California?
Yes, elder abuse can be a misdemeanor or felony, which could mean jail time or a fine, depending on how bad the abuse is.
How much do elder abuse attorneys cost?
At HN Injury Lawyers, we handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you won't pay our attorneys anything upfront; our fees come from a percentage of the money we help you get from your case.
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