As our population grows older, the number of older persons abused, neglected and exploited by family members and others has grown considerably. Many victims are older, frail, cannot help themselves, and depend on others to meet their most basic needs—both physically and financially.

Elder abuse is a broad, general, description for term one or more of the following:

• Physical abuse, pain, or injury
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional or psychological injuries caused by threats, intimidation, and humiliation
• Financial exploitation and fraud
• Caretaker neglect to provide even basic care and needs

In an elder abuse case, damages are being sought against one who had care or custody of an adult over the age of 65, or a dependant adult (an adult who is not over 65 but still requires the help of others for basic needs), and meet basic standards in providing medical care, hygiene, safety, nutrition, or other elements of care. Often times this is found in nursing homes where neglect by nurses or care providers results in bedsores, falls, malnutrition, injuries caused by failure to provide prescribed medication, and other problems.

Damages that may be recovered from elder abuse include the cost of any medical care, reimbursement of loss earnings, reimbursement of stolen money, attorneys fees, and punitive damages to punish truly egregious wrongdoers. While money is not foremost on your mind when you contact an attorney when a loved one is abused, it is often the only thing that those who prey on victims understand.

If you are a concerned relative or friend of an elderly person you believe is suffering from abuse in San Diego County or anywhere in California, we'd like to hear from you. Contact us online or call us at 888-233-5020 TO SET UP A FREE CONSULTATION.