San Diego Elder Abuse Lawyer

Protecting Our Elders in San Diego, Del Mar, Rancho Bernardo, Escondido, Carlsbad, & Oceanside

Elder abuse consists of the neglect, physical or emotional abuse, or financial exploitation of someone aged 65 years or more. This can be committed by a family member, caretaker, another interested party, or the staff of a nursing home or other senior care facility. Elder abuse encompasses a broad range of issues and can lead to restraining orders, as well as both civil and criminal charges against the abuser. 

At The Law Offices of Nadine M. Sayegh, we are extremely sensitive to the rights and needs of our senior citizens. These individuals are especially vulnerable to negligence or overt harm and predatory behavior because of their dependence upon others for their care, their often diminished physical capabilities, and/or cognitive decline. If you notice signs of neglect or changes in your loved one’s personality or behavior, it may be a sign of elder abuse. Our firm can help determine the facts and fight for the rights and interests of your loved one against neglect and/or abuse in the courts. 

What Is Elder Abuse in California?

California law defines elder abuse in the following ways: 

• “Physical abuse, neglect, abandonment, isolation, abduction, or other treatment with resulting physical harm or pain or mental suffering.”
• “The deprivation by a care custodian of goods and services that are necessary to avoid physical harm or mental suffering.”
• “Financial abuse” that is defined under Section 15610.30 of the above-referenced law.

Elder abuse can thus occur in many different ways through the actions or omissions of many different people. Examples can include but are not limited to:

• Physical assaults, such as hitting, pinching, slapping, or kicking.
• Sexual molestation or assaults.
• The use of physical or chemical restraints to subdue the victim.
• Intentional withholding of visitors, mail, or phone calls.
• Intimidation designed to create fear, confusion, apathy, or stress.
• Failure to provide proper food, hydration, hygiene, medicines, or other health and safety measures.
• The use of fraud, undue influence, or other means to appropriate the victim’s assets, property, or funds.

Signs of Elder Abuse

As a family member or friend of an elderly person, it is important to be aware of the many signs that may indicate abuse. These can range from unexplained cuts and bruises to weight loss, agitation, depression, fear of talking openly, mental confusion due to overmedication, missing funds or possessions, sudden and unexplained changes in a will or estate plan, unexplained or unnecessary restrictions being placed on the elder’s activities, or preventing the elder from voicing his or her own opinions or thoughts. 

If you suspect any type of negligence or abuse, your first action should be to report it to the proper people, whether that is the management of the facility in which the elder is residing, the elder’s family members, or Adult Protective Services in the county.