Santa Ana Assisted Living Abuse Lawyer

Santa Ana Assisted Living Abuse Attorney

Everyone gets older, and with old age comes a loss of faculties and a dependence on others that can become difficult to manage. Choosing to put a loved one in an assisted living facility is not an easy choice to make, but it may be a necessary one. The trust you put in an assisted living facility is substantial, and finding out that there are people there abusing your loved one can be infuriating. A Santa Ana assisted living abuse lawyer can help you put together a strong case.

The legal team at Hunter Law appreciates the difficulties ahead of you. We can help you launch an investigation and hold the abuser accountable for their actions. The help of a Santa Ana assisted living abuse attorney cannot be overstated in situations like these. You will want someone on your side who has experience handling assisted living abuse cases like yours, as well as someone with extensive knowledge of assisted living abuse laws that apply to your case.

Hire an Assisted Living Abuse Lawyer

When you are trying to help an elderly loved one who has endured abuse in a facility, choosing to hire an assisted living abuse lawyer may just be the most important decision you make. The right lawyer’s help can make quite a difference. Stephen R. Hunter has nearly two decades of experience helping elderly abuse victims hold assisted living facilities accountable for what was done to them. He can bring his devotion and extensive litigation experience to your case.

According to recent statistical data gathered by the California Department of Aging, elder abuse is not rare in California. Every year, there are more than 200,000 cases of elder abuse reported across the state, with many cases going unreported out of fear or other personal reasons. It’s important that you realize your case is not unique, and there are thousands of others who have endured similar treatment across the country. A good Santa Ana nursing home abuse lawyer can help you protect your loved one.

Enduring elder abuse or learning that your loved one is enduring it can have a significant strain on your mental health. It’s vital that you take care of yourself before you can be involved in legal action.

You may want to take some time to speak with a local support group like the Brainspotting Group or the Santa Ana Counseling Center. Being able to talk to others who have gone through similar traumas can be beneficial to your own healing journey. It can be good to vent your frustrations.

How to Spot Elder Abuse in an Assisted Living Facility

The last thing you want to do is fail to notice your loved one’s abuse. Depending on their physical and mental health, it can be difficult to immediately recognize the signs of potential abuse. It’s also important to note that the statute of limitations on personal injury cases, including elder abuse cases, is only two years in California. That’s how long you’ll have to file your claim and build a strong case. Here are some signs of elder abuse in an assisted living facility:

• Physical injuries: One of the most common and easy-to-spot signs of abuse is physical injuries, particularly unexplained injuries. If you go to visit your loved one and they have bruises in odd places, marks from physical restraints, or significant bedsores, you may want to document those injuries and speak to someone in a position of power in the facility. If that should fail, contact an elder abuse lawyer immediately.
• Emotional changes: Abuse can often lead to a sudden change in emotional health or personality. Your loved one may start acting withdrawn or anxious around certain orderlies and caregivers. They could start acting aggressively when they haven’t before. If you notice a drastic change in your loved one’s personality, that could be a sign of abuse.
• Financial changes: One type of abuse that is very hard to notice quickly is financial abuse. There may be sudden, unexplainable withdrawals from your loved one’s bank accounts or money and valuables missing from their room. If your elderly loved one is suddenly charged for goods and/or services that they never participated in, somebody from the assisted living facility could be exploiting them financially.

FAQs About Santa Ana, CA Assisted Living Abuse Law

Can You Take Legal Action Against an Assisted Living Facility for Negligence?

Yes, you can take legal action against an assisted living facility for negligence. Assisted living facilities are expected to provide reasonable care to all residents. If their negligent actions resulted in physical, psychological, or financial harm to your loved one, you should contact a lawyer and learn what your options are for legal action. You will need to prove the elements of negligence, which your lawyer can help you do by gathering evidence.

What Constitutes Elder Abuse in California?

In California, any behavior that results in the mistreatment or neglect of an adult who is at least 65 years old or older is considered elder abuse. This includes not just physical abuse, but also psychological, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect or abandonment. If you believe your loved one is being abused in any way, you should contact a lawyer to start a proper investigation into these claims.

How Do I File a Complaint Against an Assisted Living Facility in California?

If you want to file a complaint against an assisted living facility in California, you will need to reach out to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) or the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). You can file a complaint online, over the phone, or through the mail. You may want to reach out to a lawyer first, as they can help you file the complaint with the right department.

Who Is Ultimately Responsible for Everything in an Assisted Living Facility?

Generally, the owner or operator of the assisted living facility is responsible for everything that goes on in that facility. This includes ensuring the facility is in compliance with all relevant state and federal laws, every member of the staff is qualified and doing their job correctly, and that the overall environment is safe for all residents. If a resident is being abused, responsibility may fall on the owner.

Reach Out Today

At Hunter Law, we can help you get justice for your elderly loved one. Contact us to speak to someone on our team about your case.

Santa Ana Assisted Living Abuse Law Resources:

• When To Consult An Attorney: Elder Abuse and Neglect
• California Nursing Home Abuse Laws – All You Need To Know
• Legal Protection Against Elder Financial Abuse in California: What You Need to Know
• How to File an Elder Abuse Lawsuit in California
• Warning Signs of Elderly Sexual Abuse in California Nursing Homes
• Why Experience Matters in Fighting Elder Abuse Lawsuits