Anaheim Elderly Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Anaheim Elderly Sexual Abuse Attorney

Discovering that your elderly loved one is being abused in any way can be enraging and overwhelming, but it can be especially painful if that abuse is sexual in nature. It’s abhorrent to take sexual advantage of anyone, and it’s understandable to want to seek justice if it happens to you or someone you care about. Elderly sexual abuse is not very common throughout the country, but it still happens. An Anaheim elderly sexual abuse lawyer can help you build a case.

Why Choose Us?

The legal team at Hunter Law, PC, recognizes how painful and difficult this ordeal may be for you, and especially for your elderly loved one who has been abused. You don’t want to take any chances here, and hiring an Anaheim elderly sexual abuse attorney is a solid first step towards building a strong case. You will want someone in your corner who understands California’s elderly sexual abuse laws and has experience handling elderly sexual abuse cases like yours.

Stephen R. Hunter has spent more than a decade helping the elderly get justice when they are taken advantage of. His professionalism and aggressive litigation style have consistently led to case success. He can bring his devotion and focus to your case, too.

Hire an Elderly Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Learning that someone you care about, particularly someone in a vulnerable state like an elderly loved one, has been sexually abused can drive you to action. You should hire an elderly sexual abuse lawyer to help you steer the course and make sure you don’t do anything that could jeopardize your case.

Elder abuse is not rare in California, unfortunately. According to recent statistical data from the California Department of Aging, more than 200,000 incidents of elder abuse, including sexual abuse, are reported every year throughout the state, with many more cases going unreported for various reasons. It’s important to take legal action if you or a loved one is victimized in such a way. An experienced elder abuse lawyer can help you with the next steps.

Enduring sexual abuse or helping a loved one through it can be overwhelming to your mental health. It’s vital that you prioritize your health before you can help anyone else. You may want to take some time to reach out to a local support group like Renewed Mental Health Group or Anaheim Lighthouse. Surrounding yourself with others who are dealing with their own traumas can be enlightening, and it can be good to have a safe space to talk.

Potential Signs of Elderly Sexual Abuse

Oftentimes, it may not be obvious that an elderly person is being abused. Here are some potential signs that elderly sexual abuse is being committed:

• Bruising. Unexplained bruising is always a red flag you shouldn’t ignore. However, if there are bruises in the genital areas, thighs, or breasts, that may be a sign that sexual abuse has occurred. Document the bruises with photographs and video.
• Torn clothing. If you suspect that your elderly loved one has been sexually abused, you may want to search their living area for any torn or stained clothing. Document and collect any damaged or stained clothing you find, as you may need it later for evidence.
• Anxiety. One of the most common symptoms of sexual abuse is an increase in anxiety, as well as fear, depression, and agitation. If your loved one has never exhibited these traits before, they may be a sign that something bad happened to them, and they are reluctant to share it with anyone for personal reasons.

When you find out your elderly loved one is being sexually abused, you may want to immediately go after the suspected abuser or try to have the entire staff of the nursing home held accountable. It’s understandable to feel vengeful, but it’s important that you don’t do anything rash. Contact the police and a lawyer, and document all your evidence.

FAQs About Anaheim, CA Elderly Sexual Abuse Law

What Are the Elder Sexual Abuse Laws in California?

The elder sexual abuse laws in California describe sexual abuse as any non-consensual sexual contact with an adult who is 65 years old or older. Depending on the situation, elderly sexual abuse can result in misdemeanor or felony charges. The law encompasses many different behaviors that can all be viewed as sexual abuse, including sexual threats, coercion, inability to consent, or physical force. You should contact a lawyer if you believe something has happened.

Is There a Statute of Limitations on Elder Sexual Abuse in California?

A: Yes, there is a statute of limitations on elder sexual abuse in California, but it’s different depending on whether the case is civil or criminal. For a civil case, the statute of limitations is two years, since it is largely viewed as a personal injury case. Depending on the exact nature of the criminal case, there may not be a statute of limitations at all, which is generally the case for serious sexual offenses. Regardless, you should start building your case as soon as you can.

What Are the Mandated Reporting Guidelines for Elder Abuse in California?

A: In California, the mandated reporting guidelines for elder abuse require mandated reporters to verbally report any suspected elder abuse as soon as it’s practical and provide a written report within two days. If the situation is serious and bodily harm is imminent, you must report the incident immediately to either the police, Adult Protective Services (APS), or the governing body of the relevant long-term facility. Failure to report can result in hefty fines or even jail time.

Should I Hire an Elderly Sexual Abuse Lawyer?

A: Yes, you should hire an elderly sexual abuse lawyer. While you are not legally obligated to hire legal help, it is recommended that you do so whenever you are involved in a legal matter. In an incident involving elderly sexual abuse, a lawyer can help you through what will likely be a difficult time for everyone involved. A good lawyer can help you document evidence, build a case, and hold the right people accountable.

Reach Out to Us Today

At Hunter Law, PC, we can help you put a strong case together and seek justice for your elderly loved one. Contact us to speak to someone on our team about your case.

Costa Mesa Hospital Abuse and Neglect Law Resources:

• Elder Abuse in America
• Reporting Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
• Pressure Ulcer AKA Bedsore: A Common Injury in Elder Abuse Cases
• 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