Attorneys Who Help Victims Of Physical Elder Abuse
As the average age of the American population continues to increase, the importance of quality care for the elderly also increases. Unfortunately, there are caretakers who physically abuse or neglect the elderly.
At Licata & Yeremenko, we know that physical elder abuse is vastly under reported in this country. Our team is here to help if you need a California physical elder abuse attorney.
Understanding Physical Elder Abuse In California
Data provided by the National Council on Aging, reveals that approximately 10% of elderly persons in this country will experience some form of elder abuse each year after the age of 60. The reality is this is only a fraction of the total cases of physical elder abuse that occur. Often, a person receiving long-term care, whether in their home or in an assisted living facility, is afraid to come forward and report the abuse. In some cases, disabilities may make it impossible for a person to actually report the abuse.
Physical elder abuse is meant to inflict direct pain and injuries on an elderly person. This may include various types of behaviors, including:
- Punching
- Slapping
- Burning
- Kicking
- Unnecessary use of restraints
- Pushing or pulling with unnecessary force
- Using unnecessary roughness when assisting with bathing or dressing
- Withholding food and drink, and/or failing to properly provide food and drink
The Signs And Symptoms Of Physical Elder Abuse
Family members and friends of an elderly person should be aware of the signs and symptoms that could indicate that their loved one has been the victim of abuse. Some of the most common signs that abuse has occurred include:
- Unexplained bruises, broken bones, skin tears, or lacerations
- Recurring and unexplained infections
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Sudden weight loss
- Unhygienic bedding or clothing
- Unclean room
However, there are many signs and symptoms of physical elder abuse that may not be visibly apparent. In many cases, there are behavioral indicators of physical abuse for which caretakers need to be on the lookout. This can include:
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Fear around certain care givers
- Newfound anxiety or depression
- Withdrawn behavior
Contact Licata & Yeremenko Today
If you discover that an elderly loved one has been the victim of physical abuse at the hands of a family member, significant other, caretaker or assisted living staff, reach out to the team at Licata & Yeremenko today. Our attorneys have extensive experience investigating these claims, and we refuse to back down until we secure justice and closure for the survivor. Our goal is to ensure abuse survivors recover the compensation they need, which can include:
- Compensation for any medical bills caused by the abuse
- Coverage for any needed counseling
- Relocation to a new facility
- The cost of care at the current facility
- Loss of quality of life damages
- Pain and suffering damages
- Possible punitive damages against the caretaker or assisted living facility
If you need a California physical elder abuse attorney, you can reach out to us on our website for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 818-783-5757.