Elder Abuse
Trusting your loved one to the care of another, or placing your mother or father, husband or wife into a nursing home can be one of the most difficult decisions. You trust that the nursing home will take care of your loved one and provide a safe place for them to live.
California Protection under the Elder Abuse Statute
ELDER ABUSE is the neglect, exploitation or “painful or harmful” mistreatment of anyone who is 65 or older. It can involve physical violence, psychological abuse, isolation, abandonment, abduction, false imprisonment or a caregiver’s neglect. It can also involve sexual or physical assault of an elder.
Neglect. Neglect is the negligent failure of any person having the care or custody of an elder, dependent, or disabled adult to exercise reasonable care. This includes but is not limited to the failure to assist with activities of daily living such as personal hygiene, toileting, bathing, grooming; or in the provision of food, clothing, or shelter; failure to provide medical care to meet physical and mental health needs; failure to protect from health and safety hazards; and failure to prevent malnourishment or dehydration.
Signs of Neglect: Unfortunately there are some commons signs of neglect;
- Bedsores
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Sexual abuse
- Physical abuse
- Infections
- Incorrect or overdose of medication
- Lack of diagnosis or treatment
If your loved one has died while in a Nursing Home, and you suspect that it is due to Neglect, then this may also be Elder Abuse.
There are a number of remedies available to victims of Elder Abuse.
If your loved one has passed away while in the care of someone else due to Elder Abuse, you and your family will be a able to recover the damages you loved one would have recovered if they had survived, and you and your family may be able to recover damages for the loss of love, care and support of your family member.
You do not have to feel you are alone. We are here to help you.
Call The Law Offices of Maryann Gallagher at 213-626-1810, or email us here.