Orange County Elder Abuse Attorney

Types of Elder Abuse Cases in Orange County

Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and neglect. Unfortunately, elder abuse is often perpetrated by someone the victim knows and trusts, such as a family member or caregiver. This can make it difficult for victims to speak up about the abuse, but it is important to remember that you are not alone.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that can often affect elderly individuals in Orange County, California. This form of elder abuse can cause undue emotional and physical pain to vulnerable seniors who often lack the resources or understanding to fight against it. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide an expected standard of care, resulting in bodily injury or wrongful death.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is any form of aggression or violence that causes harm to an older adult. This can include hitting, shoving, shaking, choking, burning, or otherwise causing physical injury. Bodily harm can also involve the use of restraints, such as tying someone to a bed or wheelchair.

Physical abuse cases that produce bodily harm are easier to identify than other types of elder abuse, but they often go unreported because the abuser has threatened the victim.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is any form of either verbal or nonverbal behavior that in turn causes psychological harm to an older adult. This can include verbal abuse such as; yelling, intimidation, name-calling, threats, isolation, and manipulation.

Psychological abuse can be just as harmful as physical abuse, and in some cases, can even lead to suicide.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is any form of sexual activity that is forced or coerced upon an older adult. This can include unwanted touching, rape, and sexual assault. Sexual abuse often goes hand-in-hand with physical abuse, but it can also occur without any physical contact.

For instance, if an older adult is forced to view pornographic material or is subjected to sexual comments, this would be considered sexual abuse.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is the illegal or unauthorized use of an older adult's money or property. This can include forging someone's signature, using an individual's social security number, stealing cash or valuables, using a power of attorney to access financial accounts, and making changes to a will or trust without the victim's knowledge or consent.

If you notice that someone has suddenly stopped receiving their mail or bills, this could be a sign that they are being financially abused.

Neglect

Neglect is the failure to provide an older adult with the basic necessities of life, such as food, water, shelter, and medical care. This can also include leaving someone alone for long periods of time or failing to provide necessary assistance with activities of daily living. This is most commonly seen as nursing home neglect, but it can also occur in other caregiving situations.

Elderly individuals need care and assistance in order to live safely and comfortably, and when they are neglected, their health and well-being suffer as a result.