Orange County Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is a crime that is more rampant in California than most people realize. Elder abuse can take place in nursing homes, long-term living facilities, hospices, and even under the care of a friend or family member. Elder abuse can cause serious injuries, cognitive declines and wrongful death. If you believe your loved one is a victim of elder abuse or neglect, contact the Orange County elder abuse attorney at The Law Office of Stephen Fredkin right away. We can help your family pursue justice.

Why Choose Us

• Our lead attorney will protect your loved one’s rights using more than 20 years of experience in elder abuse law. Stephen Fredkin is passionate about standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
• Attorney Stephen Fredkin is a trial attorney who has tried more than 150 jury and court trials collectively. His trial experience will give your family an edge over an insurance company during claim negotiations.
• We accept most Orange County elder abuse lawsuits on a contingency fee basis, meaning your family will not pay anything in attorney’s fees unless we secure financial compensation on your behalf.

What Is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is the intentional harming of a senior citizen, often for personal or financial gain. Elder abuse is more common with risk factors such as physical weakness or helplessness, the inability to communicate, dementia or Alzheimer’s, and at live-in facilities such as nursing homes. The imbalance of power between a caregiver and a nursing home resident can increase the odds of elder abuse.

The four main types of elder abuse are:

1. Physical. Physical elder abuse means to intentionally physically injure a senior citizen, such as with kicks, slaps, punches, burns or physical restraints.
2. Emotional. Emotional abuse means to inflict mental pain or anguish on a senior citizen. It can stem from verbal beratement, isolation, humiliation, intimidation, threats, or withholding food or drink.
3. Sexual. Sexual abuse describes any unwelcome or nonconsensual sexual act or advance of any kind upon a senior citizen.
4. Financial. Financial abuse or exploitation means to take advantage of an elderly person’s funds or assets for personal gain without the senior’s permission or legal authority.

A senior citizen may also suffer from neglect. Although this may not involve intentional or malicious abuse, it can be just as damaging to the victim. Neglect by a caregiver or nursing home staff member can lead to malnourishment, dehydration, bedsores, infections, medication mistakes and elopement.

Signs of Orange County Elder Abuse

Choosing the right nursing home is not where your responsibility as a family member ends. You must continue to communicate with and visit your loved one often to look for potential signs of elder abuse, such as:

• Unexplained physical injuries
• Fear of a certain person
• Bruising of the upper thighs
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Guilt or shame
• Despondency
• Depression or anxiety
• Personality changes
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Unkempt appearance
• An overall decline in health or well-being

If you suspect elder abuse or neglect in Orange County, do not hesitate to contact the authorities. Report your suspicions to the nursing home or long-term living facility, as well. Get your loved one to a safe location or hospital, if necessary. Then, consult with an elder abuse lawyer to discuss your family’s legal rights.

Contact Us Today

The decision to enroll your elderly loved one in a nursing home in Orange County is not an easy one. Even if you thoroughly researched your options, the nursing home that you chose may abuse, mistreat or neglect your family member. If you believe you have a case of elder abuse, contact The Law Office of Stephen Fredkin to schedule a free consultation. Our law firm will help you and your family with every stage of the legal process.