San Diego Caregiver Abuse Lawyer
Abuse against dependent adults and elderly individuals is a serious issue in San Diego and across California. When caregivers—whether in private homes, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities—violate the trust placed in them, the results can be devastating. Survivors may endure physical abuse, emotional trauma, financial exploitation, or neglect. If you or a loved one has suffered at the hands of a caregiver, the elder abuse attorneys at Greenberg Gross LLP are here to help you seek justice, protection, and recovery.
Legal Protection for Older Adults and Dependent Adults
California law provides specific protections for both elders, defined as individuals aged 65 and older, and dependent adults, who are adults aged 18 to 64 with physical or mental limitations that make them vulnerable to abuse. These individuals often rely heavily on others for personal care, medical assistance, and daily support. Sadly, that reliance can be exploited, especially when there is limited oversight or accountability.
Under the Elder Abuse Act, abused elders and dependent adults have the right to pursue civil claims for damages resulting from abuse. These laws exist to ensure accountability and to give survivors a path forward, even in the most traumatic cases.
Types of Abuse in Caregiving Situations
Caregiver abuse can take many forms, often overlapping and compounding the harm suffered by elderly or dependent individuals. Some of the most common types of abuse include:
Physical abuse
Physical abuse includes hitting, shoving, slapping, or inappropriate restraint. Injuries such as bruises, broken bones, or other signs of bodily injury may indicate abuse. In severe cases, physical abuse can result in serious injury or life-threatening harm.
Emotional or psychological abuse
This form of abuse includes verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, and isolation. Emotional distress, mental anguish, and behavioral changes are all signs. Elderly victims experiencing psychological abuse may appear withdrawn or fearful, especially around certain individuals.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse involves any unwanted sexual contact or forced nudity. Caregivers may exploit an elderly person’s inability to consent due to cognitive or physical limitations. These cases require immediate attention and legal intervention.
Financial abuse
This is one of the most prevalent forms of abuse, especially among older adults. It includes theft, misuse of bank accounts, unauthorized changes to wills or financial documents, and coercion. Financial elder abuse is often committed by individuals in a position of trust, including family members or caregivers.
Neglect and abandonment
Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide necessary care, including proper medical attention, personal hygiene, and emotional support. Signs of neglect include malnutrition, poor personal care, untreated medical conditions, and unsanitary living conditions.
Common Locations Where Abuse Occurs
Caregiver abuse is not limited to any one setting. It may occur in:
- Nursing homes
- Assisted living facilities
- Private homes
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
Facilities are often understaffed or poorly managed, and vulnerable residents may lack the means or awareness to report elder abuse. In San Diego County, protective services receive numerous complaints involving living facilities where older adults were harmed or neglected.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Family members and mandated reporters play a critical role in identifying abuse cases. Knowing the warning signs can help stop abuse early:
- Sudden emotional changes or withdrawal
- Unexplained bruises or injuries
- Loss of weight or signs of malnutrition
- Poor personal hygiene
- Missing personal belongings or property damage
- Fear of certain individuals or reluctance to speak in front of them
- Bank account irregularities or unpaid bills
If you notice any of these signs, do not hesitate to report elder abuse to adult protective services and contact an elder abuse lawyer immediately.
Taking Legal Action Against Caregiver Abuse
Legal representation is essential in pursuing justice for elderly or dependent adult abuse. Greenberg Gross LLP prides itself in handling elder abuse cases, whether the abuse occurred in a private setting or a licensed care facility. We work to identify the responsible party, gather evidence, and pursue full compensation for our clients.
Compensation may include:
- Costs of medical care
- Future medical expenses
- Compensation for mental suffering or emotional distress
- Property losses
- Punitive damages in egregious cases
We understand that many survivors fear retaliation or further harm. That’s why our team takes every precaution to protect clients while pursuing legal action against abusers.
Why Choose Greenberg Gross LLP
Our law firm is built on advocacy, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice. As experienced abuse attorneys, we understand the devastating impact these cases have on elderly adults and their families. We offer every client:
- A free consultation to discuss your concerns
- Legal services tailored to your needs
- Clear explanations of your rights and options
- Confidential and respectful handling of all information
- Representation on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees are owed to our firm unless we recover damages
Our goal is to ease your legal burden so you can focus on healing and recovery.
What Family Members Should Know
Family members often feel helpless when they suspect abuse but aren’t sure how to act. If you fear retaliation, document everything and seek legal advice. Written correspondence, photographs of injuries, medical records, and testimonies can all help build a strong case. Mandated reporters—including doctors, nurses, social workers, and care staff—are legally required to report signs of elder or dependent adult abuse.
The sooner you take action, the better chance you have of protecting your loved one and holding the abuser accountable.
Reach Out Today
If you or a loved one has suffered from caregiver abuse in San Diego, legal help is available. The elder abuse lawyers at Greenberg Gross LLP understand the sensitive nature of these cases and will advocate for your right to safety, dignity, and compensation. Whether your case involves financial abuse, physical harm, emotional neglect, or any other form of mistreatment, our legal team is here to stand by you.
Your safety and recovery matter. Let us help you take the next step with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What qualifies as elder or dependent adult abuse in California?
Under the Elder Abuse Act, abuse includes physical harm, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect of anyone 65 or older or a dependent adult with physical or cognitive limitations.
What should I do if I suspect a caregiver is abusing my elderly loved one?
If you suspect abuse, document the behavior and warning signs. Contact adult protective services and an elder abuse attorney immediately to discuss your legal options.
Can I sue a nursing home for abuse or neglect?
Yes. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be held liable for abuse, neglect, or injury resulting from inadequate care. Legal claims can help recover compensation and prevent further harm to other residents.
What are common signs of financial elder abuse?
Look for sudden changes in bank accounts, missing possessions, unpaid bills despite adequate funds, and unusual changes in legal documents. Financial abuse often goes unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.
How much does it cost to hire an elder abuse lawyer?
At Greenberg Gross LLP, we offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay our firm any legal fees unless we secure a recovery for you.