Fullerton Assisted Living Abuse Lawyer

Fullerton Assisted Living Abuse Attorney

When you place an elderly loved one in an assisted living facility, you do so with the mentality that it’s in their interest. Most of the time, this is the case. Unfortunately, various forms of abuse still exist in these long-term care facilities in California. It’s important to recognize the signs of elder abuse and know what to do if a loved one may be experiencing mistreatment. A Fullerton assisted living abuse lawyer can represent you through these situations.

Hunter Law has experience in handling a wide range of elder abuse cases in Orange County, ranging from physical abuse to financial exploitation. Fullerton nursing home abuse lawyer can evaluate your case and determine the right avenue for seeking maximum compensation. Our goal is to hold the perpetrator accountable and recover the damages you’re owed.

Elder Abuse in Fullerton, CA

There are approximately 1,230 licensed long-term care facilities in California, and over 75 in Orange County alone. Assisted living providers are licensed as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). The CDSS is also responsible for inspecting these facilities every five years.

Even with regular inspections, laws, and state and federal agencies in place to prevent elder abuse, incidents still occur across the state—and the rest of the country. Over 200,000 elder abuse cases are reported annually in California, and it’s believed that this number isn’t as high as the actual number of cases in the state because it’s such an underreported offense.

Under California law, elder abuse can be considered both civil and criminal. Moreover, elder abuse is a “wobbler” crime, which means it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the details and severity of the case.

Elderly adults make up about 12.4 percent of Fullerton’s population, and that number is projected to continue growing. Nationally, it’s estimated that 10 percent of older adults experience some type of abuse. It’s important to be vigilant about spotting potential signs of abuse and advocating for an elderly loved one in your life when they can’t do it themselves.

What Makes Elderly Adults Vulnerable to Abuse in Assisted Living Facilities?

Many older adults residing in assisted living communities are still fairly independent, only requiring minor assistance with some day-to-day tasks. This can help protect them against situations of abuse better than those in nursing homes or those using hospice care. That said, assisted living abuse is still a serious problem.

In some cases, elder abuse or neglect can stem from poor living conditions and understaffing. When too few staff members are available, it’s easy for residents’ needs to go unnoticed for long periods, which can be detrimental to their health over time.

In other situations, the abuse is intentional and malicious. These types of abuse typically include:

• Emotional abuse
• Financial abuse
• Psychological abuse
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse

Whether you suspect elder abuse or neglect, it’s crucial to report it right away. The most direct way to do this is with Orange County Adult Protective Services. You can expect them to respond to the report within 10 days. It’s wise to work with a Fullerton assisted living abuse lawyer. They know how to follow all the correct procedures to hold the assisted living facility accountable for its actions.

FAQs About Fullerton, CA Assisted Living Abuse Law

Contact a Fullerton Assisted Living Abuse Lawyer Today

Discovering that a loved one has been suffering from abuse by their assisted living facility can be devastating. While you may feel hopeless, it’s important to remember that you can hold their abusers accountable and recover compensation for the losses incurred due to the abuse.

At Hunter Law, we can help your loved one recover compensation for their damages. This can make it possible for the victim and the rest of the family to move forward with their lives, with some sense of peace restored. Contact our office to discuss your case during an initial appointment with a Fullerton nursing home elder abuse lawyer today.