By: San Diego Nursing Home Attorneys Berman & Riedel, LLP
Other than having the commonality of affecting those of advanced age who are often vulnerable, elder abuse in the form of physical abuse, mental abuse and financial abuse has become a widespread societal problem. Yet other than the common age range of its victims, elder abuse is a “crime” which is indiscriminate in whom among the elderly it strikes, and factors such as one’s socio-economic status, gender, race, ethnicity, educational background, and geographic location do not provide an impregnable barrier against its broad, horrible reach.
Unfortunately, most acts of elder abuse do not get reported. Because many elder abuse victims believe their cries for help will go unanswered and fear they will prompt retaliation from their abusers, elder abuse victims often live in silent desperation, unwilling to seek assistance. Many remain silent to protect abusive family members from the legal consequences of their abuse, or are too embarrassed to admit they have fallen victim to predators. Others fear that no one will believe them - chalking up their allegations to the effects of old age. Given such, it often takes the courage of a caring family member, friend, or caretaker to take action when the victim may be reluctant. That is why it is important to make a report if you suspect elder abuse. Always err on the side of caution and report the suspected abuse. If you don’t, it will likely continue.
If a known or suspected incident of elder abuse has occurred in a long-term care facility, i.e., nursing home, the report should be made to the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman, the local law enforcement agency, or the Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse.
If abuse has occurred anywhere other than in a facility, reports should be made to the local county Adult Protective Services agency or to the local law enforcement agency. The reporting person is protected from both criminal and civil liability.
Berman & Riedel, LLP, is a California nursing home abuse and neglect law firm, with its main offices located in San Diego, California. The elder abuse lawyers at Berman & Riedel, LLP, handle cases throughout the entire State of California, and have extensive litigation experience in handling a variety of the most serious and complex personal injury and wrongful death claims brought under California’s Elder and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (“EADACPA”) which is otherwise known as California’s Elder Abuse Act. The elder abuse lawyers at Berman & Riedel, LLP, represent those who have been the victims of wrongful committed by those charged with providing for their custodial care. The nursing home elder abuse lawyers at the firm have built a reputation for constantly achieving tremendous results in undertaking the handling of the most complex and serious cases; many of the results obtained by the firm have been unprecedented and have in such cases garnered the attention of the media. To contact an elder abuse attorney at Berman & Riedel, LLP, you can contact us by e-mail or call the firm anytime at (858) 350-8855; initial consultations are always free of charge.
