Elder Abuse Attorney in Northern California
According to a National Institute of Justice study, one in ten older adults experience some form of mistreatment or neglect each year. Many of these cases go unreported because victims are unable to speak for themselves or are afraid of retaliation. When families trust a care facility with their loved one, they deserve to know that person is being treated with dignity and respect.
Types of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse takes many forms. Physical abuse includes hitting, pushing, rough handling, or inappropriate use of restraints. Emotional and psychological abuse involves intimidation, humiliation, isolation from family, or threats. Sexual abuse is any non-consensual sexual contact. Financial exploitation covers theft, fraud, coercion over financial decisions, and unauthorized use of an elder's assets. In care facilities, neglect is the most common form of abuse, and understaffing is frequently the root cause. When facilities cut corners on staffing to increase profits, residents suffer the consequences.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Families should stay alert for signs that something is wrong. Unexplained injuries such as bruises, burns, or fractures are obvious red flags, especially when staff explanations don't add up. Behavioral changes like increased agitation, fearfulness, depression, or sudden withdrawal from social interaction can indicate abuse. Watch for poor hygiene, weight loss, dehydration, and unsanitary living conditions, all of which point to neglect. Financial irregularities like unexplained withdrawals, missing valuables, or sudden changes to wills and powers of attorney may indicate exploitation. If something feels off, trust your instincts and investigate.
Understaffing and Facility Negligence
Chronic understaffing is the single biggest driver of elder neglect in California care facilities. When there aren't enough nurses and aides to properly care for residents, medications get missed, call lights go unanswered, patients are left in soiled clothing, and medical conditions go unmonitored until they become emergencies. Facilities have a legal obligation to maintain adequate staffing levels. When they fail to do so and residents are harmed, they can be held liable for negligence and abuse under California law.
Results in Elder Abuse Cases
$2,750,000
Elder Abuse
Physical assault by a fellow resident in a memory care facility.
$1,300,000
Elder Abuse
Nursing facility neglect where bowel impaction caused infections and death.
$800,000
Elder Neglect
Dehydration and malnutrition after a three-day abandonment at a care facility.
$650,000
Financial Elder Abuse
Solar panel fraud and deceptive sales targeting a 91-year-old.
$500,000
Financial Abuse/Defective Product
Scooter fall with elderly client who was financially exploited.
What Our Clients Say
"Jordan expertly and successfully represented my 91 year old father with a serious injury claim. He was compassionate and came to my father's home several times to meet with him. He was patient in explaining everything and has a good heart."
Our Offices
We represent elder abuse victims and their families from four offices across Northern California.
Concerned About a Loved One's Care?
Free consultation. We hold care facilities accountable.