Elder Abuse Attorney in Los Angeles

Protecting Seniors in Los Angeles with Trusted Personal Injury Support

Seniors are essential members of our families and communities, and ensuring their safety and dignity is our team's responsibility. At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support to elderly individuals facing abuse or neglect. With decades of experience as a trusted team of lawyers in Los Angeles, our firm works tirelessly to protect vulnerable seniors from harm and hold wrongdoers accountable.

Addressing Elder Abuse in Los Angeles

Elder abuse is a growing concern across the nation, and Los Angeles is no exception. It’s estimated that one in ten seniors experiences some form of abuse, spanning physical, emotional, financial, or neglect-based maltreatment. With Los Angeles County's diverse neighborhoods—ranging from Silver Lake to Culver City and Northridge—this issue affects families across all demographics. Unfortunately, many cases go unreported, leaving seniors without essential care and protection.

Such abuse doesn’t just occur in private residences. It also happens in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or through relationships with caregivers and trusted individuals. 

Contact our team today if you suspect a loved one is experiencing elder abuse in Los Angeles. 

Types of Elder Abuse and How to Identify Them

Understanding the different types of elder abuse and recognizing the signs are critical steps in protecting vulnerable seniors. Abuse can take many forms, each requiring vigilance from loved ones and caregivers.

Physical Abuse

This involves the intentional infliction of harm through hitting, pushing, restraining, or other physical acts. Signs of physical abuse include:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures.
• Repeated hospital visits for injuries.
• Fearfulness or flinching in the presence of certain caregivers.

Emotional Abuse

This type of abuse affects a senior’s psychological state, often through verbal threats, humiliation, or isolation. Symptoms of emotional abuse can include:

• Withdrawal from social interactions.
• Depression, anxiety, or a sudden change in mood.
• Seemingly irrational fear of caregivers or specific individuals.

Financial Exploitation

Financial elder abuse involves the unauthorized use of a senior’s money or assets. Common examples include stealing funds, coercing them to sign financial documents, or abusing access to accounts. Warning signs include:

• Sudden changes in bank account balances.
• Missing valuables or unexplained purchases.
• Alterations to wills or powers of attorney under questionable circumstances.

Neglect

Neglect happens when caregivers fail to provide adequate care, such as food, medication, or a safe environment. Indicators of neglect may include:

• Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or dehydration.
• Bedsores or untreated medical conditions.
• Hazardous living conditions, such as cluttered or unsafe environments.

If you observe any of these signs, act promptly to protect your loved one from harm. At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we stand ready to fight for justice for mistreated seniors and provide peace of mind to their families.

What Are the Penalties for Elder Abuse in Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles, the penalties for elder abuse depend on the severity of the offense and whether it is charged as a misdemeanor or felony under California Penal Code Section 368. This includes:

• Misdemeanor Elder Abuse:
  • Up to 1 year in county jail.
  • Fines of up to $6,000.
  • For financial abuse involving property valued at $950 or less, fines may be up to $1,000.
• Felony Elder Abuse:
  • 2 to 4 years in state prison.
  • Additional 3 to 7 years if the victim suffers great bodily harm or death, depending on their age.
  • Fines of up to $10,000 for financial abuse involving property valued over $950.

These penalties aim to address physical, emotional, and financial abuse and neglect of individuals aged 65 or older.