Sherman Oaks Elder Abuse Attorney

Unfortunately, elder abuse in California is a persistent problem. The National Center on Elder Abuse has reported:

• More than 6 million cases of elder abuse and neglect each year
• 11% of all cases are in California
• Women are 35% more likely to suffer abuse
• 33% of alleged abusers are family members

Abuse and neglect are generalized terms that refer to any “knowing, intentional, or negligent act” by another, usually a caregiver. There are several types of elder abuse and neglect defined as follows:

• Physical abuse: the act of inflicting harm, pain, or injury through tangible means, like slapping or hitting.
• Neglect: the failure to provide basic needs or care, including food, shelter, health needs, or protection
• Sexual abuse: non-consensual sexual contact
• Emotional or psychological abuse: using means to inflict distress, humiliation, intimidation, anguish, or other mental pain
• Abandonment: to leave or desert a vulnerable elder after assuming caretaking responsibilities
• Financial abuse: to take advantage or exploit a vulnerable elder to gain money, property, or other resources for personal profit

The National Elder Mistreatment Study conducted by the National Institute of Justice set out to see how prevalent elder abuse is across America. According to their findings:

• 4.6% of elders in the household have experienced emotional abuse
• 1.6% claims to have experienced physical abuse
• 5.2% have experienced financial abuse by a family member
• 5.1% have suffered neglect
• .6% have experienced a form of sexual abuse or assault

If you believe a loved one has fallen victim to abuse or neglect, or if you are the abused, it is important that you know you are not alone. The dedicated legal team at Mancini & Associates is here to help.

Our Sherman Oaks elder abuse lawyers are experienced with the common signs of abuse and neglect. Please contact us if you observe any of the following:

• Bedsores & infections
• Dehydration or malnutrition
• Rapid weight loss
• Reluctance to speak about their injuries
• Becoming emotionally and visibly agitated
• Unusual and sudden changes in behavior, including fear of being touched, sucking, biting, rocking
• Unexplained cuts or bruises
• In severe cases of abuse, head trauma, and broken or fractured bones
• Being frequently ill
• Unsanitary conditions