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Lawyers Handling Claims of Sexual Abuse of the Elderly in Bakersfield
Insistent advocacy from Bakersfield elder sexual abuse attorneys when seniors are abused by caretakers, residents, or others
Any form of sexual abuse against seniors is beyond comprehension. But sadly, instances of sexual abuse by caretakers, nursing home residents, and visitors to long-term care facilities are all too frequent. It is imperative to. Caretakers in California must take preventive measures to combat sexual abuse, proactively anticipate potential scenarios, reasons, and methods through which sexual abuse may occur, and work to prevent it. Elder sexual abuse victims often face lasting consequences, with many victims experiencing dementia and being unable to recall the traumatic events. Since 1993, the Bakersfield sexual abuse lawyers at Garcia & Artigliere have been dedicated to advocating for the elderly, securing recoveries exceeding $3 billion.
Elder abuse attorney Stephen M. Garcia obtained $5.4 million dollars for an 87-year-old woman who was repeatedly sexually molested by the co-manager of a residential care facility. The co-manager had a long history of alleged sexual misconduct at the facility, but none of the incidents of elder abuse were reported to either Adult Protective Services or to the Department of Social Services. Upon discovery, the nursing home fired the co-manager and waited 8 days to report his actions to the police, giving him time to flee.
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How can our Bakersfield sexual abuse lawyers help?
- What is sexual abuse of the elderly?
- What are the signs an elderly person in Bakersfield has been sexually abused?
- Why are the elderly sexually abused in Bakersfield?
- Who is liable for the sexual abuse of seniors in Bakersfield?
- How much is a Bakersfield elder sexual abuse claim worth?
- Do you have a Bakersfield elder sexual abuse lawyer near me?
What is sexual abuse of the elderly?
Sexual abuse is a deplorable and degrading experience that an elderly person should never have to endure. Unfortunately, the grim reality is that some caretakers engage in sexual abuse against those under their care. Unconscionable behavior may also be exhibited by certain visitors, and residents within long-term care facilities may abuse their fellow residents. To combat sexual abuse, nursing homes and all caretakers should implement preventive measures, especially when dealing with individuals who have cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s or dementia. Seniors with cognitive impairments may not remember instances of abuse, underscoring the need for others to assist and report such cases.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) characterizes sexual abuse of the elderly as any “forced or unwanted sexual interaction of any kind with an older adult.” This includes non-consensual sexual contact or penetration, as well as sexual harassment and other non-contact sexual conduct. In Bakersfield, seniors are defined as individuals aged 60 or older.
The repercussions of sexual abuse are alarming. Many elderly victims of sexual abuse know and trust their abusers, intensifying the horror of the abuse. The harm begins with a loss of trust, and victims may suffer physical harm if they are raped, sexually assaulted, or abused. The psychological toll on victims often manifests as fear, anger, depression, withdrawal, and shock, with some victims even contemplating suicide.
What are the signs an elderly person in Bakersfield has been sexually abused?
Family members, friends, and anyone concerned for a senior's well-being should be familiar with the indicators of sexual abuse and seek assistance from our elder abuse attorneys in San Bernardino. Here are some common signs of sexual abuse of the elderly:
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Pelvic injuries
- Genital injuries, including bleeding and bruises
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Ripped, bleeding, or disheveled undergarments
- Anxiety, fear, withdrawal, and depression
- Changes in eating habits
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Suicide attempts
At Garcia & Artigliere, our Bakersfield elder sexual abuse attorneys strongly recommend that any senior displaying signs of sexual abuse receive an immediate examination and treatment by doctors and healthcare professionals specializing in rape and sexual assault trauma. In addition to addressing physical and emotional injuries, these professionals play a crucial role in preserving DNA evidence, photos, and reports of sexual abuse for verification purposes.
The Bakersfield sexual abuse attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere are committed to advocating for victims of sexual abuse across all sexual identities.
Why are the elderly sexually abused in Bakersfield?
Seniors become targets of sexual abuse for various reasons:
- They are less likely to resist.
- Many may not recall the incidents.
- Lack of memory or fear of further abuse may deter them from filing complaints.
- Senior care doctors often prioritize addressing other elder care issues, such as arthritis, before considering a sexual examination.
Another contributing factor to sexual abuse in long-term care facilities is the presence of opportunities. Private or semi-private rooms create an environment where a sexual abuser can carry out abuse discreetly without being observed or heard. Implementing measures like an open-door policy can be instrumental in preventing such incidents.
Who is liable for the sexual abuse of seniors in Bakersfield?
For over 30 years, the Bakersfield sexual abuse lawyers Garcia & Artigliere have been advocating for the elderly. We know how wrong it is when caretakers neglect to prioritize the protection of their loved ones from sexual abuse, and we understand the root causes and preventive measures.
In addition to pursuing claims against the individuals responsible for the abuse, our elder abuse lawyers also initiate legal actions against long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, adult daycare facilities, and in-home caretakers.
Caretakers may be held liable for sexual abuse due to:
- Neglecting background checks on new and current hires
- Understaffing, which limited the amount of care that your loved one received
- Failing to adequately train staff members on recognizing and responding to sexual abuse
- Lack of a reporting system
- Inability to identify individuals with cognitive disabilities and residents who might engage in sexual abuse
- Failure to develop and implement written policies and procedures to prevent sexual abuse
- Failure to ensure immediate medical care for your loved one
- Neglecting to contact the police, the local ombudsman, and local adult protection agencies
How much is a Bakersfield sexual abuse claim worth?
At Garcia & Artigliere, our Bakersfield elder sexual abuse lawyers bring over 150 years of collective experience in advocating for the elderly, resulting in a track record of more than $3 billion in recoveries. By collaborating with elder care doctors and sexual assault professionals, our elder abuse lawyers ensure thorough verification of sexual assault incidents and strive to provide the best possible physical and emotional care for your loved one.
We seek the following compensation for each abused senior:
- Medical costs, including the treatment of bruises, cuts, bleeding, infections, and other physical disorders.
- Psychological assistance for the remainder of a senior's life
- Chronic physical pain
- Emotional suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of trust
- Physical and emotional scars
In cases involving sexual abuse of the elderly, we frequently demand that both the abuser and caretaker pay punitive damages for their reprehensible conduct. In one notable case, founding lawyer Stephen M. Garcia secured a $5.4 million settlement on behalf of an 87-year-old senior who was sexually molested by a co-manager of a residential care facility. The nursing home failed to report the incidents to the Department of Social Services or Adult Protective Services and failed to dismiss the co-manager, allowing them to escape accountability.
Do you have a Bakersfield elder sexual abuse lawyer near me?
Garcia & Artigliere represents sexual assault victims throughout California. We meet clients at our California locations in Long Beach and Los Angeles, by video conference, and at the senior’s residence or another place when necessary. We’ll fight to pursue justice for your loved one.
Contact the experienced Bakersfield elder sexual abuse lawyers at Garcia & Artigliere now
At Garcia & Artigliere, our Bakersfield elderly abuse lawyers work to restore the dignity, sense of justice, and self-worth of every sexual assault victim. We help victims of sexual assault obtain the compensation they deserve, and we’re skilled at the unique challenge of filing elder abuse claims when a victim has dementia or Alzheimer’s.
To schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our experienced Bakersfield elder sexual abuse lawyers, call or contact our offices in Long Beach and Los Angeles. Our lawyers serve clients throughout California and fight to hold abusers and their enablers accountable.
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