Elder Sexual Abuse

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Glendale Elder Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Glendale elder sexual abuse attorneys fighting for seniors in California

Egregious, heinous, and unthinkable are a few words used to describe the crime of elder sexual abuse. It has become a widespread issue in care facilities throughout California. Trusting a facility to care for your loved one should not be taken lightly. Justice must be sought and served if your loved one suffers sexual abuse at the hands of caregivers or others in nursing home facilities. Garcia & Artigliere have recovered over $3 billion in compensation for our clients and their families. Our Glendale elder abuse attorneys, we will file a civil lawsuit on your behalf to recover financial compensation. Call us today to assert your rights.

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 Glendale elder sexual abuse attorneys help?

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What is elder sexual abuse?

Seniors face many types of abuse, but one of the most traumatic is sexual abuse, which can be damaging to the individual and their families. Unfortunately, it affects seniors nationwide and can happen to anyone anytime. The most common forms of elder sexual abuse include:

  • Sexual assault
  • Rape
  • Sexual battery
  • Sodomy
  • Unwanted touching or groping to any areas of the body
  • Sexual harassment
  • Suggestive or nude photography of the senior or another resident
  • Miscellaneous types of sexual violence.

Elder sexual abuse is the same as other types of sexual assault. Most elder sexual abuse cases happen in nursing homes and extended care facilities, but they can also occur in private residences. You have legal recourse available if you find your loved one was sexually abused by a caretaker in their home or at a care facility. The Glendale elder sexual abuse attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere will review the facts and work with experts to show how the abuse has impacted your loved one's life.

What are the signs that an elderly person is being sexually abused in Glendale?

Elder abuse affects the victim and their families. The decision-makers often feel guilty for moving the senior into a home or hiring an in-home caregiver. You are angry with yourself and concerned that this is your fault. Making matters worse, many seniors are physically incapable of fighting back or defending themselves, adding to the pressure and stress of the situation. Conversely, some seniors are scared to report the incident as the caregiver can retaliate against them.

Warning signs of sexual abuse include:

  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Unexplained STDs
  • Unexplained mood swings
  • Fearfulness of specific staff members or other residents
  • Bruises in the genital area, thighs, or breasts
  • Withdrawal or depression
  • Torn clothing with blood or stains on them

Speak to your loved one about your concerns so you can take adequate steps to protect them from ongoing abuse. Report your suspicions and get further guidance from our Glendale sexual abuse attorneys.

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Which Glendale seniors are at greatest risk of sexual abuse?

All seniors are at risk for experiencing sexual abuse, but some factors can increase the risk. Vulnerabilities that can be appealing to perpetrators include:

  • Women
  • Older residents in homes
  • Residents who suffer from neglect by staff and family
  • Patients with impaired cognitive skills
  • Patients with physical impairments or trouble communicating

Additionally, perpetrators often have underlying issues that cause them to want to lash out on the more vulnerable like drug and alcohol abuse, criminal background and being abused themselves. This doesn't excuse their behavior, and these issues can be brought up during a claim. Hold perpetrators responsible by contacting a Glendale elder sexual abuse attorney.

Who is liable for elder sexual abuse in Glendale?

Elder sexual abuse can occur at the hands of other residents, third parties, family members, and staff members:

  • Other nursing home residents: Sexual abuse among residents is common. The senior population is known to be some of the most sexually active, especially in nursing homes. However, there is a difference between consenting to sexual actions and being forced or coerced into them by someone else. Staff should have training to identify and prevent sexual abuse. The caretaker and facility could be liable if staff fails to identify the problem.
  • Nursing home staff: The people who are tasked with protecting seniors in nursing homes are often perpetrators of sexual crimes. While other residents commit sexual abuse, most perpetrators are nursing home staff members. Some people enter the field specifically to gain access to seniors they can abuse. The staff has sufficient opportunity to abuse residents and cover it up because they are often tasked with helping residents bathe, dress, and use the toilet. Nursing homes and care agencies must screen employees; if they fail and sexual abuse happens, they are liable.
  • Third parties: Third-party vendors, salespeople, contractors, and medical providers can enter the facility as part of the day-to-day operations, gain access to residents, and sexually abuse them. They should not be around seniors unsupervised, but it does happen. In these instances, the facility is responsible for the harm that these parties inflict.

How much is my Glendale elder sexual abuse claim worth?

When you file a personal injury claim, you seek compensation for the justice you want for your loved one. Sexual abuse can affect a person physically, mentally, and financially. You could recover damages for your losses, including:

  • Medical expenses for assault-related injuries, such as tests, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations
  • Mental health counseling costs
  • Moving the senior to a new residence
  • Expenses incurred by the senior's family for transportation and other services
  • Legal and court costs

When you meet with a Garcia & Artigliere Glendale sexual abuse attorney for a confidential consultation, we will review your losses and potential future losses you may incur in the situation. We will then calculate an adequate settlement and fight for justice.

Do you have a Glendale elder sexual abuse attorney near me?

Garcia & Artigliere has offices in Long Beach and Los Angeles and serve elder sexual abuse victims throughout California. We fight for our clients to recover compensation for these harrowing experiences and work with victims to get them the physical and psychological help they need to move on from their experience.

Call a Glendale elder sexual abuse attorney at Garcia & Artigliere today

If you suspect a loved one is being sexually abused at their nursing home, talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Schedule a confidential, free consultation with a Glendale sexual abuse attorney from Garcia & Artigliere today by calling our office or submitting our contact form.

 

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