Every senior and dependent adult in California deserves to live with dignity, free from abuse, neglect, or exploitation in assisted living facilities. At Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., our trial-ready Los Angeles elder abuse attorney fights relentlessly under the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) and Penal Code § 368 to secure justice and maximum compensation for victims. We understand the heartbreak of discovering a loved one’s trust was betrayed by a negligent facility, and our compassionate team, backed by 24/7 in-house investigators, is here to make it right.
Call Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., Los Angeles Elder Abuse Lawyer today at 323-524-8994 for a free and confidential case review. With our no-win, no-fee guarantee, you risk nothing to begin pursuing justice for your loved one.
What is elder abuse in California?
Elder abuse is a devastating crime affecting seniors (65+) and dependent adults (18–64 with physical or mental limitations) in California. Under EADACPA and Penal Code § 368, it encompasses:
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Physical Abuse: Inflicting pain or injury, including improper restraints or overmedication.
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Neglect: Failure to provide essentials like food, water, or medical care, leading to conditions like bedsores or dehydration.
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Financial Abuse: Exploiting an elder’s assets, such as stealing money or property.
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Emotional Abuse: Causing mental suffering through isolation, intimidation, or verbal attacks.
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Abandonment: Deserting a senior or dependent adult in need.
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Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual acts or exploitation.
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Wandering and Elopement: Allowing unsupervised exits, risking injury.
According to a US Department of Justice report, elder abuse harms at least one out of ten adults 65 and older in any given year. Our firm’s in-house investigators, available 24/7, document critical evidence like bruises or unsanitary conditions to build a strong case.
Common Signs and Injuries of Elder Abuse in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, common symptoms of elder abuse include unexplained injuries, psychological changes like anxiety and withdrawal, evidence of neglect such as bedsores or poor cleanliness, and financial red flags such abrupt changes in bank accounts:
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Bedsores/Pressure Ulcers: Painful skin sores from sitting or lying too long, common in 11% of elder abuse residents.
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Malnutrition or Dehydration: Weight loss, weakness, or confusion caused by lack of food or water; seen in about 40% of neglect cases.
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Falls and Fractures: Broken bones from poor supervision; about 1,800 people die each year from nursing home falls.
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Medication Errors: Too much, too little, or missed medicine, often due to staff shortages.
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Resident-on-Resident Abuse: Physical or verbal attacks from other residents when facilities are understaffed.
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Poor Hygiene: Dirty clothes, unchanged diapers, unwashed hair, or untreated cuts and wounds.
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Financial Exploitation: Stolen money, forged checks, or property taken without permission.
Why Do These Injuries Happen?
Neglect in long-term care usually doesn’t happen by mistake. In Los Angeles, where there are more than 1,300 assisted living facilities, it often happens because of three main reasons.
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Understaffing: Ombudsman reports show over 1 in 10 complaints cite unsafe staffing levels.
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Inadequate Training: Unskilled staff miss urgent medical needs, putting residents at risk.
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Corporate Greed: Cost-cutting by large operators prioritizes profit over safety.
Our Los Angeles elder abuse lawyer exposes these failures and holds negligent facilities accountable for the harm they cause.
Your Legal Protection for Elder Abuse in Los Angeles
California’s EADACPA and Penal Code § 368 provide robust protections for elders and dependent adults, allowing recovery for:
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Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional harm.
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Economic Damages: Medical bills, relocation costs, or stolen assets.
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Punitive Damages: Penalties for reckless or fraudulent conduct, like abandonment.
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Wrongful Death: Up to $250,000 for pain/suffering in fatal cases, plus economic losses.
Statute of Limitations: Most claims must be filed within 2 years of the abuse (4 years for financial abuse over $950). Arbitration clauses in facility contracts may limit court access, but our attorney challenge these to maximize your recovery.
Key Resource: The California Nursing Home Patients’ Bill of Rights (Health & Safety Code § 1599.1) ensures residents’ rights to dignity, privacy, informed consent, and freedom from abuse. Violations, like improper chemical restraints, strengthen your case.
How to Report Elder Abuse in Los Angeles?
It is imperative to act swiftly to protect your loved one and preserve evidence. Unfortunately, elder abuse victims are 300% more likely to die prematurely, making timely and decisive action in Los Angeles an absolutely critical step in safeguarding their life and well-being.
This guide outlines the essential steps and resources available for reporting elder abuse in Los Angeles County.
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Immediate Danger: Call 9-1-1 for physical abuse or life-threatening neglect.
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Report to Authorities:
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LA County Adult Protective Services (APS): 1-877-477-3646 (24/7 hotline).
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California Department of Public Health (CDPH): File complaints for facility violations (800-554-0352).
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Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-231-4024 for resident advocacy.
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Document Evidence: Photograph injuries (e.g., bedsores, bruises), unsanitary conditions, or financial records. Note dates, staff interactions, and facility responses.
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Contact Fassonaki Law Firm: Call 323-524-8994 for a free consultation. Our in-house investigators secure time-sensitive evidence, unlike firms that outsource.
Estimated Elder Abuse Settlements and Verdicts in Los Angeles
Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C. is still growing its elder abuse practice. We use our personal injury experience to give fair estimates based on Los Angeles case standards. Below are typical settlement ranges for elder abuse and neglect cases, reflecting our commitment to securing maximum compensation:
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Neglect (e.g., bedsores, dehydration): , covering medical costs and non-economic damages (pain and suffering) for the injured elder for injuries like Stage IV pressure ulcers.
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Wrongful Death: , including economic losses to heirs (e.g., loss of financial support) and non-economic damages for the heirs’ loss of love, comfort, companionship, and society.
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Financial Abuse: $100,000–$750,000, depending on the extent of stolen assets or property.
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Physical or Sexual Abuse: $300,000–$1,000,000+, with punitive damages for egregious misconduct.
Disclaimer: Settlement amounts are estimates based on industry standards and do not guarantee specific outcomes. Every case is unique, and results depend on individual circumstances, including complex factors like damages recoverable under California’s Wrongful Death and Survival statutes. We encourage you to consult with us for a case-specific evaluation.
Why Does Fassonaki Law Firm Elder Abuse Lawyer Los Angeles Stand Apart?
Our lawyer is committed to providing compassionate care for elders. This is how we make a difference:
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In-House Investigators: Our 24/7 team secures evidence like photos or witness statements, ensuring no detail is missed.
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Trial-Ready Attorney: Insurance companies know we won’t hesitate to take cases to court, maximizing your settlement.
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Compassionate Care: We treat clients like family, offering home or hospital visits if you can’t travel.
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No-Win, No-Fee: You pay nothing unless we win.
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Local Expertise: Deep knowledge of Los Angeles’ 1,300+ SNFs and assisted living abuse lawyers.
Our Promise: We fight for justice with the same urgency we’d bring to our own family’s case. Call 323-524-8994 today.
When Can You File a Lawsuit for Elder Abuse in California?
Elder abuse is a crime in all 50 states, including California. Beyond criminal prosecution, victims and their families also have the right to pursue civil justice. With the help of an experienced Los Angeles elder abuse attorney, you may file a lawsuit against a negligent caregiver or corporate operator responsible for the mistreatment of your loved one.
A civil lawsuit allows victims to seek accountability and obtain financial compensation for the harm caused. Depending on the circumstances, available damages may include:
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Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
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Related financial losses and out-of-pocket expenses
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress and mental anguish
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Psychological counseling or therapy costs
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Loss of enjoyment or diminished quality of life
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Loss of consortium (for spouses and family members)
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Wrongful death damages in fatal cases
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Attorney’s fees and court costs
To succeed in an elder abuse lawsuit in Los Angeles, the plaintiff must present clear and convincing evidence. This may include photographs of injuries, medical records, surveillance footage, witness testimony, or expert evaluations.
Take Action Today: Free Elder Abuse Case Review
California’s statute of limitations typically allows two years to file an elder abuse claim. Delaying can mean losing the chance to seek justice. If you believe your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect, contact the Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., today. Our California attorney is ready to listen, investigate, and fight for the dignity and safety of your family.
“If you ever find yourself in need of competent legal representation, which is second to none, give the Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., a call. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.” — Alan Fassonaki
Call us at 323-524-8994 today for a no-obligation consultation; you don’t pay unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the penalty for financial elder abuse in California?
The penalty for financial elder abuse in California depends on the value of the property taken. If the amount exceeds $950, it may be charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail or a $2,500 fine. If charged as a felony, the offender can face 2, 3, or 4 years in county jail or a fine of up to $10,000.
How long do I have to file an elder abuse lawsuit in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing an elder abuse lawsuit is generally 2 years under the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA). However, for cases involving financial elder abuse where the amount exceeds $950, you may have up to 4 years to file. It is crucial to consult an elder abuse lawyer immediately to avoid missing these deadlines.
How do I prove corporate negligence?
We use CMS reports, staffing records, and expert testimony to show systemic failures, like understaffing or inadequate training.
Who can sue for elder abuse in California?
Depending on the circumstances, the victim, their spouse, family members with power of attorney, or their heirs may have the right to sue for elderly abuse.