Long Beach Nursing Home Financial Abuse Lawyers
Representing Victims of Nursing Home Financial Abuse in Long Beach
Older adults in nursing homes are vulnerable to different types of abuse. One form of abuse, financial exploitation, can rob nursing home residents of their hard-earned money and assets and cause them severe emotional distress. If you suspect your elderly loved one has been a victim of nursing home financial abuse, collect as much evidence as possible and contact an experienced Long Beach elder abuse lawyer immediately at (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569.
What Is Financial Abuse of the Elderly?
Elder financial abuse is stealing money or assets from an older adult. It may involve a pattern of financial exploitation through fraud, trickery, or abuse of power. In a nursing home environment, financial abuse may consist of the following:
- The unauthorized use of a resident’s assets or resources for someone else’s benefit;
- The wrongful taking, withholding, or appropriation of money or property from a resident; or
- Any act or omission that deprives a resident of access to or use of his or her assets or resources.
What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Financial Abuse?
Financial abuse in a nursing home can be difficult to detect and may not be apparent immediately. It is important to be alert for the signs of financial exploitation before your elderly loved one’s assets are drained away. Signs of financial abuse to watch for may include:
- Missing valuables, such as watches or jewelry
- Checks forged with the elderly person’s signature
- Suspicious withdrawals from bank accounts
- Checks made out to cash or to caregivers
- Unusual tractions on credit cards
- Forged signatures on financial documents
- ATM withdrawals by a resident who rarely leaves the nursing home
- Sudden or unexplained account closures
- Unexpected changes to a will or estate plan
What Should You Do If You Suspect the Financial Abuse of an Elderly Resident?
If you suspect your elderly loved one is a victim of financial exploitation, remain calm and think before you act. No matter how justifiable, a display of anger could hurt your case. It is crucial to take action to stop the abuse as soon as possible.
- Document any and all suspicious transactions or activities. Evidence is key to successfully bringing a claim against a nursing home. Gather as much photographic and video evidence, testimony of your loved one or witnesses, and written or oral proof as possible.
- Report the abuse to the proper authorities, including Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, licensing agencies, and the long-term care ombudsman.
- Seek counsel from a Long Beach personal injury attorney with experience in nursing home abuse who can assist you in recovering misappropriated funds or assets and holding responsible parties accountable.
How Can a Long Beach Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Help?
When nursing home financial abuse occurs, an experienced Long Beach elder abuse lawyer can help you resolve the situation. Our firm can provide guidance and support to elderly nursing home residents and their families. We can conduct a thorough investigation to uncover evidence of abuse, help you recover your elderly loved one’s misappropriated funds and assets, and pursue legal action against responsible parties to recover compensation for your loved one’s losses.
Why Choose The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV?
We believe the mistreatment of senior citizens by those who have been charged with their care is beyond reprehensible. Our founding attorney has built his practice on the defense of those who cannot defend themselves. You can rely on our firm to fight tirelessly and fiercely for justice for your elderly loved one. If you suspect nursing home financial abuse, contact The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV at (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569 to get answers to your nursing home abuse questions.