As experienced elder abuse attorneys in California, we know that recognizing the signs of elder mistreatment is not always easy. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. If you suspect your elderly loved one is being abused, neglected, or exploited, contact Case Barnett Law for help.
Financial exploitation is always unacceptable, no matter who the victim is. However, it is particularly tragic—and devastating—when it involves an elder, perhaps because they are particularly vulnerable to abuse.
The damaging effects of elder financial abuse cannot be overstated. Depending on their specific circumstances, an elderly individual may wake up to find all their savings gone, never to be seen again. Instead of living out their golden years in comfort and dignity as planned, they will be forced to scrape by on what little they have left.
At Case Barnett Law, we can’t stand to see elderly individuals taken advantage of. Our law firm fights passionately against elder abuse in all of its forms, from neglect and physical abuse to financial exploitation.
As a particularly insidious form of elder abuse, financial exploitation often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. This article will explain everything you need to know about elder financial exploitation, common warning signs of financial abuse, and how an Costa Mesa personal injury attorney can help you build a legal case against the abuser.
Are you concerned about your elderly loved one’s safety and well-being? If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation, you need to act now. Call our law office at (949) 409-0055 to discuss your situation with a compassionate elder abuse attorney in Orange County today.
Elder financial exploitation is essentially how it sounds: The financial abuse of an elder. It is a form of fraud when someone uses an older adult’s funds, property, or other assets for personal gain without the older individual’s consent.
Although the concept of elder financial abuse is straightforward, it isn’t always easy to spot. This type of exploitation can take many forms and encompass a wide range of conduct. Here are some of the most common ways in which elder financial abuse occurs:
One of the saddest truths about elder financial abuse is that strangers or mere acquaintances don’t always carry it out. In many cases, it is committed by those closest to an elderly individual, including family members, caregivers, and friends, which is why it is important to know the signs of financial exploitation.
Financial abuse of an elder can be challenging to detect, especially if the elder has cognitive impairments or lives in isolation.
Knowing the warning signs of financial abuse is crucial for early intervention and prevention, which is why everyone with an elderly loved one or aging parent should be on the lookout for these key indicators:
Keep in mind that while these are common red flags for financial abuse, they are also warning signs of other situations, health conditions, and life changes. Although far from definitive proof, the presence of one or more warning signs is enough to warrant speaking with an Orange County elder abuse lawyer for legal advice.
If you suspect your loved one is being financially exploited or abused, there are several things you can do to prepare for the possibility of legal action. Remember that your loved one is in an uncomfortable situation and vulnerable to retaliation, so you need to adopt a careful, strategic approach to your investigation.
If you uncover suspicious financial activity, gathering as much documentation as possible is crucial, as it will serve as invaluable evidence in the event of a lawsuit. This evidence may include bank statements, revised legal documents, receipts for large or unusual purchases, and more. Any useful information, including purchase dates, amounts, descriptions, etc., should be kept.
After you have something to substantiate your suspicions, it’s a good idea to consult an Orange County elder law attorney before taking further action. A legal expert can help ensure you aren’t violating any laws and provide you with the resources and roadmap to build a solid legal case against your loved one’s abuser.
An experienced California elder abuse lawyer has the resources to conduct a more thorough investigation than you could alone. They can help you secure more elusive types of documentation, gather witness testimony, obtain forensic accounting services, secure your loved one’s remaining assets, and even report to the authorities.
If your elder abuse case goes to court, your attorney will present a compelling, evidence-rich case for why your elderly loved one deserves compensation. With expertise in legal proceedings and a deep understanding of the legal framework, your attorney will ultimately provide you with the best chance to secure restitution for your elderly loved one.
Each elder abuse case is unique and deserves a custom-tailored approach, which is precisely what the Orange County elder abuse lawyer team at Case Barnett Law provides. With top-tier legal strategies, a reputation for excellence, and a winning track record that speaks for itself, our law firm is the hands-down choice to advocate for your loved one’s rights.
Ready to get started? Contact us online to schedule a free consultation or at (949) 409-0055 to speak with a knowledgeable legal professional today.
At Case Barnett Law, we know that finding the right personal injury lawyer for your accident claim can be crucial to your success. Luckily, we bring all the essentials to the table: experience, communication skills, a proven track record, and, most importantly, a commitment to our client's well-being.
You can find out whether you have a valid case at no cost to you. That’s because we offer free consultations. To request a free consultation with our team, reach out by calling 949-409-0055 or filling out the online contact form below. We proudly serve clients throughout Costa Mesa, California, and the surrounding areas.
Costa Mesa Personal Injury Attorney practicing in child injury law, car accident injuries and elder abuse law