Concerned about elder abuse or neglect in California? Call (818) 988-7300 for a confidential consultation.

Support for seniors and families (non-graphic)

Elder Abuse Cases

Elder abuse and neglect can happen in many settings — at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing facility. Families often sense something is wrong but don’t know what steps to take.

My office represents seniors and vulnerable adults in civil cases involving abuse and neglect. A confidential consultation can help you understand your options and how to protect your loved one.

I represent clients throughout California, including Van Nuys, the San Fernando Valley, and surrounding communities.

  • Respectful, confidential consultation.
  • No fees unless we recover money.
  • I remain personally involved in your case and oversee all major decisions.
  • You never pay anything upfront — including fees or costs.
  • Straightforward advice about your options.

Do I Have a Case?

Get a Straight Answer From an Attorney

Submitting this form does not create an attorney–client relationship. Please do not include confidential or time-sensitive information.

What happens next

  • I’ll review your information as soon as I receive it
  • I will contact you to discuss the next steps

Elder Abuse Cases Have Strict Deadlines

California abuse claims are governed by strict legal deadlines. Important evidence can also be lost if a case is not investigated early.

Institutions and insurers often continue “investigating” or “negotiating” while deadlines are quietly approaching. Once a legal deadline passes, your case may become worthless — even if the institution or insurer was still communicating with you when the deadline passed.

Part of my job is making sure deadlines are identified, evidence is preserved, and your rights are protected from the start — so you’re not pressured into a decision before you understand your options.

If you’re unsure what time limits apply to your situation, a free, no-pressure consultation can help clarify your options.

Protecting Your Loved Ones
We help protect loved ones and enforce their rights.
Clear Guidance
We explain your rights in plain language — including what to expect during the case.
Accountability
Many cases are brought against assisted living or nursing facilities that failed to provide proper care, staffing, or supervision.
Pursuing Fair Compensation
Compensation may include medical expenses, increased care needs, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, attorney’s fees.

Elder Abuse Cases We Handle

Elder abuse and neglect can happen in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and in-home care settings. Below are common situations where families may have civil legal options.

Physical Abuse

Claims involving assault, rough handling, improper restraints, or other physical harm by caregivers or staff.

Emotional Abuse and Isolation

Humiliation, threats, intimidation, or isolation that causes significant emotional distress or worsens health.

Neglect in Nursing Homes or Assisted Living

Preventable harm caused by understaffing, inadequate supervision, failure to follow care plans, or unsafe practices.

Falls and Unsafe Conditions

Falls, fractures, head injuries, or other harm caused by lack of supervision, missing safety measures, or hazardous conditions.

Pressure Sores (Bed Sores)

Pressure sores or bed sores can be a warning sign of neglect, including failures to reposition, provide hygiene, or monitor skin breakdown.

Dehydration or Malnutrition

Cases involving inadequate nutrition or hydration, missed meals, failure to assist with eating, or lack of monitoring for serious complications.

What to Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse

If you believe a senior or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected, these steps can help protect them and preserve evidence.

  1. Put safety first

    If there is immediate danger, call 911. If possible, ensure the senior is in a safe place and receiving needed medical care.

  2. Get medical treatment and document symptoms

    A medical evaluation allows the senior to receive treatment and creates a professional record documenting the abuse.

  3. Document the Abuse

    Take photos and videos of injuries or other signs of abuse. Save care notes, incident reports, facility communications, bills, messages, and anything that helps prove the abuse and show what happened.

  4. Report concerns to the appropriate authorities

    Depending on the setting, you may report the abuse to Adult Protective Services, local law enforcement, an ombudsman program, or other agencies. Reporting can help protect the senior and create an official record.

  5. Talk to an attorney

    A confidential, no-pressure consultation with an attorney can help protect the senior and preserve their rights.

Important Warning: Do Not Sign Anything

Insurance companies sometimes contact injured people very quickly — sometimes the same day or within days of an injury — and ask them to sign paperwork. This is often an attempt to settle the case for far less than it is worth before you understand the full extent of the harm or have a chance to speak with a lawyer.

Once you sign a release or settlement agreement, your case is usually over — even if the situation turns out to be worse than expected. Do not sign any documents related to an injury claim until you’ve spoken with an attorney who can explain what you’re giving up.

A Quick Note About Calls With Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters protect the insurance company — not you. If you’re asked for a recorded statement, it’s often better to speak to an attorney first so you better understand your rights and options.

Elder Abuse Cases Often Involve Institutional Responsibility

Many elder abuse and neglect cases involve more than one wrongdoer. These cases are often brought against the individual who caused harm and facilities or businesses that failed to provide proper care, staffing, supervision, training, or safety policies. A consultation with me can help identify whether an institution may be legally responsible.

Elder Abuse Q&A

Clear answers to common questions families have when they suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

I want an attorney, but I don’t have money for one. What can I do?
I work on a contingency fee. That means you never pay anything upfront — including fees or costs — and you do not owe attorney’s fees unless money is recovered in your case. If there is no recovery, you do not owe me a fee.

What are common warning signs of elder abuse or neglect?
Warning signs can include unexplained injuries, sudden weight loss, dehydration, poor hygiene, changes in mood, fear of certain caregivers, pressure sores (bed sores), frequent falls, or unusual financial activity. One sign alone does not prove abuse, but patterns and inconsistencies should be taken seriously.

Can a nursing home or assisted living facility be held responsible?
Often, yes. Facilities can be responsible when their staffing, hiring, supervision, training, or policies allow abuse or neglect to occur. Whether a facility is responsible depends on the facts, records, and what the facility knew or should have known.

What compensation is available in an elder abuse case?
Compensation can include medical expenses, increased care needs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, financial losses, and, in some cases, attorney’s fees. The value depends on the severity of harm and the long-term impact on the senior’s health and independence.

If I am an undocumented immigrant, can I make an elder abuse claim?
Yes. Undocumented immigrants can pursue a claim for elder abuse. Immigration status is not a defense, and the parties in the case generally cannot use the lawsuit as a way to inquire into immigration status.

What if I cannot travel to your Van Nuys office to sign up?
That’s not a problem. Most clients sign up remotely. We can review your situation by phone or video, and documents can be sent for electronic signature so you can retain our office without traveling.
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