Elder abuse is more common than many people realize—and it can take many forms. Whether it involves physical harm, financial exploitation, neglect, or emotional mistreatment, the abuse of an older loved one is both heartbreaking and unacceptable.
At Loew Law Group, our elder abuse attorneys are here to help you hold wrongdoers accountable and protect your loved one’s well-being. We represent families throughout San Mateo and nearby communities in cases involving elder abuse and financial exploitation. If you suspect that someone is taking advantage of a vulnerable older adult, it’s time to take a closer look. Contact us today to get started.
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse refers to any act that causes harm or poses a serious risk of harm to someone aged 65 or older. The abuse may be intentional or result from neglect, but the consequences are real and often long-lasting. The most common forms of elder abuse we see in San Mateo include:
Physical Abuse
This includes hitting, pushing, slapping, pinching, or restraining a senior. Unexplained bruises, fractures, or other injuries are often signs of abuse. Physical abuse may happen in a private home or care facility and is sometimes hidden under false explanations. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse
Words can hurt just as much as actions. Emotional abuse may include yelling, threatening, humiliating, or isolating an older adult. It can also involve controlling behavior, like preventing a senior from seeing friends or speaking with loved ones. Over time, this type of mistreatment can lead to anxiety, depression, or withdrawal.
Neglect
Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide necessary care, including food, water, medical attention, hygiene, or a safe living environment. Signs of neglect might include malnutrition, bedsores, unsanitary conditions, or missed doctor’s appointments. Whether intentional or due to carelessness, neglect is a form of abuse.
Financial Abuse
Financial exploitation is one of the fastest-growing forms of elder abuse. Seniors are often targeted because of their savings, property, or social security benefits. Some common tactics include:
- Coercing or manipulating an elder into changing a will or trust
- Misusing power of attorney to transfer assets
- Making unauthorized withdrawals from bank accounts
- Using undue influence to obtain gifts or loans
If you’ve noticed sudden changes in your loved one’s finances or unusual transactions, don’t ignore them. We help families in San Mateo investigate and take legal action when financial elder abuse is suspected.
How Loew Law Group Can Help
Our firm helps clients across San Mateo address elder abuse in all its forms. We take a compassionate and determined approach to every case, starting with a close review of the situation. If legal action is warranted, we’re ready to step in and fight for justice.
Depending on the circumstances, we can:
- File a civil lawsuit under California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA)
- Seek financial compensation for damages, including emotional distress and out-of-pocket losses
- Request punitive damages in cases involving willful or malicious conduct
- Work with medical experts, investigators, and law enforcement when necessary
We know how hard it is to suspect a loved one is being mistreated. But taking that first step to speak with an attorney can make all the difference.
Protecting San Mateo’s Older Adults
No one deserves to suffer in silence. At Loew Law Group, we believe in protecting those who may not be able to protect themselves. That means listening carefully, asking the right questions, and taking swift action when abuse is uncovered.
We proudly serve families across San Mateo and the Bay Area, whether the abuse occurred in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or private residence. Every situation is different, but our goal is always the same: to stop the harm and hold the responsible party accountable.
Talk to a San Mateo Elder Abuse Attorney
If something feels off—a change in your loved one’s mood, finances, or physical condition—it’s worth investigating. A conversation can lead to answers, and answers can lead to action.
Call Loew Law Group today to speak with a San Mateo elder abuse attorney. We’re here to help you protect your family, and we offer confidential consultations to guide you forward.