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San Francisco Elder Abuse Attorney

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Protecting Your Rights & Fighting for Compensation

We hope that our loved ones will live out their twilight years in peace and comfort. Unfortunately, problems involving nursing home neglect and abuse of the elderly are far too real. When a loved one has suffered at the hands of long-term care facility staff or has been neglected, it is important to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Physically abused sad old lady looking through the window with a black eye

At the law firm of Delfino Green & Green, our San Francisco Elder Abuse Attorney understands what it is like to have a cared-for adult end up being mistreated. That is why we work hard to help the victims and their family members pursue full and fair compensation for the harm that was done.

Contact us online or call us today at 415-442-4646 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced San Francisco Elder Abuse Attorney.

Bed Sores & Other Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Although abuse may come from physical actions undertaken by nursing home staff, neglect is a form of abuse as well. It is important to seek advice from our San Francisco Elder Abuse Attorneys if you notice certain signs. If you notice the following signs, your loved one may be the victim of elder abuse:

  • Bed sores
  • Dehydration
  • Weight loss resulting from malnutrition
  • Unsupervised wandering both inside and outside of the facility
  • Bruising caused by the use of restraints
  • Broken bones

It can sometimes be difficult to tell whether an injury is the result of physical abuse or neglect, or just part of the aging process. If you have any concerns, it may be best to seek out legal counsel.

stressed elderly person with gray hair covering face with both hands

Holding All Parties Accountable

When it comes to seeking financial compensation, we will work to hold all negligent parties accountable. An individual staff member who abuses or neglects a resident may certainly be liable for their injuries. However, the staff member may have been following policies set in place by the care center’s owner. In this case, the company that owns the residence will be liable as well. We will search out all responsible parties and work to hold them accountable in an effort to ensure that these inexcusable mistakes are not repeated in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elder Abuse Attorney

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse refers to any form of mistreatment, neglect, or exploitation of an older adult, whether physical, emotional, financial, or sexual. It can occur in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or even at home.

How do I report elder abuse?

You can report elder abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS), local law enforcement, or a trusted attorney who can guide you through the reporting and legal process.

Is elder abuse a felony or misdemeanor?

Elder abuse may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony in California, depending on the severity of the harm and the circumstances of the abuse.

How do you prove elder abuse in California?

Proof often includes medical records, eyewitness testimony, financial statements, photographs of injuries, and expert testimony. An experienced elder abuse attorney can help gather and present this evidence.

Where do I report financial abuse of the elderly?

Financial elder abuse should be reported to APS, local law enforcement, and in some cases the district attorney’s office. Your attorney can also initiate civil action to recover stolen assets.

Can I report elder abuse anonymously?

Yes. In California, you can make an anonymous report to APS or law enforcement if you fear retaliation or want to protect your identity.

What happens after you report elder abuse?

Authorities will investigate, which may involve interviewing the victim, reviewing records, and visiting the care facility. Legal action may follow, including criminal charges or civil lawsuits.

What age is considered for elder abuse protections?

In California, protections typically apply to individuals aged 65 and older, as well as dependent adults aged 18–64 with certain disabilities.

How long does an elder abuse investigation take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, but investigations may take weeks to months before reaching a resolution.

Is elder abuse a crime?

Yes, elder abuse is a crime under California Penal Code §368 and can result in serious criminal penalties.

What is the most common form of elder abuse?

Financial exploitation and neglect are among the most commonly reported forms, though physical and emotional abuse also occur frequently.

What are the penalties for elder abuse?

Penalties range from fines and probation to significant prison sentences, depending on whether the case is charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Where can I report elder abuse in California?

You can contact APS, your county’s District Attorney’s office, or law enforcement directly. An attorney can also help you take civil action.

What should I do if I suspect elder abuse?

Document your observations, report your concerns immediately, and consult with an elder abuse attorney to understand your legal options.

Can someone go to jail for elder abuse?

Yes. Perpetrators of elder abuse can face jail or prison time if convicted.

What are the signs of elder abuse?

Common signs include unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, sudden changes in financial status, withdrawal, fearfulness, or unusual behaviour.

What are the six types of elder abuse?

The main categories include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation.

Can you sue for elder abuse?

Yes. Victims and their families can pursue civil lawsuits for damages related to physical harm, financial loss, or emotional suffering.

How do you file elder abuse charges?

You can file charges through law enforcement or the District Attorney’s office. Civil claims can also be initiated with the help of an attorney.

How can elder abuse in nursing homes be prevented?

Prevention includes thorough background checks for caregivers, regular facility inspections, open communication with residents, and quick legal action when warning signs appear.

Contact us and speak with a proficient San Francisco Elder Abuse Attorney.

Verdicts & Settlements

We’ve recovered millions for our clients

Construction Death

The husband and father of 4 young children was working at a construction site when he died because of another contractor’s negligence. After more than two years of hard fought litigation, our team of experts was able to win a tremendous victory on behalf of our clients and ensure that all of their financial needs will be met. We could not bring back the husband/father for this family, but we were able to protect them from the financial devastation that can and often does result where the primary source of income for the family is taken away. We then worked with our team of financial planners to make sure that this family will always have financial security.

$10,400,000

Bad Faith Insurance Claim

Insurance Coverage/Bad Faith Bad Faith – Pollution Coverage Prior to forming his own firm, Mr. Green worked at one of the largest and most prestigious firms in the U.S. He was the primary attorney on an environmental insurance case that went to trial in San Francisco. After a several week trial, Mr. Green came away with a trial verdict against the insurers with a value of over $10,000,000 in available insurance coverage.

$10,000,000

Traumatic Brain Injury

A 16 year old developmentally disabled kid was hit by a bus while in a crosswalk. He suffered a concussion which turned into post concussive syndrome, where the symptoms of the concussion don’t heal completely. This is also known as a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (“mTBI”). Our firm was hired as trial counsel 6 months before trial because of our expertise in TBIs as well as cutting edge trial techniques. When we first associated into the case, there was a very minimal settlement offer and it did not appear that the Defense was taking the case seriously. Our team of attorneys, experts and staff immediately immersed ourselves in the case as we prepared to demonstrate the catastrophic consequences of this incident. Shortly before trial, the Defense could see that we had put all the pieces together to prove liability and that full justice for our young client required damages in the many millions of dollars. The matter settled for $5,750,000.

$5,750,000

Disability Claim

Disability – Neurological Issues Our client became disabled from neurological issues. Our attorneys were able to work with the client and his physicians to quickly assemble all of the documentation necessary to support out client’s claim of total disability. The insurer agreed that our client was totally disabled and paid his claim.

$2,400,000

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury to Child A three year old child was being carried across the street when she was struck by an oncoming car. The child suffered a serious traumatic brain injury when she hit the ground. Her injuries were so serious she had to be hospitalized for several months. Our firm negotiated a settlement of $2,000,000 by forcing the payment of all of the available insurance from the driver’s automobile insurer ($1,250,000), the entire amount of the homeowners insurance limits available ($500,000), and all of the amounts that the person carrying the little girl was able to recover from the negligent driver ($250,000). We then arranged for another firm to prepare and fund a large Special Needs Trust for the health and welfare of the injured child.

$2,000,000

Heart Condition Disability

Our client became disabled by a heart attack. The insurer refused to pay, claiming that our client was still able to perform his occupation. We met with all of our client’s doctors, obtained reports confirming the client’s inability to perform his prior occupation, and ultimately convinced the insurance company to pay the claim in full.

$1,800,000

Builder’s Risk/Collapse

A contractor suffered a severe collapse at one of his sites. The claim was submitted to the insurer and denied. Mr. Green reviewed all of the facts, researched the law, and brought together the necessary experts to prove that the Contractor’s Builders Risk insurer was responsible for a substantial portion of the loss. He also proved that a subcontractor was negligent and the subcontractor’s insurer also paid a substantial settlement. In total, Mr. Green was able to obtain more than $1,700,000 in compensation for his client.

$1,700,000

Traumatic Brain Injury

Our client suffered a mild Traumatic Brain Injury when heavy object struck her in the head. The responsible party denied all fault and insisted until the very end that our client had not suffered a brain injury and offered nothing to settle the case. Our firm assembled a team of world renowned expert‘s to demonstrate that our client had suffered a mild Traumatic brain injury. The case settled shortly before trial.

$1,000,000

Heart Condition Disability

Our client had worked for the government for many years when she began suffering from a serious heart condition. All of her doctors told her that she could no longer work and if she continued to do so, she would be risking further injury to her heart or even death.

$1,000,000

Traumatic Hand Injury

Our client was working at a manufacturing plant. While operating a piece of machinery, his glove became caught in the machinery and part of his hand was severely injured. Ordinarily, this type of injury would be restricted to remedies available through Worker’s Compensation. However, through the knowledge, ingenuity, and creativity of our team of attorneys, we were also able to obtain a very substantial civil settlement for our client in addition to the workers comp settlement of his case.

$985,000

Aviation Death Settlement

A husband and father of two small children was killed in an aviation accident involving a small aircraft. Our firm represented the widow and two children against the pilot of the aircraft. By hiring experts in aviation (to prove negligence) and economists (to prove damages), and utilizing William Green’s expertise as an instrument-rated pilot, we were able to make a very powerful case and obtain a very favorable settlement that allowed the family to survive financially.

$975,000

Forklift Accident

A construction supervisor went to pick up some materials for a construction job. A worker at the yard neglected to set the parking brake on a piece of heavy equipment a few yards away. While the construction supervisor had his back turned, the machine rolled into him, pinning him against the side of his pick-up truck. He suffered several broken ribs, but that was the least of his injuries. Within several weeks of the accident, he had partially lost his sight. By working with medical experts, our firm was able to directly connect the sight loss to the injuries caused by the machine that rolled into our client. The case settled at Mediation without any need for a trial.

$700,000

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