ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Caregiver Arrested For Appalling Abuse
Allegedly Dragged Disabled Person By The Hair
Charged With Dependent Adult Abuse Felony
Physical assault is a crime and, when perpetrated on a senior or dependent adult, is an additional crime of elder/dependent adult abuse and grounds for civil liability for damages. Penal Code § 368 and Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 15610.63(definition of physical abuse). Under the statute physical abuse includes assault, battery, unreasonable constraint, prolonged deprivation of food or water, rape (and other forms of sexual assault and battery), and the use of chemical restraints. Lately, there has been an increase in physical abuse perpetrated on dependent adults in care facilities by the very persons paid for to take care of them. Evans Law Firm. Inc. represents victims of physical assault including sexual assault or other abuse in group homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes, and pursues all persons responsible, including owners, administrators and managers who are responsible for hiring and supervising caregivers. Remedies in these cases include awards of attorneys’ fees and costs for bringing the lawsuit. Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 15657. Call us today at (415)441-8669 if any senior loved one has suffered any kind of elder abuse in San Francisco or elsewhere in California. Our toll-free number is 1-888-50EVANS (888-503-8267).
Recent Arrest Of Caregiver For Assault[1]
Authorities recently announced the arrest of a care provider in a private developmental care facility for abusing an adult with disabilities. According to authorities, the arrested caregiver dragged an adult with disabilities directly by the hair, tearing out several braids in the process. The authorities’ investigation revealed that during an altercation in a private developmental care facility, the caregiver allegedly dragged an adult with disabilities by the hair to the point of pulling the hair out — leaving a bald spot with redness and blood on the patient’s scalp. The local Sheriff’s office arrested the suspect on one count of abuse of an elderly or disabled adult, a third-degree felony. If convicted, the suspect faces up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
Protecting Your Older Loved Ones From Physical Abuse
Families and friends of elders and dependent adults residing in any kind of facility or under the care of in-home caregivers need to visit and speak with them as often as possible to make sure they are not at risk of abuse or neglect by their caregivers. If you see any bruises, scratch marks or other indications of physical abuse, alert the administrator of the facility and call counsel. You know your loved one best, and you will be able to pick up on any emotional or behavioral changes that may be signs of any kind of abuse, including sexual abuse. If you suspect something is wrong do something about it right away. Alert the home’s administrator and the authorities, but also call qualified elder counsel. Counsel can pursue all persons responsible for any sort of abuse, and those who hired and supervise the abusers, including administrators and owners.
Contact Us
Ingrid M. Evans represents victims of elder abuse, and their families and heirs, in San Francisco or elsewhere in California. If you need help, call us today at 415-441-8669 or toll free at 1-888-50EVANS (888-503-8267).or by email at <a href=”mailto:info@evanslaw.com”>info@evanslaw.com</a>.
[1] Evans Law Firm, Inc. was not involved in the case in any way.
