Palos Verdes Elder Financial Abuse Lawyer
Elder financial abuse is a huge problem, with very serious consequences. Seniors lose an estimated $2.6 billion annually due to elder financial abuse, and the numbers are likely far higher than anyone knows, as only one in 44 cases of elder financial abuse is reported to appropriate authorities.
Elder abuse can cost a senior the money and property that they worked hard to acquire during their lifetime, as well as depriving them of the chance to leave their legacy. It’s unacceptable and it’s devastating, which is why the Palos Verdes elder financial abuse lawyers at Albertson & Davidson have dedicated our careers to helping clients take legal action when this type of abuse occurs.
Our firm represents those who suspect elder or financial abuse of a loved one, or who have been victimized by it, by losing their own assets or their inheritance. We represent clients throughout the entire Palos Verdes area, including Rancho Palos Verdes and Palos Verdes Estates, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Torrance.
Give our Palos Verdes estate litigation lawyers call today at (858) 209-2309 to learn how we can help you fight for your loved one’s legacy and the money you deserve.
How Does a Palos Verdes Elder Financial Abuse Lawyer Help?
At Albertson & Davidson, we have recovered millions on behalf of our clients who lost out on an inheritance or other funds that should be rightfully theirs as a result of elder financial abuse. We are uniquely qualified to represent clients in these types of cases because our legal careers have been focused on fighting for the rights of vulnerable seniors and those who they leave behind.
From day one, our Palos Verdes elder financial abuse lawyers will offer the advocacy and legal advice you need. We can:
- Help to gather evidence demonstrating that financial abuse occurred, including correspondence between the perpetrator and victim, witness statements, and expert testimony from people like forensic accountants and medical professionals
- Assist in developing the right legal strategy to recover funds. Often, this means litigating the issue and getting a court to order compensation to be paid. In other circumstances, it’s possible to resolve the issue outside of court, which can result in faster, less stressful, and more private resolution.
- Identify all defendants. Not only do you need to prove who was engaged in the abusive behavior, but you also need to ensure you’re holding everyone liable who the law says should be accountable. For example, nursing homes may be liable for the on-the-job actions of staff members, including financial abuse, regardless of the nursing home’s involvement, their negligence, or their lack thereof.
- Represent you in court. We are skilled litigators who know how to make a compelling case, present evidence, and maximize your chances of a successful outcome
Our firm will be there from day one in elder financial abuse cases, fighting hard to ensure that not one dollar of an elderly person’s money ends up in the hands of fraudsters, scammers, or those who have harmful intentions of any sort.
What Is Elder Financial Abuse?
Elder financial abuse is the abuse or mistreatment of someone 65 or older. It includes any situation where a senior is manipulated, coerced, or harmed in any manner related to their financial situation or their assets.
Some common examples of this type of abuse include:
- Taking, concealing, or misappropriating money, property, or assets belonging to an older person. Examples might include a home care aide stealing jewelry or a nursing home staff member emptying the bank account of an elderly resident, or even just using their credit card or ATM card without permission.
- Caretaker, guardian, or power of attorney fraud or abuse. If someone is entrusted with the bank account or other assets of the elderly person and is expected to use that money and property for the benefit of the elder but fails to do so, this can be an example of elder financial abuse.
- Fraud schemes. Targeting the elderly with scams intended to defraud is also considered elder financial abuse. Lottery scams and fake charities are good examples.
- Changing estate planning documents. Making unauthorized changes to any estate planning instruction is a clear example of elder financial abuse.
- Obtaining assets through coercion, force, or fraud: Elder financial abuse can extend to forcing or tricking a senior into giving away items of value or changing estate planning documents. Whether it is done by lying, threats, or other coercive techniques, it’s not allowed and it’s not right.
These are just some of many examples of situations where someone engages in wrongful behavior involving a senior’s finances. The trust litigation attorneys in Palos Verdes from Albertson & Davidson has represented clients in all of these different kinds of elder financial abuse cases, and we understand how to investigate and prove even complex claims.
Who Is Responsible For Elder Financial Abuse?
Many different parties can commit elder financial abuse, including:
- Caretakers such as home health aides or nursing home care workers
- Family members, including a relative who has been chosen to serve as guardian, to take power of attorney in the event of incapacity, or to serve as the estate executor or administrator
- Neighbors, friends, or acquaintances who become involved with an elderly person and take their property or convince them to make estate planning choices based on fear or coercion.
- Doctors, nurses, clergy members, or other people in a position of power who should be helping the elderly person but who take advantage of their relationship to commit financial abuse.
- Bank employees. Senate Bill 278 seeks to hold banks and financial institutions accountable if they facilitate the abuse of a vulnerable senior or help make it possible for an elderly person to be taken advantage of or coerced into losing assets.
Albertson & Davidson will work with you to identify all those who could potentially be responsible for financial abuse. By discovering all possible defendants, we can maximize the chances of recovering the full amount lost due to the abusive and wrongful behavior that occurred.
Contact a Palos Verdes Elder Financial Abuse Lawyer Today
You have limited time to make an elder financial abuse claim, and the sooner you act, the easier it is to find witnesses and gather evidence. So, if you suspect you or someone you love is being abused by elder financial abuse, do not wait.
Give us a call today at (858) 209-2309 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and learn more about the assistance that we have been offering to clients throughout Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance and other locations in the Palos Verdes area.