Santa Ana Financial Elder Abuse Attorney

When financial elder abuse occurs, it becomes important for victims to understand their legal rights and pursue a claim for compensation. Albertson & Davidson, LLP has extensive experience representing victims of elder abuse and we can put our knowledge and skill to work on your case.

What Is Financial Elder Abuse?

Financial elder abuse is a common problem, with one in 10 Americans aged 60 and over experiencing some type of abuse. Unfortunately, only one in 24 cases is reported to authorities, according to the National Council on Aging.

Financial elder abuse involves illegal, unauthorized, or improper use or appropriation of any items of value belonging to an older person. Examples include:

Abusing legal authority granted under a power of attorney to use an elderly person’s assets for your own financial gain or to take ownership of an elderly person’s assets
Theft of property belonging to a senior, including taking money, making unauthorized bank transfers, or taking items of value like jewelry
Forcing or pressuring a senior to give away their money or property either during their lifetime or by changing their estate plan and altering who they transfer assets to after death
Targeting seniors with scams to take their assets
Taking a senior’s money for personal use instead of spending it on caregiving expenses

These are just a few examples of how a senior could be exploited. When elder financial abuse occurs, it can cause financial loss, but it can also cause emotional damage and sometimes physical harm due to stress or deprivation.

Who Is Responsible For Financial Elder Abuse?

Many different parties could be responsible for financial elder abuse, including:

Caregivers who perpetrate abuse
Family members who manipulate a vulnerable senior
Individuals granted authority under power of attorney
Scammers and fraudsters
Friends or neighbors

In some cases, when a caregiver perpetrates fraud or steals assets, those who employ the caregiver could also be responsible for the damages.

For example, if a nursing home or home healthcare agency employs staff members who steal from seniors or convince them to change their will, then the nursing home or healthcare agency can sometimes be held liable for resulting losses and damages.

It is important to understand who may be to blame and to take steps to prove who the responsible party was so you can pursue a claim to get compensation. An attorney can help you to build a strong case by reviewing witness testimony, bank records, communications between the senior and the abuser, and information from experts such as forensic accountants.

Contact A Santa Ana Financial Elder Abuse Lawyer Today

At Albertson & Davidson, LLP, we understand how to build strong evidence and identify defendants who can be held liable for losses when seniors are mistreated in any way, including being victimized by financial abuse or exploitation.

To find out how our firm can help you to fight for full and fair compensation if you or someone you love has been harmed, call a Santa Ana trust litigation lawyer today.