Frequently Asked Questions

Elder abuse in California should be reported immediately to Adult Protective Services in the county where the older adult lives. If the abuse occurs in a licensed care facility such as a nursing home or assisted living community, reports can also be made to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program or the California Department of Public Health. In emergencies or when someone is in immediate danger, 911 should always be called first. Anyone can make a report, including relatives, caregivers, and neighbors, and the law protects individuals who report in good faith from retaliation or liability. Moran Law encourages families to report suspected abuse promptly and seek legal guidance if the victim’s rights have been violated.

California law defines elder abuse as any act that causes physical harm, emotional suffering, neglect, abandonment, isolation, or financial exploitation of an adult aged 65 or older. Abuse can occur in private homes, hospitals, assisted living residences, or nursing facilities, and it may involve deliberate harm or neglectful behavior that endangers a senior’s health or safety. Even failure to provide adequate food, medication, supervision, or protection from hazards may be considered neglect if it results in injury or risk. Moran Law has represented victims and families throughout California in cases involving these forms of mistreatment.

Under California Penal Code Section 368, elder abuse can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the severity of harm and intent. Cases involving serious injury, intentional neglect, or significant financial loss may lead to felony prosecution with possible prison sentences and restitution. In addition to criminal charges, victims or their families can pursue a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for injuries, emotional distress, and other damages. Moran Law assists clients in pursuing civil claims while ensuring accountability for those who harm or exploit vulnerable seniors.

Elder abuse can be reported anonymously through Adult Protective Services or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Anonymous reporting is particularly helpful when the reporter fears retaliation or wishes to remain confidential. To make the report effective, provide as many details as possible such as names, dates, facility information, and a description of what was observed. Even without identifying information, a clear and specific report helps investigators act quickly to protect the elder.

The proper reporting agency depends on where the suspected abuse occurs. For abuse in a private home, contact Adult Protective Services in the county where the senior resides. If the abuse or neglect happens in a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the California Department of Public Health, which regulates licensed care facilities. Law enforcement should be notified immediately if there are signs of assault, theft, or any immediate danger to the person’s safety. After making a report, families often turn to firms like Moran Law to help ensure that investigations are thorough and that civil accountability follows.

Yes, a nursing home can be held legally responsible when neglect results in injury or harm to a resident. Neglect can include poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, medication errors, falls, untreated bedsores, or a lack of medical supervision. A civil lawsuit allows families to pursue compensation for medical costs, emotional suffering, and loss of quality of life. Moran Law focuses exclusively on elder abuse and neglect cases and represents clients statewide, holding negligent facilities accountable and helping families secure justice.
Families can review a facility’s record through public databases such as Medicare’s Care Compare and the California Department of Public Health’s Licensing and Certification Division. These resources provide inspection results, penalties, and staffing information that indicate a facility’s history of compliance. Reviewing inspection reports helps identify recurring problems like understaffing, infection control failures, or safety violations.
When you suspect abuse or neglect in an assisted living setting, take action immediately. Document injuries, unsafe conditions, or any sudden behavioral changes and report them to the Community Care Licensing Division and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Ensure the resident receives medical attention if needed. Consulting an experienced elder abuse attorney can help determine whether the situation qualifies for legal action and ensure that the resident’s rights are protected. Moran Law assists families across California in investigating and pursuing claims involving assisted living neglect.
Yes, families may file a wrongful death claim when a loved one dies due to neglect or abuse in a care facility. These cases often involve severe dehydration, malnutrition, untreated infections, or a failure to monitor medical needs. A lawsuit seeks compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, emotional loss, and pain suffered by the resident before death. Beyond financial recovery, legal action also holds facilities accountable and helps promote higher care standards. Moran Law’s attorneys have decades of experience representing families in wrongful death and elder abuse litigation throughout California.
Elder financial abuse is typically investigated by Adult Protective Services, local law enforcement, and district attorney offices. In licensed facilities, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman may also become involved. Financial exploitation includes forgery, misuse of power of attorney, coercion, or unauthorized withdrawal of funds. Victims and their families can also pursue civil remedies to recover stolen assets and prevent future harm. Moran Law works with families to evaluate financial abuse cases and pursue legal action when evidence supports a claim of exploitation.

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You can trust Moran Law to handle your matter with the superior professionalism you would expect from the preferred firm of experienced Los Angeles nursing home abuse lawyers, elder abuse lawyers, assisted living abuse lawyers, and home health elder abuse lawyers.