Often, when an elderly person is recovering from an illness or injury, he or she will receive home health services. While home health agencies are great tools for many people who are on the mend, as they provide them with medical services from the comfort of their homes, unfortunately, there are times where alleged instances of abuse occur. If you suspect you have a case of home health agency abuse, you should continue reading and reach out to our California elder abuse lawyers to learn more about these cases and how we can assist you. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are some common signs of home health agency abuse?
Home health agency abuse can come in many shapes and forms, and unfortunately, it isn’t always apparent, and at times, elderly persons will refrain from reporting the acts of abuse out of fear. That said, it is important to vigilantly look out for various common signs of abuse. Some of the most common signs of abuse that we see are as follows:
- Cash or other possessions from the home going missing
- Sudden changes in the person’s behavior
- Signs of fear around certain aides
- Unexplained cuts or bruises
- Falls
What should I do if I believe an incident or incidents of home health agency abuse are occurring?
An incident, or multiple incidents, of home health agency abuse, should be swiftly reported to either law enforcement or to the California Department of Public Health. Doing so can help ensure the elderly person receives the medical care and safe environment he or she needs. That said, a plaintiff can only successfully sue a home health agency if he or she can prove that the incident(s) of abuse truly occurred. A plaintiff can do so by taking pictures, videos, or by producing medical documentation consistent with an allegation of abuse or neglect.
Is there a time limit on elder abuse claims?
Yes. The time limit for elder abuse claims in California is, typically, two years. This means that a plaintiff will only have two years from the date the incident of abuse occurred to take legal action against the party responsible. Our firm is here to help in any way we can.
Contact our experienced California firm
Here at Cowdrey Jenkins, LLP, we have significant experience representing clients through a wide array of elder abuse matters, and we are prepared to assist you as well. No one should have to face the issue of elder abuse on their own. Contact us today to learn more about how we can guide you through each facet of the legal process ahead.