If your loved one has been a victim of elder abuse, they may be legally entitled to compensation. However, you’ll need to act fast to ensure that the statute of limitations is not exceeded. Furthermore, it’s important to hire a competent lawyer to ensure success with your case. Here’s what you have to know about lawsuits for elder abuse:
1. Know what elder abuse is
There are different types of elder abuse. Some forms of it involve overt actions, such as physical or emotional abuse. However, other forms of elder abuse involve neglect of an elderly person in need or abandonment.
Furthermore, acts of abuse are considered elder abuse if the victim either requires a caretaker and/or is over the age of 65. Negligent acts of elder abuse can be met with a civil lawsuit, but deliberate acts are considered criminal conduct in the state of California.
2. Know the difference between criminal and civil proceedings
You can file a civil lawsuit along with criminal charges. However, the proceedings are very different for each type of case. Civil lawsuits require that you prove to the court that your case is more likely than the defendant’s, and you can receive compensation in a civil case. However, you will need to prove that the defendant was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal case, and you cannot receive financial compensation for a successful criminal case.
3. You’ll need quality representation
In order to win a lawsuit or criminal case against the defendant, you’ll need to make sure that you have excellent legal representation. It’s important to make sure that the lawyer you choose is experienced with elder abuse cases, and you’ll also need to ensure that the lawyer you pick has had plenty of experience with the local court system. If you are looking for an elder abuse lawyer, Cherepinskiy Law Firm is the best lawyer to choose. You can learn more here: https://clawfirmpc.com/elder-abuse-attorney-los-angeles/.
