Pursuing Accountability For Financial Elder Abuse
How could they?
At first, it was unfathomable. Surely this must be a silly mistake. There must be a reasonable explanation. Would someone really take advantage of an elder person’s trust and rob them blind like that?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes, and your loved one is not alone.
At Buffington Law Firm, PC, we represent the victims of financial elder abuse. We can help you pursue financial compensation on behalf of your elderly loved one or their estate. Whether your case needs to be resolved through negotiation, mediation, arbitration or court action, we are the attorneys you want looking out for your loved one’s interests.
What Constitutes Financial Elder Abuse?
Financial elder abuse is defined by The California Welfare and Institutions Code as a situation in which someone takes, secretes, appropriates, obtains or retains the property of an elder for wrongful use and/or with intent to defraud. This also applies to individuals who assist with the fraud or use undue influence to perpetrate the fraud.
Abuse can take many forms, including:
- A trusted caretaker may convey an elder’s financial assets or real estate assets as their own.
- A trusted person or family member can abuse their position of trust, using their signatory authority to take money from an elder’s account beyond what is necessary to pay the elder’s bills.
- Financial advisers have extensive access to the financial life of their clients, and if an unscrupulous adviser connects with a trusting elder, they can take steps to enrich themselves.
- Contractors and builders go through most neighborhoods to solicit work. However, if they target an elder’s home, they will typically over charge for minor or even unnecessary services.
- Elders who have lost friends or spouses are lonely, and a new romantic relationship can seem like a good thing for them, until that person starts needing more help to start their business or pay off old bills.
If you suspect financial elder abuse, it is important to seek legal advice. We can examine the situation and help you determine whether legal action is appropriate.
What Are Signs Of Elder Financial Abuse?
Families have to be on the lookout for people abusing their vulnerable loved ones on many fronts. Spotting financial abuse can be a bit more difficult that noticing bruises. The signs are there, but they can sound fair or normal, and can include:
- Sudden changes to wills or trusts that require your signature or notification
- New comments about their lack of money or their financial struggles
- Introduction of a new financial planner or a friend helping them with their bills
- Sudden investments into new companies or stocks you haven’t heard of
- Selling a long-held home to move somewhere more affordable
If your loved ones are in difficult financial straits after a long life of stability and recently brought on a new helper or made a new friend, be on the lookout. Fraudsters and abusers look for easily deceived, trusting elders to connect with and defraud of their life savings. But you can protect your family with our firm’s help.
Potential Damages For Elder Abuse
When it comes to financial elder abuse, it is far better to speak up and be safe than to stay quiet and be sorry. With our help, you can pursue such damages as:
- Recovered financial losses suffered by your loved one
- Punitive damages against the responsible individual
- Court fees and attorney fees
At Buffington Law Firm, PC, we offer free consultations to explain what you’ve seen so we can consider your next steps. There is little financial risk in reaching out to us when you’re concerned, and if we find something suspicious, we will take action with you.
Contact Our Orange County Litigation Firm
If you are seeking justice for a victim of financial elder abuse, our law firm looks forward to helping you succeed. Call 714-450-6568 or use this online form to connect with an experienced attorney.