San Francisco Elder Sexual Abuse Lawyer

No family wants to anticipate the possibility of an elderly loved one being sexually abused by the person or facility that is supposed to take care of them. Finding out that a nursing home staff member or caregiver has committed the terrible crime of elder sexual abuse is devastating. In San Francisco, victims have more than just the criminal justice system available to them. They can also seek the financial compensation they deserve with a civil lawsuit.

Manly, Stewart & Finaldi is a premier San Francisco sexual abuse law firm that has helped clients around the world. We stand with survivors of sexual abuse and help them pursue the case results that they need. We have recovered billions of dollars on behalf of our clients and have years of experience in the area of elder abuse and neglect. Find out if you have a case today. Contact us to request a free and confidential consultation.

The Nation’s Leading Elder Sexual Abuse Attorneys

The attorneys of Manly, Stewart & Finaldi are recognized worldwide for their prominence in the legal field, specifically in taking action on behalf of sexual abuse and assault survivors. We have aggressively fought against sex offenders and the institutions that conceal abuse, including nursing homes, hospices, long-term living facilities and professional caregivers.

We are well-versed in California’s elder sexual abuse laws and know how to get real case results for our clients. Most importantly, we care. Our lawyers work one-on-one with their clients to make sure they have everything they need throughout the legal process. If you wish to remain anonymous during your claim, for example, we will make sure this is the case. We will believe you.

Why You Should Hire a San Francisco Elder Sexual Abuse Lawyer

An elder sexual abuse attorney can make things easier for you during a difficult time. While you concentrate on what matters most – your family, health and well-being – your lawyer will handle the legal legwork of your case for you. An attorney can take care of tasks such as investigating the nursing home, collecting all available evidence, interviewing witnesses and filing a claim before California’s statute of limitations expires. Your lawyer will understand how elder sexual abuse can permanently change a victim’s life and can give you the tools to fight back.

What Is Sexual Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse means to knowingly and intentionally harm someone over the age of 65. Typically, this crime is committed by someone in charge of or responsible for the elderly victim’s care and well-being. This could be a nursing home, elder care facility, hospital, hospice, nurse, hired caregiver or one of the victim’s own family members.  

There are four main types of elder abuse: physical, sexual, mental and financial. Elder sexual abuse is perhaps the most disturbing. Elder sexual abuse describes any type of sex crime committed against a senior citizen. This can mean nonconsensual sexual activities, unwanted touching of the private parts, forced oral copulation, penetration, sodomy, rape or attempted rape, exposure of sexual organs, or exhibitionism. 

Sexual assault in San Francisco may be committed against the elderly for many reasons. This is one of the most vulnerable populations, often unable to defend themselves due to physical or mental incapacities. Caregivers can use their positions of trust and authority over vulnerable seniors to take advantage of them for the purposes of sexual gratification, arousal or abuse.

What Are the Signs of Elder Abuse and Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home or elder sexual abuse in San Francisco can be difficult to discover. A victim’s family may not find out about abuse, neglect or mistreatment until the situation has escalated to the point of causing severe harm. This is because many victims of elder sexual abuse do not speak up about what is happening to them. They may be unwilling or unable to do so for many reasons. 

For example, some senior citizens have medical conditions that make it impossible for them to communicate with others, such as dementia. Victims of elder sexual abuse may also be afraid of retaliation by the perpetrator, such as physical abuse or the withholding of care. This means it is often up to the loved ones and relatives of an abuse victim to notice the possible signs of sexual abuse.

While each survivor’s story is different, the signs of elder sexual abuse can include withdrawal, depression, nervousness or fear around a certain employee, feelings of shame or embarrassment, unexplained physical injuries, injuries to the genital area, sexually transmitted diseases, sudden changes in mood or personality, bloody or stained undergarments, and an unkempt appearance. A general decline in physical or mental health with no reasonable explanation could point to abuse.

Compensation for Victims of Elder Abuse in San Francisco

Elder sexual abuse is a crime in California. Under California Penal Code § 243.4, it is a crime to touch the intimate part of another person against the victim’s will. This is the crime of sexual battery, also referred to as sexual assault. Another definition of sexual assault is to touch the intimate part of a person who is institutionalized for medical treatment and who is medically incapacitated or disabled, against his or her will. 

In addition to criminal consequences, a perpetrator who is guilty of elder sexual abuse could also face civil penalties. An elder sexual abuse claim can be brought against the perpetrator by the victim or his or her family. This type of case seeks justice for the victim in the form of financial compensation. It may also be possible to file a lawsuit against the nursing home or elder care facility as the institution that negligently failed to keep the victim safe. 

An elder sexual abuse lawsuit in San Francisco could reimburse a victim for related medical expenses, treatments, therapies, medications, legal fees, court costs, travel expenses, and other economic losses. A victim could also be paid for noneconomic damages, also known as pain and suffering. While no amount of money can take back what happened, a fair settlement or judgment award could bring the victim some measure of justice.

Consult With an Experienced Elder Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love is a victim of elder sexual abuse in San Francisco, don’t wait to contact Manly, Stewart & Finaldi. We can help you determine your rights and legal options. If we take your case, we will fight aggressively for justice against one or more parties on your behalf. Request your free, confidential case review today. Contact us online or call (855) 204-3493.