Caregiver Sexual Abuse Claims in Los Angeles
It is natural for older adults to fear losing their independence as they age. Bringing in a caregiver provides an opportunity to remain in their home instead of moving into an unfamiliar facility far from friends or loved ones. While this option is ideal for many seniors, there is also the potential for abuse.
If your family member has been victimized, it may be time to explore caregiver sexual abuse claims in Los Angeles. Our dedicated sexual abuse attorney could help by answering questions and reviewing the legal options available.
What Constitutes Sexual Abuse?
Any action of sexual contact, activity, or exposure with a non-consensual person is considered abuse. This can expand beyond situations where a person actively declines a sexual invitation. In addition to actively refusing to give consent, abuse can also occur when a person is physically or psychologically incapable of agreeing to any type of sexual conduct.
An act is also not consensual when it involves threats of force, coercion, or manipulation. In that scenario, even having a person voice their agreement is not enough if they were coerced.
Caregivers have an obligation to monitor the people they care for and protect them from harm. They are held to a higher standard than the general public, making any sort of sexual activity improper. This kind of conduct could be grounds for a Los Angeles caregiver sexual abuse claim.
How Caregiver Abuse Happens
Caregiver abuse involves unwanted sexual acts against a senior committed by a person placed in a position of trust. These individuals are often friends or family members, and they are not necessarily formally trained nurses or medical professionals.
Abuse can happen for any number of reasons. While sexual abuse is less common than other types of neglect or dangerous behavior, it is a serious threat that has to be taken seriously. Often, acts of abuse are the result of long-held issues in the caretaker’s life. Regardless of why these acts happen, it is vital to identify the signs of abuse and remove a loved one from a dangerous situation as soon as possible.
Possible Damages in a Civil Lawsuit
When pursuing a Los Angeles caregiver sexual abuse claim, there is an array of potential damages available. No two cases are exactly the same, making it crucial to rely on legal counsel who understands how to hold abusers and those who enable them accountable.
These damages are often economic in nature. That means they are monetary awards designed to replace a person’s losses following an act of abuse. This could include covering the cost of their medical care or psychological treatment. If the victim no longer feels safe in their home due to the attack, there may also be costs associated with relocation.
Non-economic losses can also play a big role in these cases. The physical and emotional pain of being assaulted can be terrible and long-lasting. While it cannot be measured objectively, it can serve as the basis for damages in a case. Other examples include loss of enjoyment of life or emotional distress.
Talk to our Attorney in L.A. About a Caregiver Sexual Abuse Claim
If your loved one experienced mistreatment at the hands of a person you entrusted them to, they may be entitled to compensation. While no amount of money can undo this trauma, it may provide the best path to justice against the abuser and those who allowed it to happen. Call today to discuss caregiver sexual abuse claims in Los Angeles.