Protecting Our Community’s Most Vulnerable Citizens
Dignity. Respect. Justice.
Del Mar is home to a vibrant community of seniors who have worked a lifetime to build their legacies, secure their assets, and enjoy their golden years in our beautiful coastal enclave. However, this accumulation of wealth and the increasing need for care make our elderly residents prime targets for exploitation.
Elder abuse is a profound betrayal. Whether it is a caregiver inflicting physical harm or a "trusted" advisor siphoning off funds, the impact is devastating. While we cannot erase the trauma your loved one has suffered, we can use the full weight of the civil justice system to hold abusers accountable and recover the financial stability they tried to steal.
Do not let them get away with it. Contact our Del Mar elder abuse legal team today for a confidential, urgent consultation.
Over $500,000,000 Won Over 25 years of experience
The Risk in Coastal North County
Del Mar and the surrounding affluent communities are experiencing a rapid demographic shift. As the "Baby Boomer" generation retires, the local senior population is swelling.
The "Wealth Effect": Del Mar seniors often control high-value real estate and significant retirement portfolios. This wealth unfortunately attracts predators—ranging from scammers to unethical family members or caregivers—seeking to manipulate vulnerable elders.
The Care Gap: As the population over 65 grows at double the rate of the general population, the demand for in-home caregivers and nursing facilities is skyrocketing. This strain can lead to staffing shortages, poor vetting of employees, and ultimately, neglect and abuse.
Identifying the Four Pillars of Abuse
Elder abuse is not always as obvious as a bruise. It is often a silent crime, hidden behind closed doors or buried in complex financial documents.
1. Financial Exploitation (Prevalent in Del Mar)This is the "crime of the 21st century" against seniors. It involves the illegal or unauthorized use of an elder’s funds or property.
Warning Signs: Sudden changes in wills or trusts, unexplained withdrawals, disappearance of jewelry/valuables, adding names to bank cards, or the sudden appearance of a "new friend" who isolates the senior.
2. Physical AbuseThe use of physical force that results in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment.
Warning Signs: Unexplained fractures, welts, or bruises (often on the arms/wrists from grabbing), broken glasses, or the caregiver refusing to let you see the elder alone.
3. Intentional NeglectThis occurs when a caregiver fails to fulfill their obligations. In nursing homes, this is often due to understaffing or corporate greed.
Warning Signs: Bedsores (pressure ulcers), severe dehydration, malnutrition, poor hygiene, unsanitary living conditions, or over-medicating the senior to keep them "quiet."
4. Psychological TormentInflicting mental anguish through non-verbal or verbal acts.
Warning Signs: The elder appears terrified, withdrawn, depressed, or exhibits "rocking" behaviors. The abuser may use threats of abandonment or institutionalization to control the victim.
Why You Need a Civil Attorney (Not Just the Police)
Many families assume that calling the police or Adult Protective Services (APS) is enough. While reporting to authorities is critical for immediate safety and potential criminal charges, the police do not recover your money.
A criminal conviction might put an abuser in jail, but it won't pay for your loved one's medical reconstruction, therapy, or restore the drained bank accounts.
A Del Mar Elder Abuse Lawyer acts as your financial sword and shield:
Civil Litigation: We file lawsuits to recover compensatory damages (for medical bills, stolen assets, and pain/suffering) and punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoer).
Asset Recovery: We have the forensic accounting tools to trace stolen funds and fight to reverse fraudulent property transfers.
Facility Liability: If a nursing home's negligence led to injury or death, we hold the corporate entity responsible, ensuring they change their policies so no one else gets hurt.
Take Action Immediately
If you suspect abuse, time is the enemy. Assets can disappear, and evidence of neglect can be cleaned up.
Step 1: Ensure the immediate physical safety of the elder. If in danger, call 911.Step 2: Report to the San Diego County Aging & Independence Services or local law enforcement.Step 3: Call our firm.
We act swiftly to investigate the claim, interview staff, review financial records, and secure the justice your family deserves.
Del Mar
Del Mar Personal Injury Attorneys for a free consultation call us (619) 752-2217
About Deon Goldschmidt