ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Financial Elder Abuse Often Unreported
A Growing Problem
Recent studies indicate that 1 in 5 seniors will become victims of financial elder abuse. The numbers are up dramatically from past research results and estimates are that financial elder abuse costs its victims a total of $36 billion in this country. Financial elder abuse attorneys at Evans Law Firm Inc. represent victims of financial elder abuse in San Francisco and throughout California against unscrupulous insurance agents and financial advisors, negligent annuity and life insurance companies, fraudulent caregivers and fiduciaries, greedy family members, and other scammers and con artists. If you or someone you love is a victim of financial elder abuse in San Francisco or elsewhere in California, call Evans Law Firm, Inc. today at 415-441-8669, and we may be able to help.
Watch Out For Scammers
Isolation of a senior really sets the stage for financial abuse. If you are a family member or loved one be sure to stay actively involved in the life of any senior living alone; even someone close to the senior may take advantage of the isolation. Check in frequently. Review bank accounts on a regular basis. Do a background check on any caregivers they may need. Keep valuables and important papers in a secure place. If the senior needs to move, carefully research any estate sales businesses and movers who may be required; there are movers and estate sales firms ready to take advantage of seniors. Scammers strike quickly so always be active in financial decisions affecting your loved one’s life and belongings. Don’t let them sign anything or pre-pay for services until you’ve had a chance to review everything with them.
Fortunately, California leads the nation in protecting seniors against financial elder abuse. California defines financial elder abuse broadly: any “taking” of a senior’s property (including money) for a “wrongful use” constitutes financial elder abuse. California law also affords enhanced remedies for victims, including extra damages, injunctive relief, and attorneys’ fees and costs. While we at Evans Law Firm always recommend you report financial elder abuse to law enforcement, those agencies may only secure restitution and will not represent you in getting all the additional relief California law allows.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one been the victim of financial elder abuse in San Francisco or elsewhere in California, contact the Evans Law Firm financial elder abuse attorneys at (415) 441-8669, or by email at <a href=”mailto:info@evanslaw.com”>info@evanslaw.com</a>. Our attorneys have experience with annuities and life insurance and other complex financial contracts. We have experience representing clients against large insurance companies. We can help guide your case through FINRA arbitration, discovery, a jury trial or toward an equitable settlement. We handle cases involving physical and financial elder abuse, qui tam and whistleblower law, nursing home abuse, whole life insurance and universal life insurance, and indexed, variable, and fixed annuities.
