Elder abuse is described as the mistreatment of an elderly person by someone known to the senior. This includes financial abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Elder Abuse happens everywhere − in poor, middle-class, and upper-income households. Family members, or close friends, of the senior, are often the culprits of financial, physical, and emotional abuse. Because of these close relationships, often makes discovery or disclosure of the abuse difficult.
An elder death investigation is an area of expertise in which few investigators have experience. Studies and research on elder abuse and elder death investigations have been limited until recently. There are very limited medical forensic guidelines to follow when investigating the death of an elderly victim.
Unfortunately, because of the lack of knowledge regarding elder abuse by law enforcement, doctors, medical examiners, and coroners, signs of potential elder abuse are most often overlooked or disregarded. I say disregarded because even professionals do not know the distinction between bruises and injuries that are due to natural aging and those caused by inflicted abuse.
Our investigators conduct a comprehensive background investigation, which will frequently reveal a criminal history, shady business dealings, bankruptcy, or a history of exaggerated or bogus lawsuits filed for financial gain. Many witnesses fail to testify truthfully about such matters in legal discovery and depositions. By conducting a complete background investigation, you keep the claimant honest and frequently discredit his or her testimony. The civil background check may also expose prior lawsuits revealing undisclosed pre-existing injuries.
If you suspect any family member may be the victim of financial abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect, we may be able to help. Please contact us today, at (213) 204-2663 for elder abuse investigations in Los Angeles.