California Elder Abuse Penalties Increased

California nursing home abuse home lawyers will welcome new laws increasing penalties for elder abuse, that were signed last month.

In August, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill that increases elder abuse penalties in the state, effective from January 1st, 2010. The bill that was introduced by state Senator Jenny Oropeza D-Long Beach, will increase fines to $10,000 for those found guilty of placing elders or a dependent adult in situations where there is likely to be grave bodily injury or death. Currently, the fine for this is $6,000. The new law will also increase fines for those who are found guilty of placing an elder or dependent adult in dangerous situations that are not likely to cause death or seriously body injury. The current fine for these violations is $2,000. The bill, SB18, aims to protect elders from abuse, but there is no change in the sentencing guideline for abusers who face imprisonment for their actions

Senator Oropeza released a statement, praising the signing of the bill. According to her, out of 5 million recent cases of elder abuse, 84 percent were not reported.

Elder abuse or nursing home abuse continues to be one of the most shameful acts committed against some of the most vulnerable members of our society. For the millions of Americans who make the heart wrenching decision to place a loved one in a nursing home, it can be shocking to learn that their family members have been hurt or threatened while under the care of others. Unfortunately, very often elders may be at the mercy of incompetent, unprofessional and untrained staff.

Many times, California elder abuse lawyers see that nursing home abuse is the result of psychotic staff members or managers. Earlier this month, a trial involved three members of a Bakersfield nursing home who were charged with forcibly and unnecessarily drugging residents. The nursing director of the facility apparently gave orders to medicate residents, in an attempt to control them easily. Many of these residents suffered from Alzheimer's Disease. At least three residents died from being administered psychotropic medications that they had no need for. Other residents suffered serious side effects like weight loss and tremors.

The cases of elder abuse that do end up before California elder abuse lawyers are actually just the tip of the iceberg. A vast majority of these incidents go unreported. Many times, residents are too old or too sick to let their loved ones know the truth about the kind of abuse they have been suffering. When family members do question bruises, staff members may blame these on falls or other reasons. Often, by the time the family realizes that their loved one has been abused, the resident has been severely hurt or injured.

Nursing home abuse lawyers are pleased that fines for these violations have been raised. It is a small step, but when it comes to protecting elders from abuse, any improvements are highly welcome.