Last Updated: March 12, 2026
Elder Abuse Lawyers serving all of Sonoma County
Elder Abuse in California
Elder Abuse Isn’t Just Physical
Elder abuse can be filed under criminal or civil law, or both. In cases where a person knowingly lets an elder suffer, or inflicts intentional physical or mental pain, the case will be considered criminal. Civil law defines any form of abuse, including:
- Abandonment – deserting an elder
- Abduction – removing an elder without his or her consent
- Financial abuse – illegal or unethical use of an elder’s funds or assets
- Isolation – intentionally preventing an elder from receiving phone calls, mail, or visitors
- Mental suffering – inflicting fear, agitation, or any other emotional suffering on an elder
- Neglect – failing to fulfill an elder’s basic needs of care, food, comfort, hygiene, shelter, etc.
- Physical abuse – Inflicting physical pain or injury of any sort upon and elder
Criminal misdemeanor cases can result in up to one year in jail and thousands of dollars in fines. Felony offenders can be sentenced for up to four years in prison. California takes elder abuse seriously, as it should. Our elderly loved ones deserve a good quality of life and to be taken care of with compassion. Anyone caring for an elderly person and not fulfilling his or her duty of reasonable care should be reported.
Why Choose North Bay Legal for Your Elder Abuse Case?
At North Bay Legal, we are deeply committed to protecting the rights and dignity of elderly individuals in Santa Rosa. Elder abuse—whether physical, emotional, financial, or due to neglect—is a serious violation of trust. Our lead attorney, Michael C. Li, brings decades of legal experience to help families hold negligent caregivers and institutions accountable. Here’s why our firm is a trusted advocate in these sensitive cases:
- Decades of Experience: Michael C. Li, a UC Hastings graduate, has a proven track record representing vulnerable individuals and families in personal injury and abuse cases.
- Direct and Compassionate Advocacy: You’ll work one-on-one with Michael, who treats every client with the care, respect, and urgency they deserve.
- No Legal Fees Unless We Win: We handle elder abuse cases on a contingency-fee basis—meaning your family pays nothing unless we recover compensation.
- Familiar with Local Facilities: With deep roots in Sonoma County, we know the nursing homes, assisted living centers, and legal systems that play a role in elder care and accountability.
- Fighting for Justice: We’ve helped families recover damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma caused by neglect or abuse.
Contact us today for a private consultation. We’re here to protect your loved one’s rights and restore their dignity.
Meet Our Lead Attorney: Michael C. Li
- Graduate of University of California, Berkeley (1972) and UC Hastings College of the Law (1975).
- Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocate Forum, AAJ, and CAALA.
- Admitted to the California State Bar in 1976.
With Michael’s experience and dedication, North Bay Legal is here to help your family seek justice and protect your loved one from further harm.
Negligence, Compensation, and Pressing Criminal Charges
Because elder abuse is both a civil and criminal offense, make certain you have a competent Santa Rosa elder abuse attorney to guide you in the event that a loved one has suffered from elder abuse. Not only can you press charges, but you can recover financial damages.
Under the Elder Abuse Act, you can sue the abuser even if your elderly loved one has died. The act allows the ability to sue to be transferred to a successor and to maintain legal action as if the elder was still alive. You will be expected to prove negligence on the other person’s part. Any of the types of abuse mentioned earlier in this post would constitute as negligence.
You can receive compensation for a number of damages in an elder abuse case. You may be able to recover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and quite possibly punitive damages in the unfortunate event that you or a loved one has suffered physical injury. If money was stolen or used illegally, you will be able to sue for the money that was exploited. Additionally, you can collect any damages associated with emotional and mental suffering as a result of the abuse.
Reviews – What Families Say About Our Santa Rosa Elder Abuse Lawyer
Attorney Michael C. Li is highly rated for his compassionate, results-driven approach to elder abuse cases.
Read more client testimonials to see why families throughout Santa Rosa rely on us during their most vulnerable moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as elder abuse in California?
Elder abuse in California includes more than just physical harm. It can involve neglect, emotional or mental abuse, financial exploitation, abandonment, isolation, or removing an elder from their home without consent. Any caregiver, facility, or individual who fails to provide proper care or intentionally causes harm to a person aged 65 or older may be legally responsible under California elder abuse laws.
To learn more about what qualifies as elder abuse in California, click here.
What are common signs of elder abuse or neglect?
Warning signs may include unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behavior, poor hygiene, malnutrition, withdrawal from family or friends, missing money or assets, or fear around caregivers. If you notice these signs in a loved one living in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or under the care of another person, it may indicate abuse or neglect that should be investigated.
To learn common signs of elder abuse or neglect, click here.
Can families file a lawsuit for elder abuse in California?
Yes. Families may pursue a civil lawsuit against individuals or facilities responsible for elder abuse. In some situations, legal action can still be taken even if the elderly victim has passed away, as the right to pursue the claim can transfer to a family member or successor under California’s Elder Abuse Act.
To learn more about filing and elder abuse lawsuit for your family member in California, click here.
What compensation can be recovered in an elder abuse case?
Victims and their families may recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, financial losses, and other damages caused by abuse or neglect. In serious cases involving intentional wrongdoing or severe negligence, courts may also award punitive damages to hold the responsible party accountable.
Learn more about compensation for elder abuse cases here.
Contact Santa Rosa Elder Abuse Attorneys in Sonoma County
Contact North Bay Legal as soon as possible to find help for you or your loved one that has suffered elder abuse. We fight aggressively on behalf of victims of elder abuse. We believe everyone has the right to a clean, safe, and comfortable place to live. We represent clients in Santa Rosa and all the surrounding counties in the North Bay. We treat all of our clients with deep compassion and respect. Contact us today to begin building your case, and get the money you deserve. We want to help you get your life back on track.
