Elder Abuse Attorneys
From LoveToKnow Seniors
There are a number of situations in which a senior citizen or the family may need the services of elder abuse attorneys.
How Elder Abuse Attorneys Can Help
These lawyers assist in situations in which an older person has been physically injured or died as the result of abuse or neglect while residing in a nursing home.
Elder abuse attorneys would also be called in if there are suspicions that the senior has been abused or mistreated by someone entrusted with his or her care.
The number of case of abuse or neglect involving nursing homes is rising steadily. It has been estimated that abuse of residents, in the form of physical, psychological, sexual, or financial abuse, occurs in about one-third of nursing homes. Part of the problem is that a number of nursing homes do not have adequate numbers of staff to care for its residents properly.
Financial Abuse
Another situation that often requires the expertise of elder abuse attorneys is when a senior citizen is being financially exploited. This can be in the form of pressuring the elderly person into granting access to his or her assets. Other forms of financial abuse are:
- Forging someone's signature on a check.
- Stealing money.
- Forcing someone to sign a legal document, such as a will.
- The unethical use of a power of attorney.
Unfortunately, financial abuse of seniors is most often committed by family members and caregivers.
Emotional Abuse
It is quite common for financial abuse to be accompanied by psychological abuse. The abuser uses threats and/or name-calling to get the senior to give in his or her demands.
If the person who is being abusive is a family member, it would be especially difficult for the older person to report the crime to authorities due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
Signs of Elder Abuse
Be alert to the following signs which may be indicative of elder abuse:
- Physical injuries, such as bedsores, bruises, broken bones, cuts, etc.
- Changes in personality or behavior, which could be a sign of over-medication
- A sexually-transmitted disease, possibly due to sexual assault
- Friends and family members not able to visit with resident alone
- Unexplained withdrawals from resident's bank account
- Changes to a will or new power of attorney assigned
If you suspect elder abuse, contact an elder abuse attorney to get appropriate legal advice. Check the Yellow Pages for the name of a personal injury attorney near you, or contact the State Bar Association to ask for a referral.
A good way to find a lawyer is to ask another one. If you have a lawyer, ask him or her for the name of someone who can help you.
If You Are Being Abused
The first step is to tell someone that you trust about the abuse. This person could be a friend, family member, or caregiver.
The abuser is counting on the victim being unable or unwilling to report the incidents of abuse. If you feel that you are in danger, contact the police or your local law enforcement agency. Seniors who live in a nursing home can report incidents of abuse to the management; they have an obligation to investigate and take action in cases of abuse.
National Adult Protective Services Association
The National Adult Protective Services Association has offices in all 50 states. NAPSA investigates reported cases of abuse of seniors and disabled adults. This non-profit organization can also help vulnerable individuals gain access to housing, medical, and/or legal services, if necessary.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,118 times. This page was last modified 21:30, 19 June 2007.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
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