Elder abuse can take many forms. It may involve physical, emotional or financial exploitation.
Each county has an Adult Protective Services agency that investigates reports of abuse and neglect. They can help you find an elder abuse lawyer to represent your loved one.
Emotional or psychological abuse might include humiliation or threats of harm. Physical abuse might include restraining or hitting an elderly person.
Legal Advice
A lawyer can help a family member who suspects abuse take the right steps to protect their loved one. This could include removing the person from the setting where they’re being abused and working with law enforcement to get them into a safe place. They can also assist with filing a personal injury lawsuit against the perpetrator to recover compensation for their victim’s losses.
In addition to physical abuse, elders can be subjected to emotional/psychological abuse. This can include threats, intimidation, and humiliation. It can also include forcing an elderly person to undergo medical procedures that they didn’t consent to or aren’t even medically necessary.
The Office of the Attorney General takes elder exploitation and other crimes committed against vulnerable adults seriously. They regularly bring abusers to court to recover funds for victims, revoke their credentials, and secure civil penalties. They also provide education to District residents about common scams and red flags. This is because everyone deserves to enjoy their golden years in peace and comfort.
Counseling
Many older adults who have suffered abuse at the hands of a relative or caretaker are afraid to report it. They fear retaliation or are afraid they will not be believed. They may also believe that reporting the abuse will lead to a break-up of their family.
A vulnerable adult abuse lawyer can help victims find the courage to speak out. They can help with legal actions such as obtaining a protection order or litigating to regain misappropriated property. They can also work with law enforcement and the district attorney to pursue criminal charges against the perpetrators.
The exploitation of elders is an unfortunate reality in our society, and it must be addressed. Elder abuse can destroy the physical and mental health of a victim, ruin familial relationships, and cause financial loss. It can even lead to a victim’s death. Fortunately, increased awareness and increased legislation will lessen the incidence of this type of crime.
Education
Many older adults are unable to protect themselves or report abuse because they do not know their legal rights or the laws protecting them. This can make it difficult for an attorney to pursue the maximum compensation available to victims.
Most laws protecting vulnerable adults are at the state level and differ from one state to the next. This means an elder abuse lawyer has to have experience navigating the various nuances in state laws. In addition, some states require that professionals like doctors report suspicions of exploitation or physical abuse of older adult patients.
This includes financial exploitation, which is a growing concern for vulnerable adults as attackers use scams to steal money from unsuspecting victims. Often, the victim’s attackers are people they know and trust, but some cases involve strangers. Educating the public about the risks of financial exploitation is vital in helping victims receive justice. In addition, educating stakeholders from multiple sectors and disciplines about the prevention of and response to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation is crucial.
Support
Many seniors who are victims of abuse feel afraid to report the abuse. They may also fear retaliation from their abuser or believe that the mistreatment is their fault. Adult protective services can provide support groups and counseling to help abused elderly adults heal from emotional wounds.
Elder financial exploitation is a serious problem that often goes hand in-hand with other forms of abuse. This can include everything from forging signatures on checks to stealing money or property. It can even involve coercion, such as when a caretaker forces an elderly person to change their will or give away property under false pretenses.
An experienced attorney can help to protect the rights of vulnerable elders. They will understand the physical and mental struggles of aging allowing them to empathize with their clients. They will stay up-to-date on the latest knowledge and issues facing elders so they can offer the best legal advice. They can also assist with estate planning and drafting documents to protect an elderly individual’s interests.
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