Elder abuse typically refers to the knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a custodial care provider, caregiver, or any other person that causes harm to a vulnerable adult. Elder abuse often occurs at nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and senior communities, but it can also happen at hospitals and hospices.
The team at Walton Injury Law would like to go over some of the basics of elder abuse, the warning signs that it’s occurring, and what you can do to get your loved one to safety.
If you suspect that a loved one has been abused in a nursing home in Washington, Oregon or California, our lawyers are ready to help. To request a free and confidential consultation, contact our law firm today. You can also reach Walton Injury Law by phone at (866) 338-7079.
Different Types of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse can take different forms. The harm may be physical or emotional, or it may involve the exploitation of a vulnerable person’s resources. Whatever type of elder abuse someone experiences, it’s a dehumanizing and degrading experience.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse could involve assaults, restraints, shoving, and other kinds of physical mistreatment. This type of abuse can be severe given how vulnerable the elderly are to injuries and the frailty of a person’s body as they age.
Psychological Abuse
Psychological abuse could involve insults, name-calling, threats of physical abuse, and other forms of verbal harassment and belittlement. This form of abuse can also involve isolating a nursing home resident from others.
Neglect or Intentional Lack of Care
Neglect is a type of elder abuse wherein a caregiver fails or refuses to provide the elder with basic needs. This includes restricted access to water, food, shelter, heat/air-conditioning, personal hygiene products, daily medications, and medical assistance.
Sexual Assault and Misconduct
Residents of senior facilities may be sexually assaulted or experience other kinds of sexual misconduct. This means rape and other kinds of unwanted physical contact as well as sexual harassment and coercion to perform sexual acts.
Financial Exploitation
Financial exploitation may involve theft of money or belongings, manipulation of an elderly person to provide access to accounts, or intimidation of an elderly person into granting access to funds. Sometimes the financial exploitation of an elderly person leads to a non-relative getting power of attorney.
Common Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
Here are some of the most common warning signs of elder abuse:
- Bruises, open wounds, bedsores, or scars
- Stories about serious injuries
- Signs of restraint around the wrists or ankles
- Signs of weight loss or dehydration
- Signs of illness or infection
- Change in your loved one’s personality
- Emotional withdrawal, depression, or anxiety
- Rocking back and forth, thumbsucking, or other odd behavior
- Ripped clothes or torn undergarments
- Soiled bedding or clothing
- Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions
- Missing money or other belongings
Legal Protections for the Elderly Residents of Nursing Homes
In most states, anyone aged 65 and older is protected by the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act. The laws are designed to help prevent neglect and abuse to seniors.
All patients entering into a nursing home have the right to quality care and attention, regardless of their age or health. If those rights are denied (as in the form of neglect), elder abuse must be reported.
What to Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse in a California Nursing Home
If you notice any of the above signs of elder abuse at a nursing home or medical facility, we recommend the following steps:
- Take Your Loved One Out of the Harmful Environment: When you feel concern for your loved one’s safety and well-being, it’s imperative that you get them out of the dangerous environment as soon as possible.
- Notify Local Law Enforcement and State Authorities: Get in touch with local authorities to report what’s happened. You can also reach out to an Ombudsman or Adult Protective Services to report the abuse or neglect.
- Document the Mistreatment Your Loved One Experienced: Take photos, video, and record testimony of what your loved one experienced. Gather any relevant documents and make copies to help build a case and to provide information to authorities.
- Report What Happened to the Nursing Home Management: Let the management at the nursing home know what happened and that you have notified the proper authorities of the matter. This could help protect other residents at the facility.
- Speak with our Elder Abuse Lawyers: When you’re ready to discuss legal action and civil litigation, the team here at Walton Injury Law is ready to help.
How Walton Injury Law Can Help with Your Elder Abuse Case
If an elderly loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect, the team at Walton Injury Law can help seek compensation. The compensation sought can address the economic and non-economic damages associated with elder abuse. Damages could include:
- The cost of medical treatment and ongoing care
- The cost of counseling and therapy
- Financial losses due to theft or exploitation
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Lasting changes in quality of life
Why Choose Our Lawyers to Help with Your Case
Walton Injury Law is a boutique law firm dedicated to representing injured parties in the areas of personal injury, nursing home abuse and neglect and elder abuse. We only represent people, not insurance companies. We take pride in our reputation for obtaining full and fair compensation for our clients while providing personalized client service.
Here are a few reasons why people choose our lawyers for elder abuse cases:
- We Prepare Every Case for Trial: At Walton Injury Law, we don’t pressure you into quick settlements. If the insurance company won’t pay what your case is truly worth, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Free Legal Consultations: You should be able to speak with a legal professional without paying any fees. During a free consultation, you can share your story, and our attorneys can let you know what steps you can take next.
- Clients Don’t Pay Unless We Win: Walton Injury Law operates on a contingency fee basis. That means clients don’t pay unless we can secure a settlement or win damages in court. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. We’re in this together, and we’re prepared to fight for your dignity.
- Available to You 24/7: We know that emergencies and major concerns can arise at any time of the day. Our law firm takes messages 24/7, and our lawyers will get back to you as soon as we can.
Contact Our California, Oregon and Washington Elder Abuse Attorneys
We know you feel anger and frustration over what happened, and we’re here to help hold the people who harmed your loved one accountable. Don’t go it alone and do not delay. If somebody you know has been a victim of elder abuse, contact our law firm today. You can also reach Walton Injury Law by phone at (866) 338-7079.