As a society, we have an obligation to prevent harm to those who are vulnerable to abuse. For the most part, we meet these obligations and limit harm as best we can, but there are still situations where harm occurs. For the elderly, problems of abuse often go overlooked and all too often, they go unreported. People need to be aware of the problem of elder abuse and when abuse does occur, justice needs to be available to those affected.
At Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys, APC, we understand the sensitive nature of elder abuse and we will fight to help victims obtain justice. Our Hollywood elder abuse attorneys are ready to work your case for elder abuse and we will do everything that we can to make sure that the situation is put right.
What is elder abuse?
In a legal sense, elder abuse is actually broad term that covers a variety of different crimes and abuses that may be inflicted upon and elder individual. It could be neglect or physical abuse at the hands of nursing home staff, it could be some level of financial fraud or deception and it could be a family member spending your savings without your knowledge. All of this and more fits under the category of elder abuse. To sum it up, elder abuse is any act where a person abuses, neglects or exploits a vulnerable senior adult. If you believe that your claims fit this description, it is recommended that you report the crime to the authorities and you might want to consider talking to a personal injury lawyer.
What to do if you suspect elder abuse
If you suspect that an elderly person is being abused in any way, you need to contact local law enforcement or report the crime to Adult Protective Services. In many cases, as with financial exploitation, the victim may not even realize that they are being abused or that they have any legal options to remedy the situation. This is why people that witness or suspect these crimes need to take it upon themselves to prevent further abuse. Depending on your relationship to the victim and the position of trust that you may be in, it can even be a crime to allow elder abuse to go unreported.
For more information about what you can do to prevent elder abuse, read this guide from the California Department of Justice entitled, A Citizen’s Guide to Preventing & Reporting Elder Abuse.
How Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys, APC can help
Whether the abuse is physical, psychological or financial, elder abuse is a very serious crime that we should all take steps to prevent. Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys, APC has a skilled team of lawyers that is dedicated to getting justice for the victims of elder abuse. Contact use today for a consultation with a Hollywood elder abuse attorney and we will fight on your side against those who have caused you harm and loss.