There are hundreds of thousands of cases of elder abuse and neglect occurring every year. This is a serious concern for many reasons – particularly because elderly nursing home residents may not be willing to speak up to report abuse or may not even realize it is occurring. It can also be difficult for their families to identify signs of abuse or neglect.
If you or a loved one have become a victim of elder abuse or neglect, it’s important to speak with a Sacramento elder abuse attorney at the Peck Law Group right away to learn about the actions you can take to hold the abuser(s) accountable.
The Peck Law Group has over 55 years of combined experience in fighting for seniors that have been abused or neglected.
Call 866-999-9085 today to receive a free case evaluation with one of our experienced attorneys.
Every state has enacted laws to help protect elders from abuse. These laws can be complex and difficult to understand, so it is a good idea to speak with an experienced attorney to help you understand what steps you should take to help your loved one who may be suffering from abuse or neglect.
Elder abuse and neglect is a sad reality that no one really wants to think about.
Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities are trusted by millions across the United States every day to care for their elderly loved ones who are unable to live independently. Unfortunately, this trust is violated more often than reported.
It is important to be aware of the signs and indicators of elder abuse and neglect, so that you can help a loved one suffering from this type of abuse if it is occurring.
Below is a list of the most common types of elder abuse to help you identify it before it becomes too late:
Financial Exploitation: Elders can be exploited financially when someone who has access to their personal information (typically a caregiver) takes advantage of the individual’s finances by stealing money or property.
Neglect: Neglect in this instance refers to the absence of necessary care. An elder is suffering from neglect when their caregiver or nursing home facility does not provide them with medication they need. Another type of neglect is a caregiver withholding basic needs, such as food, water, and shelter.
Abuse: There are many different forms of abuse that elders may be subjected to. These types are broken down further below.
It is vital for you to recognize the signs and indicators of elder abuse and neglect if you have any family members or other loved ones who are elderly. With the tools to assess whether elder abuse or neglect is occurring, you may be able to report it in time to spare an elder physical and emotional trauma. Your swift action may even save a life.
If you have concerns that someone you know might be experiencing elder abuse or neglect, call toll free 866-999-9085 to speak with a Sacramento elder abuse lawyer at the Peck Law Group today.
Our attorneys are experienced in elder law and may be able to help you pursue compensation.
The United States has an aging population, meaning there is an increasingly disproportionate ratio of older people to younger people. This is significant and relevant when considering the topic of elder abuse because more elderly people will be patients in nursing homes than ever before.
About 5 million Americans that are over the age of 60 become victims of elder abuse every year, and this number is expected to increase as the population ages.
Reporting these instances of elder abuse is crucial to reduce the number of people becoming victims. Unfortunately, the proportion of cases reported is minuscule to the estimated unreported cases.
One study by The National Council on Aging suggests that only one out of every twenty-four cases are properly reported.
Elder abuse encompasses a wide range of mistreatment, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and fraud. Each involves different actions and warning signs, but all of them constitute “a violation of human rights.”
If you suspect elder abuse in Sacramento, here are some tell-tail signs to look out for:
• External injury, such as cuts, burns, scrapes, bruises.
• Internal injury, such as dislocation, bone fracture/breaks.
• Injuries from neglect, such as choking or suffocation injuries.
• Changes in personality and mood, including depression, agitation, detachment, and irritability.
• Changes in speech.
• Onset of PTSD symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, and severe anxiety.
• Poor personal hygiene.
• Formation of bed sores.
• Dehydration and malnutrition.
• Dirty clothing, bedding, or living spaces.
• Undiagnosed or untreated illnesses.
• Incorrectly diagnosed or treated illness.
• Difficulty walking and sitting.
• Pelvic injury or genital and thigh bruising.
• Development of an STD.
• Torn or bloody clothing and underwear.
• Changes in sexual activity and behavior.
• Signs of emotional abuse.
• Missing possessions, especially valuables.
• Duplicate bills and charges.
• Unexplained or fraudulent billing, withdrawals, purchases, and checks.
• Identity theft.
Knowing and recognizing signs of elder abuse and neglect is the first step to ensuring the safety of elderly individuals.
According to the National Council on Aging, victims of elder abuse have a 300% increase risk of death – therefore familiarizing yourself and looking out for signs of abuse is more crucial than ever.
The Peck Law Group’s team of elder abuse attorneys will use their 55+ years of combined experience to ensure you and your loved one’s legal rights are protected.
Elder abuse cases can be complex. Having an experienced elder abuse attorney by your side will ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation available for your injuries and prevent similar events from happening to others in the future.
The Peck Law Group will guide you through the process and even provide resources for support, counseling, and physical therapy if needed.
Speak with a Sacramento elder abuse attorney at the Peck Law Group today to learn more about how we can help you by calling toll free 866-999-9085. We work on a contingency basis, meaning there is never any fee unless you win.
With multiple offices throughout California, The Peck Law Group’s elder abuse attorneys can you assist you with your case anywhere in the state including (but not limited to):
The Peck Law Group stays up to date and in touch with the legal community through various memberships and affiliations.
