Elder Abuse And Personal Injury Claims

Has an elderly loved one suffered abuse or neglect at the hands of an uncaring, devious, or heartless individual?  Whether it’s a family member, paid caregiver, or medical professional, seeing an adored grandparent, parent, aunt, or uncle suffering due to the cruelty of another is unthinkable.  In addition to criminal charges, such individuals may face civil charges in order to exact financial remuneration to address medical costs, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and more.

What is Elder Abuse? 

Elder abuse: it can happen anywhere– at home, in a care facility, or maybe in the home of a neighbor.  This type of abuse comes in many forms, and whether it occurs once or repeatedly, it is intolerable. When vulnerable loved ones suffer at the hands of these monsters, it is literally a violation of human rights.  What are some examples of the types of abuse that occur every day?

• Physical: In addition to hitting, slapping, pinching, and so forth, this type of abuse includes unnecessary restraint, improper use of medications, and the failure to properly nourish, clean, and care for seniors.
• Psychological: Harassing, threatening, name-calling, humiliating, and isolating are all forms of emotional harm being inflicted on the elderly.
• Sexual: Non-consensual sexual activity of any kind, including with elderly dementia patients who are unable to consent, is a form of abuse.
• Financial: Exploiting the elderly in an attempt to get them to change their will, share bank account numbers, provide predator loans, or otherwise defraud is also abuse.

What to Look For 

How do you know if your loved one is being abused? While not every bruise is a sign of being clobbered, and not every change in behavior is proof of abuse, be alert and look for these symptoms:

• Unusual bruising, sores, and weight loss, or poor hygiene/sanitation;
• A personality change that includes anxiety, sleep issues, withdrawal, lack of interest in hobbies, and a sense of isolation;
• Unpaid bills stacking up, new names on financial documents and accounts, and significant changes in spending patterns.

Trust Your Gut 

If you have a strong feeling that something is amiss, investigate!  While it’s possible your loved one is simply experiencing declining health or issues associated with aging, it’s important to rule out abuse.  And while a criminal trial can put a perpetrator behind bars, a civil trial can recoup money to pay for therapies and other issues associated with the abuse of your loved one.

Get the Legal Help You Need 

At the Law Office of Hasson D. Barnes, our experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyers are prepared to fight for justice on behalf of those injured by careless or wicked individuals who harm our most vulnerable adults. To discuss the possibilities, schedule a confidential consultation in our office today.