Wagoner Elder Abuse Attorneys
According to the American Psychological Association, every year, over 4 million older Americans are victims of physical, psychological, and other
forms of abuse and neglect or other personal injury. With such alarming statistics, individuals are taking action on behalf of their elderly loved ones to get them the legal help they need. Unfortunately, several nursing home facilities are notorious for taking advantage of elderly citizens and financially, mentally, or emotionally abusing them. Therefore, if you or a loved one has been a victim, contact our elder abuse attorneys for a consultation.
What is Elder Abuse?
Under most state laws, elder abuse can result in criminal and civil liability. Civil liability encompasses physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction, isolation, or any treatment resulting in physical harm, pain, or mental suffering. Criminal abuse occurs when an elderly person is the subject of a financial scam, physical neglect, or deadly brutality. People who commit the crime of elder abuse are often related to or responsible for the elderly individual whom they harm.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse occurs when an elderly person is kicked, slapped, punched, or injured with an object or weapon by another person.
Neglect
Elder abuse neglect usually occurs when a person in care of an elderly does not take the reasonable action required to meet the need of the elderly individual. It also includes not providing the appropriate shelter, clothing, food, medication, or health care treatment to the elderly person.
Mental Abuse
If someone humiliates, insults, intimidates, or intentionally frightens an elderly person to cause harm, then he/she can be charged with mental abuse of an elderly person. In some circumstances, extreme cases of mental abuse can result in criminal punishment.
Where Does Elder Abuse Commonly Occur?
In most cases, elder abuse occurs in either communal or clinical settings. Most repetitive concerns then, involve untreated wounds, meager medical attention, nutrition deficiencies, and crude hygiene and sanitation circumstances. Statistically, reports of abuse increase every year and expects exponential growth.
Signs of Elder Abuse in Oklahoma
Signs of elder abuse may not be recognizable at first glance. Furthermore, the situation can go unnoticed. For example, someone may think that the elderly person reporting the abuse has finally given in to disease or age restrictions that allow them to make false accusations. Fortunately, there are ways to identify abuse by looking for the following signs and symptoms:
Physical Abuse
- New wounds or markings on the skin
- Broken belongings
- Staff members that linger when visiting an elderly resident or refuse to allow visitation
Verbal Abuse
- Timid or fearful around certain staff members
- Unusual emotional rage or depression
Neglect
- Sudden weight loss
- Untreated wounds and crude hygiene
- Not bathed and poorly dressed
Financial Abuse
- Large withdrawals from accounts
- Missing cash
- Unnecessary transactions for services the elderly individual would not require
How to Report Signs of Elder Abuse:
You can contact a local, state, or federal agency that investigates elder abuse claims. Our elder abuse attorneys can also look into the matter for you and provide legal representation on suing on parties responsible for any abuse you may have incurred, or your loved one.
Contact an Elder Abuse Attorney in Wagoner County
In some circumstances, a restraining order may need to be obtained against the offending party in order to fully protect yourself or your loved one. The injury attorneys at Kania Lawys Wagoner Attorneys Law Office can help you obtains damages against the abuser and prevent im/her from abusing anyone else. In some circumstances, civil liability and criminal charges may file against the abuser. Contact Wagoner us today for a consultation about your case and the best legal options for you to pursue.
