Elder abuse litigation is one of the areas of expertise of Marino & Tye LLP. Working with one of our Escondido elder abuse attorneys means getting a team of experts with decades of combined experience in this field of legal practice.
According to a recent study, 10% of adults aged 60 and older are the most vulnerable to abuse by caretakers, family members, and even total strangers. We understand the amount of anguish that one feels after discovering that their parent or friend is experiencing abuse. As a dedicated team of elder abuse attorneys, we have worked with clients on a wide array of complaints. We have sought justice for victims of abuse, carelessness, and everything in between. We can help bring charges against the perpetrator.
Contact Marino & Tye LLP at (760) 741-7643 or email us at jtye@marinoandtye.com today for a free case consultation if you suspect your loved one is a victim of abuse.
How An Escondido Elder Abuse Attorney Can Help
Elder law lawyers are advocates for the elderly and their loved ones. At Marino & Tye LLP, we handle a wide range of legal matters affecting older individuals, including issues related to nursing home abuse, financial abuse, elder fraud, abuse by home healthcare aides, as well as personal injury related to abuses. We also handle healthcare and long-term care planning.
What Is Elder Abuse?
As per definition, elder abuse is any physical, psychological, or sexual abuse committed against a senior citizen, with some cases even result in death. Recent data indicate that elder abuse is, more often, committed by someone who oversees their care. In the United States alone, more than half a million reports of elder abuse reach authorities every year. And what is more unfortunate is that many cases go unreported.
Abuse of the elderly can also happen in institutional settings. We often receive incident reports arising from long-term care centers, nursing homes, and skilled nursing centers. In these settings, elders experience harm when loved ones are not around.
Elders can also be abused at home by family members, such as by spouses or adult children.
Signs Of Elder Abuse
The physical and psychological effects of senior abuse will vary. Some are quite obvious, while others are subtle. Family members and friends should be on the lookout for any unexplained injuries or conditions that linger for an extended period.
Physical signs of elder abuse may include:
- Bedsores
- Consistent physical pain and discomfort
- Dental issues
- Head injuries
- Nutrition and hydration concerns
- Sleep disruptions
- Welts, bruises, and cuts
- Worsening of pre-existing health conditions
Psychological signs of elder abuse may include:
- A dramatic change in sleeping or eating habits
- A feeling of helplessness or hopelessness
- Confusion or contradictory statements
- High levels of distress and anxiety
- Signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Withdrawal or increasing depression
How To Recognize and Prevent Elder Abuse
It can be challenging to recognize the signs of elder abuse as some can be confused for symptoms of dementia or a senior’s frailty. Many of the signs and symptoms of elder neglect and abuse do overlap with symptoms of mental stress. Thus, it is crucial to be aware and involved, so you can prevent elder neglect and abuse from occurring in the first place.
As a caregiver or loved one, the following actions can help prevent elder neglect and abuse:
- Visit as often as you can, at random times.
- Hold the facility and caretaker accountable; monitor that staff is sufficient and attentive.
- Monitor the elder’s medications to ensure he/she takes them according to the prescription from the doctor
- Ask the elder if you can monitor their checking account and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions
- Talk to an elder abuse attorney as soon as possible if you suspect that abuse is committed to an elder
How To Report Elder Abuse
If you suspect harm of a senior, you should call an attorney who specializes in elder law as soon as possible to get help with the reporting process. Here at Marino & Tye LLP, for instance, we will help you navigate the bureaucracy of filing a complaint with the local police department and protective services, as well as provide support for you during the investigation. We will ensure the rights of your elder loved one and that you have legal protection throughout the entire process.
Work With Marino & Tye LLP
At Marino & Tye LLP, we understand cases of elder abuse are not only a traumatic experience for the elderly themselves but also for their loved ones. That is why, when you seek help for legal remedies from us, we will do our best to put an end to elder abuse and recoup all damages associated with such treatment. If you strongly suspect that a loved one is experiencing abuse, or if you have already discovered evidence of abuse, taking a proactive approach will help steer you to the path of justice. Our elder abuse attorneys have been helping senior citizens who have been abused by caretakers at home and in facilities. If your loved one experiences abuse, we step in to hold at-fault parties accountable.
Contact Marino & Tye LLP at (760) 741-7643 or email us at jtye@marinoandtye.com today for a free case consultation if you suspect your loved one is a victim of abuse.