Have you ever stopped to reflect on who could really hurt an elderly person? Should a caretaker say harmful or harsh words or slap an elderly person? The answer should be a resounding NO! What if this comes from a family member? It is even worse. However, in most cases, injury to an elderly person comes from a caretaker and that is when the family needs to contact a personal injury lawyer for elderly abuse representation.
The aggression
Keep in mind that aggression is not always physical. Elder abuse can instead be verbal, sexual, psychological, or emotional.
Aggression can occur through abandonment, lack of respect, negligence, or compromise. It can happen anywhere and be triggered by anyone, whether in the family context or a long-term institution, or a hospital.
There is no longer the view that abuses happened when the elderly person is institutionalized, that is, taken to a “nursing home.” Currently, this reality is no longer only within institutionalized walls; now it reaches into homes too. Unfortunately, the executioners are often people known to the elderly or trusted by the elderly person.
Broken trust and working with a lawyer for elderly abuse
What to do in a circumstance like this, when there is no longer trust? When taking care of the elderly, it is important to be attentive and offer any assistance needed to care for the person.
If you suspect that a caretaker was abusive toward your elderly mom or dad, you should direct the case to a personal injury lawyer. This professional will know what evidence to collect and how to pursue the matter legally.
What are the signs of abuse against the elderly?
Identifying that an elderly person is really a victim of abuse is not always simple or easy. It is necessary to observe the behavior of the elderly person and the possible aggressors carefully.
That is, in addition to being quick to make arrangements so that the situation does not get worse. And seek out a personal injury lawyer for elderly abuse representation, if it gets out of hand.
Violence does not only occur physically, either. Emotional abuse and verbal abuse are also examples of mistreatment.
Blackmail and threats, for example, are types of aggression that leave no physical marks. They, therefore, can be hidden for a long time.
What to do when identifying abuse against the elderly?
First, move the elderly person away from the aggressor and make clear your support for the victim. Mistreatment can occur anywhere.
With that in mind, you should be alert and quick to notice any forms of weight loss, lack of appetite, poor hygiene, bruising of the skin, and changes in behavior and mood.
Therefore, it is important to report the situation to a personal injury lawyer. Also, direct the elderly person to a safe place as soon as possible.
The lawyer for elderly abuse representation will tell you exactly how to proceed. Once you have proof, there should be a way to move forward with a lawsuit.
With a dedicated attorney, you can ensure that your elderly family member receives the right representation against abuse. That applies to whether they are in a nursing home or in the home.
Don’t wait until things get out of hand. Contact a personal injury lawyer now to start the consultation process.