do i need a lawyer if i was accused of verbally abusing a resident in the nursing home where i work

by Aglae Rosenbaum 4 min read

If you get nowhere with the facility administrator then I'd contact a good employment attorney. They have a minimum obligation to at least investigate and hopefully nurses prior did document the residents behavor with you. Make yourself a log of when and what the resident said to you if you remember.

Full Answer

What is verbal abuse in a nursing home?

Civil liabilities may be imposed on a person who intentionally or recklessly uses abusive or insulting language that causes mental distress to another person. Although the claim for damages from abusive or insulting language falls under the more general claim of intentional infliction of emotional distress, there are special rules that pertain ...

Is it illegal to abuse an elderly person in a facility?

Jan 17, 2011 · Jan 20, 2011 If you get nowhere with the facility administrator then I'd contact a good employment attorney. They have a minimum obligation to at least investigate and hopefully nurses prior did document the residents behavor with you. Make yourself a log of when and what the resident said to you if you remember.

Can a staff member abuse a patient verbally?

Jul 16, 2018 · According to an article an NPR affiliate in Detroit, a nursing home is being sued because several employees were verbally and physically abusing a resident. The family of the Mr. Hussein Younes is suing both theand its management company Ciena Heath Care. Hidden Camera Footage Shows Abuse The lawsuit is based off of disturbing hidden camera footage …

Do you need a criminal defense attorney for elder abuse charges?

Oct 11, 2017 · If you’re facing a criminal elder abuse charge, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney: For a case involving finances, you need a criminal defense attorney with a network of experts, such as forensic accountants.

Why is a nursing home being sued?

According to an article an NPR affiliate in Detroit, a nursing home is being sued because several employees were verbally and physically abusing a resident.

Did Autumnwood have video evidence of abuse?

In 2015, the family of Mr. Younes reportedly informed the facility of the abuse. Initially, they found no evidence to substantiate the family’s claims. According to Autumnwood’s attorney they had no idea there was video evidence of the abuse.

Why speak to an elder abuse attorney?

Why Speaking to an Elder Abuse Attorney Can Help. False charges of elder abuse are rising throughout the United States. A caregiver, financial adviser, family member, friend, conservator, or trustee can be accused of elder abuse. It’s important to mount a vigorous defense against any elder abuse charge. You can protect yourself if an elder, ...

How to defend against elder abuse?

That said, don’t assume that the truth is enough to defend yourself against a malicious charge of elder abuse. You need a strong legal defense. Never speak inappropriately about the accuser to others. Don’t say that he or she is crazy or demented.

What are the different types of elder abuse?

Types of Elder Abuse. There are many different types of elder abuse. Among the most common types include: Physical abuse involves the (non-accidental) use of force that results in an impairment, physical pain, or bodily injury to an elder. Physical abuse includes confinement, hitting/shoving, shaking, inappropriate drugs, ...

What is fiduciary abuse?

Fiduciary abuse (power of attorney, breach of trust) occurs when a person responsible for management of the elder’s assets uses his or her fiduciary power to access money or property in an illegal or unethical manner. Fiduciary abuse may be committed by a family member, financial adviser, or power of attorney.

What do you need to know about elder abuse?

For an elder abuse case alleging injury, you need a detail-oriented defense attorney who will thoroughly review medical records. Authorities might have failed to properly gather evidence—a knowledgeable defense attorney will argue that the evidence should be deemed inadmissible.

What is the law of Greg Tsioros?

The Law Office of Greg Tsioros will take action to protect you against false charges of elder abuse —whether you’re a friend, family member, fiduciary, trustee, or adviser.

What are the most common forms of elder abuse?

Ninety percent of the time, family members—not hired professionals—are reported for elder abuse. The most common types of elder abuse include: 1) physical abuse, 2) undue influence, 3) verbal-emotional abuse, 3) psychological-nonverbal abuse, 4) neglect, ...

What happens if an attorney shows you did not have the intent to deprive an elder of property?

If an attorney can show you did not have the intent to deprive an elder of property, you would not be guilty of theft or embezzlement. For example, you withdrew money from the elder’s account to buy her some clothes or fix a broken and dangerous sidewalk or repair an appliance. Perhaps you invested some of the elder’s money in an opportunity you ...

How long can you go to jail for a false elder abuse report?

In these states, the person making the false report can face jail time ranging from 90 days to five years, or face fines ranging from $500 to $5,000.

What are the elements of law in California?

Elements of law. Before you can be convicted of financial elder abuse, a prosecutor must prove that you stole or embezzled the elder’s money or other property. In California, there are a variety of defenses to senior fraud and financial abuse that a good criminal attorney could present on your behalf. The basic element in California law on theft is ...

Why do jealous family members accuse you of stealing money?

Perhaps you are a caregiver for an elderly person, and a jealous family member accuses you of stealing money or property because he is jealous that you are getting gifts from the elder or you are in her will.

What are the types of elder abuse?

Areas of fraud. There are many kinds of elder abuse, including those with criminal designs like consumer scams, credit card scams, door-to-door solicitation, funeral, and cemetery fraud, home repair fraud, Medicare fraud, living trust “mills,” and telemarketing or direct mail fraud. These are probably not the kinds of fraud you are being reported ...

How to fight false accusations against you?

Just as there are laws protecting the elderly, there are also laws protecting you from false accusations of abuse. Hiring an attorney is the best way to fight false accusations against you. You can find an attorney experienced in the area of elder responsibility that is involved.

What do you need to know about civil matters?

For civil matters, you will need an attorney who knows the specific area of law involved. Financial suits should involve a lawyer familiar with finance and accounting. Injury suits should have an attorney experienced in dealing with medical records and medical personnel.

Can you recover from elder abuse?

If you or someone you love has been verbally abused in an elder care facility, you may be entitled to recover. Our lawyers, serving Sacramento, Fairfield, Roseville, Elk Grove, Folsom, Fairfield and the Bay Area, offer legal representation to victims of verbal abuse. Contact our law firm today for a free case evaluation.

Is it illegal to abuse an elder?

Under both federal and state law, it is illegal to abuse an elder living in an elder care facility which is federally funded. These regulations make it illegal to physically, emotionally, financially, or verbally abuse an older individual.

What are the types of verbal abuse in nursing homes?

Some types of verbal abuse include: Yelling, screaming, and shouting. Threatening and intimidation.

What is the most common type of emotional abuse in nursing homes?

One of the most common types of emotional abuse suffered by the elderly is verbal abuse . Verbal abuse often occurs in nursing homes, and at least one in ten nursing home residents have experienced neglect and abuse. When an elderly person first moves to a nursing home, they may feel emotionally vulnerable because it is a big transition.

Why do people feel vulnerable in nursing homes?

When patients first enter a nursing home, they often feel more emotionally vulnerable, and the abuse by staff exacerbates this. Extreme emotional distress can eventually lead to health problems as the stress can weaken the patient’s immune system and make them more vulnerable to infection.

What happens if you eat too slowly in a nursing home?

In some nursing homes, patients who consistently eat too slowly are verbally abused and threatened with force feeding.

What should family members do before selecting a nursing home?

Before selecting a nursing home, family members should tour the nursing home as well as speak to staff. If possible, they should also try to speak to other patients and their families to get a better sense of the level of care.

What are the signs of verbal abuse?

However, there are some signs of verbal abuse such as: Withdrawal and depression. Low self esteem. Changes in personality and behavior. Agitation. Insomnia. Excessive fear and nervousness.

Why do elderly people feel vulnerable?

When an elderly person first moves to a nursing home, they may feel emotionally vulnerable because it is a big transition. In these moments, verbal abuse can be most destructive to their health and as harmful as physical abuse.

What to do if a lawyer refuses to help you?

If the lawyer refuses, get another one. If you must use a public defender, try to insist on one who will listen to your questions and return your phone calls. Public defenders are often underpaid and overworked, but many are dedicated and competent. Stay involved.

What to do if your lawyer feels it is possible to argue your case without doing so?

So, even if your lawyer feels it is possible to argue your case without doing so, demand that she call expert witnesses who can assess interviewing techniques or discuss human suggestibility or memory distortion. In addition, convictions are won by convincing juries that you are an evil and perverted person.

What to do if you are innocent?

If you are innocent, you have nothing to be ashamed of. It is important to contact friends and family members early in the process. Tell them what happened. People tend to form opinions quickly and take sides. Do not give a statement to the police without a lawyer present.

What happens if you don't go to prison?

Even if you spend no time in prison, you will most likely be put on a sex offender registry, where you will remain for years or even for life. The conditions of your parole will limit where you can live, affect your job and educational prospects, and your family life. Your movements will be limited.

Does innocence protect you?

Your innocence does not protect you. When innocent people are confronted with untrue, absurd allegations of child abuse, they frequently assume that this is a simple misunderstanding and that it will be cleared up quickly. They cooperate with police and try to explain. They have faith in our system of justice.

Can a guilty verdict send you to prison?

Don’t panic. Just before trial, it hits home for many people that a guilty verdict could send them to prison for many years. If offered a plea bargain, they accept it.

Is the media unpredictable?

The media are unpredictable. You are just as likely to get bad coverage as good. Sometimes it is best — for you, your family, and your case — to avoid publicity, and instead to negotiate behind the scenes. But there are times when publicity can save you.

David L. Carrier

Suck it up. You'll be old and cranky yourself someday. You may wish to consider that some people frequently speak to older folks as if they were little children, little idiot children, and address them in sing-song voices, etc. Think about the way you talk/interact with this person and ask yourself how you would respond...

Mary Katherine Brown

The staff does not have to deal with this resident unless they want to continue working at the nursing home. A big, and necessary part of the job of working with a nursing home population is giving care and attention to people even when it may be unpleasant to do so.

Christian K. Lassen II

Elderly patients can be very difficult, and the staff can always find new employment if it is intolerable.

Wrongfully Accused of Elder Abuse

  • Perhaps you are a caregiver for an elderly person, and a jealous family member accuses you of stealing money or property because he is jealous that you are getting gifts from the elder or you are in her will. Or perhaps an angry family member feels like you have too much control over the elder and her finances and wants to stop you from continuing. There are many scenarios where …
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Areas of Fraud

  • There are many kinds of elder abuse, including those with criminal designs like consumer scams, credit card scams, door-to-door solicitation, funeral, and cemetery fraud, home repair fraud, Medicare fraud, living trust “mills,” and telemarketing or direct mail fraud. These are probably not the kinds of fraud you are being reported for, but if you are a caregiver with broad responsibilitie…
See more on sfvbareferral.com

Elements of Law

  • Before you can be convicted of financial elder abuse, a prosecutor must prove that you stole or embezzled the elder’s money or other property. In California, there are a variety of defenses to senior fraud and financial abuse that a good criminal attorney could present on your behalf. The basic element in California law on theft is the intent. If an attorney can show you did not have th…
See more on sfvbareferral.com

Having Your Name Cleared

  • Finding the right attorney will help you clear your name. For criminal charges, you will need a criminal defense attorney. For civil matters, you will need an attorney who knows the specific area of law involved. Financial suits should involve a lawyer familiar with finance and accounting. Injury suits should have an attorney experienced in dealing with medical records and medical personn…
See more on sfvbareferral.com

Penalties For False Claims

  • Many states and the U.S. Virgin Islands impose penalties against any person who intentionally files a reporton elder abuse or other crimes that the person knows is false. In these states, the person making the false report can face jail time ranging from 90 days to five years, or face fines ranging from $500 to $5,000. In Florida, the most severe penalties exist. In addition to the maxi…
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