how lawyer can help prevent elder abuse

Having a wills and estate attorney helps you create vital documents such as powers of attorney, an advance directive, a will and tools like trusts can help prevent elder abuse and ensure that your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes. Anyone Can Be a Victim of Undue Influence or a Scam

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What is elder abuse and how can you prevent it?

Oct 27, 2020 · If you or a loved one is approaching senior status, there are ways in which we – as your lawyer – can help. To some extent, financial elder abuse can be prevented more easily than other forms of abuse. But you must get your ducks in a row! We have helped countless clients protect the assets they worked hard to earn over their lifetimes.

Is elder abuse a problem in the US?

You have rights. Our Georgia elder abuse lawyers can fight for them. Make sure you take your nursing home abuse or neglect concerns seriously right from the start. The longer you wait to take legal action, the more your loved one may suffer. Also, the evidence needed to build a strong legal case can disappear over time if you wait too long to report the abuse or neglect.

What are the effects of physical abuse on the elderly?

Nov 20, 2020 · If you suspect that an older loved one might be the victim of elder abuse, you should not look the other way. Most abuse happens to seniors who are vulnerable. A California elder law attorney can help you address the problem and explain how to prevent elder abuse. Elder abuse can include: Physical abuse; Sexual abuse; Psychological or emotional abuse

What is financial abuse of an elder?

An attorney can help victims of elder abuse and their families by: Determining if they qualify for an elder abuse lawsuit Gathering all the necessary evidence (medical records, witness statements, etc.) to build and prove their case Filing the claim on time, within their state’s statute of ...

How much does an elder abuse lawyer cost?

There are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs to hiring an elder abuse lawyer with Sokolove Law. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means we o...

What does an elder abuse attorney handle?

An elder abuse attorney can determine if you qualify for an elder abuse lawsuit, collect the evidence you need to prove the abuse occurred, file al...

Who hires an elder abuse attorney?

Typically a family member, spouse, or friend of the abused older adult will hire an elder abuse attorney to file a lawsuit on behalf of their loved...

Can a lawyer help prevent elder abuse?

Every case is unique, and there are no guarantees. However, an elder abuse lawsuit may be able to help prevent elder abuse by holding abusers accou...

Will I be able to reach my elder abuse lawyer when I need to?

At Sokolove Law, our compassionate, attentive legal teams emphasize communication, clarity, and prompt responses to client questions. Our attorneys...

Why Contact an Elder Abuse Lawyer

If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of elder abuse in a care facility, you should contact an elder abuse attorney who may be able to help you hold the abuser accountable.

How an Elder Abuse Attorney Can Help

Experienced elder abuse attorneys can handle the legal process from start to finish.

What to Look for in an Elder Abuse Law Firm

Once you decide to file an elder abuse lawsuit, you should hire a law firm with the experience, resources, and qualifications to maximize your recovery.

Find an Elder Abuse Lawyer Near You

Sokolove Law is a national law firm with a licensed attorney in almost every state. That means we can file an elder abuse lawsuit nationwide.

Elder Abuse Lawyer FAQs

There are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs to hiring an elder abuse lawyer with Sokolove Law. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means we only get paid if we successfully resolve your case via a settlement or jury award.

How long is elder abuse in South Carolina?

Under South Carolina Code of Laws section 43-35-85, any person who abuses an elderly adult is guilty of a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. If the abuse results in great physical injury, the perpetrator may face 15 years in jail. If the abuse results in death, the perpetrator can face 30 years in prison.

What to do if someone is staying in a nursing home?

If something doesn’t look right or you are uncomfortable with a care provider or facility, move on to a different option. If you do notice something that is not right, report it to the proper authorities. Even if you choose another care option, your diligence can help prevent someone else’s loved one from being abused.

Why do elderly people go unreported?

Sadly, one of the primary reasons that elder abuse goes unreported is social isolation. When an elderly person feels alone, they may feel ashamed and worried about reporting the abuse. One of the best things that you can do to prevent an elderly family member from being abused is maintaining your relationship with them. Even if you don’t live close to your elderly family member, frequent phone calls can help them feel like they have support. Knowing that someone they trust and love is available can make it easier for a senior to feel comfortable reporting abuse.

How to tell if someone is being abused?

Recognizing abuse is one of the key steps to preventing further abuse. Frequent visits can help you notice if there are changes to your family member’s appearance or demeanor. Common signs of abuse that you should watch for include: 1 Unexplained bruises or broken bones 2 Bedsores 3 Social withdrawal 4 Weight loss 5 Unexplained health issues 6 Depression 7 Anxiety 8 Changes in financial affairs

Can you get compensation for being abused?

Nobody deserves to live in fear or pain. If someone you care about has been abused, they may be eligible for compensation. Speak with a firm with experience dealing with elder abuse and nursing home neglect—someone who takes elder abuse seriously, who will handle your case with compassion and help you understand your rights moving forward.

Creating a Trust

A Trust is a legal document that determines who your assets will go to once you are deceased. Your assets can include anything from property, to jewelry, to bank accounts.

Appointing a Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney is someone you have given legal authorization to who can act on your behalf financially once you can no longer do so yourself. This can be extremely beneficial in preventing financial elder abuse. Appointing your Power of Attorney involves carefully choosing someone you know you can trust to act on your behalf.

How can elder abuse be prevented?

To prevent elder abuse, we must understand and address the factors that put people at risk for or protect them from violence. Listen to older adults and their caregivers to understand their challenges and provide support.

How does elder abuse affect an older person?

Elder abuse can have several physical and emotional effects on an older adult. Victims are fearful and anxious. They may have problems with trust and be wary of others. Many victims suffer physical injuries. Some are minor, like cuts, scratches, bruises, and welts.

Why is the available information an underestimate of the problem?

The available information is an underestimate of the problem because the number of nonfatal injuries is limited to older adults who are treated in emergency departments. The information doesn’t include those treated by other providers or those that do not need or do not seek treatment.

What are the common contexts of firearm homicides?

Common contexts of firearm homicides were familial/intimate partner problems, robbery/burglary, argument, and illness-related (e.g. the homicide was perpetrated to end the suffering of an ill victim, both victim and perpetrator had an illness, or the perpetrator had a mental illness).

What is the failure to meet an older adult's basic needs?

Neglect is the failure to meet an older adult’s basic needs. These needs include food, water, shelter, clothing, hygiene, and essential medical care. Financial Abuse is the illegal, unauthorized, or improper use of an elder’s money, benefits, belongings, property, or assets for the benefit of someone other than the older adult.

How many people are affected by elder abuse?

Elder abuse is common. Abuse, including neglect and exploitation, is experienced by about 1 in 10 people aged 60 and older who live at home.

What is emotional abuse?

Emotional or Psychological Abuse refers to verbal or nonverbal behaviors that inflict anguish, mental pain, fear, or distress on an older adult. Examples include humiliation or disrespect, verbal and non-verbal threats, harassment, and geographic or interpersonal isolation. Neglect is the failure to meet an older adult’s basic needs.