When a senior citizen or their family places their trust in a caregiver, they expect to be treated with kindness, compassion and reasonable care. When the caregiver breaches that trust and their actions cause physical, emotional or financial trauma to a vulnerable adult, it is important to understand the legal options that are available.
WHAT IS ELDER ABUSE?
Elder abuse can be caused by caregivers, family members, healthcare providers or complete strangers. The abuse might occur at the victim’s home, a family member’s home, an assisted living center or a nursing home.
If the abuse goes unreported, it can carry on for years and impact multiple victims. If you suspect the abuse of a vulnerable senior citizen in or around Seattle, contact us at Hagens Berman, and we’ll connect you with a member of our Seattle elder law attorney team. You can speak confidentially and at no cost with a member of our team about your concerns.
MOST COMMON TYPES OF ELDER ABUSE IN SEATTLE
A senior citizen might suffer more than one form of elder abuse, and it can come from more than just one person. Here are some of the more common types of elder abuse that are committed throughout Seattle and the nation as a whole:
- Physical Abuse: This involves the intentional use of any physical contact that is harmful or offensive to the senior. It can involve pushing, shoving, striking or even beating the victim. The unwarranted use of physical or pharmaceutical restraints also constitutes physical abuse. Signs of physical abuse can include bruising, lacerations and fractures.
- Sexual Abuse: When intentional harmful or offensive sexual contact with a senior citizen occurs, it will likely be classified as sexual abuse. Some senior victims of sexual abuse don’t report such behavior because of embarrassment or fear of retaliation.
- Emotional Abuse: While senior citizens should be treated with kindness and compassion, many caregivers, healthcare providers and family members resort to emotionally abusive behavior. Emotional abuse can include intentionally threatening, harassing, intimidating, insulting or humiliating behavior.
- Neglect: When caregivers and others who are responsible for the wellbeing of a senior citizen fail to provide adequate assistance and care, neglect occurs. Not only does this include the physical needs of the senior, but it also includes his or her social and emotional needs.
- Abandonment: Abuse by abandonment happens when a person who has undertaken responsibility for a disabled senior’s care and well-being and intentionally walks away and deserts him or her, leaving the person without any assistance.
- Medical Abuse: Seniors are the most medically dependent segment of the Seattle population, but many of them don’t have the ability to recognize or care for their own best medical interests. The failure of a caregiver to provide basic or needed medical care can constitute medical abuse.
- Financial Exploitation: Cash, jewelry or other valuables can be stolen from a vulnerable senior by a caregiver or family member. A senior’s signature can be forged on a check, his or her credit cards can be used, and bank accounts can even be compromised. Financial abuse can even include undue influence in changing a bank account, a life insurance policy or the title of a vehicle or an ownership interest in real estate. Undue influence might even be involved in the execution of a power of attorney, or the provisions of a will or trust agreement.
SIGNS OF ELDER ABUSE
Our team of Seattle elder abuse lawyers has seen the signs of the abuse that victims have endured in past cases. We can arrange for a free and confidential consultation and case review to advise you of your legal options. If you see any of the following signs of elder abuse with a friend or family member, contact us immediately:
- Poor personal hygiene and attire
- An appearance of malnutrition, dehydration or both
- Behavioral issues like timidity, nervousness or being withdrawn
- Unexplained bruising, visible injuries or fractures
- Bed sores
- Sudden infection with a sexually transmitted disease
- Surprise changes in financial affairs
- Unexpected legal notices
DAMAGES THAT CAN BE CLAIMED IN A SEATTLE ELDER ABUSE CASE
Seniors who fall victim to elder abuse can claim damages that correlate with the type and severity of their cases. These damages can include:
- Medical bills
- Property
- Pain and suffering
- Recovery of financial assets
- Other damages that result from the abuse
CONTACT A SEATTLE ELDER ABUSE ATTORNEY TODAY
The Seattle elder abuse attorneys at Hagens Berman have diligently represented vulnerable adults who have been abused by those who are in a position of trust. If you or a vulnerable elderly family member have been physically, emotionally or financially abused, call 911 and report the abuse. Afterwards, call our offices for a free consultation and case review. We will take the time to listen to your situation and answer all of your questions. We will then help you to understand your legal options. When you hire us to represent your case, you can rest assured that we will advocate for your respect, prosperity and dignity. Contact us today.
