West Palm Beach Elder Abuse Lawyer
Do you know an elderly person who has been financially exploited or otherwise abused? A dedicated attorney from the Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo can help.
The elderly are often the target of abuse because they aren’t able to fight back against those who would injure them or take advantage of their helpless state. Elder abuse is a growing problem, but, fortunately, the public is becoming aware of this serious issue and laws are being put in place to protect the elderly.
Identifying elder abuse can be difficult, but if you suspect that your loved one has suffered at the hands of negligent or abusive caregivers, contact a West Palm Beach elder abuse lawyer right away. We can help you pursue fair and full compensation for what your loved one has been through.
Different Types of Elder Abuse
When most people think of elder abuse, they think of elders who have been neglected or injured in nursing homes by an inattentive or abusive caregiver. However, that’s not the only kind of elder abuse that exists. Elders are harmed and taken advantage of in many ways, mostly because of their defenseless state.
Caregivers physically, verbally, and emotionally abuse elders, but another growing form of abuse is called financial exploitation. This is when a caregiver or someone close to the elderly person attempts to financially benefit from the elder’s susceptible state. Financial abuse can come in many forms, such as the following:
- Transferring funds from the elder’s accounts into another account
- Manipulating the elder into changing his or her will or financial documents
- Stealing from the elderly person
- Forging signatures and checks
- Any other deceptive means of tricking the elderly person for financial gain
The main types of elder abuse are as follows:
- Abandonment and neglect
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial exploitation
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Elder Abuse?
It can be difficult to know whether your loved one is being abused, especially when he or she isn’t capable of verbalizing what’s happening. Many elderly people suffer from issues with memory and cognition, so they may not even be aware of what they’re suffering. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you to spot elder abuse.
The following are some signs of physical and sexual abuse:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Unexplained bruises
- Cuts and lacerations
- The same injury occurring repeatedly
- Torn clothing
- Sexually transmitted diseases
Signs of neglect:
- Dehydration
- Malnourishment
- Changes in behavior and personality
- Bedsores
Signs of financial exploitation:
- Unexplained or unusual financial activity in your loved one’s accounts
- Sudden or unusual changes in your loved one’s financial documentation, such as a will or power of attorney
Meet with an Elder Abuse Attorney
If you or an elderly loved one has been abused in any way, you are entitled to seek justice for what has happened. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo are familiar with all types of elder abuse cases, and we work hard to protect the victims of abuse.
To discuss your case during a free consultation with a West Palm Beach elder abuse lawyer, call us at 561-659-6366 or complete our online contact form at the bottom of this page.
