Monday - Thurs8AM - 5PM
Fri8AM-1PM
Offices4608 Rye St Metairie, LA 70006
PRACTICE AREASElder Abuse Attorney – Slidell & Metairie
Elder abuse can take many forms and may cause serious physical, emotional, and financial harm to an older adult. Abuse or neglect may occur in a nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, private residence, or other setting, and it may be committed by a caregiver, family member, facility employee, or another person responsible for the individual’s care. At Frank D’Amico, Jr., we help protect the rights of older adults and their families when abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred. We investigate the circumstances, identify potentially responsible parties, and pursue the compensation and other legal remedies that may be available.
Common Types of Elder Abuse
- Physical Abuse– Hitting, pushing, restraining, or otherwise intentionally causing physical harm to an older adult.
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse– Threats, intimidation, humiliation, harassment, isolation, or other conduct that causes emotional distress.
- Financial Exploitation– Unauthorized use or theft of an older person’s money, property, bank accounts, or other financial resources.
- Neglect– Failing to provide appropriate food, water, medication, hygiene, supervision, medical care, or other necessities.
- Sexual Abuse– Any unwanted sexual contact or conduct involving an older adult who cannot or does not consent.
- Medication Errors– Improperly administering, withholding, or failing to provide necessary medications.
- Bedsores and Pressure Injuries– Injuries that may develop when an immobile or vulnerable person does not receive appropriate repositioning and care.
- Malnutrition and Dehydration– Failing to provide adequate food, fluids, or assistance with eating and drinking.
- Falls and Preventable Injuries– Injuries that may result from inadequate supervision, unsafe conditions, or failure to follow appropriate fall-prevention measures.
- Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect– Abuse or neglect occurring in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or other residential care settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse generally refers to intentional or negligent acts that cause harm or create a serious risk of harm to an older adult. It can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
How can I tell if an elderly loved one may be experiencing abuse?
Warning signs can include unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behavior, poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, unexplained financial transactions, medication problems, frequent falls, or sudden withdrawal from family and friends. A single warning sign does not necessarily prove abuse, but concerning changes should be taken seriously.
Where can elder abuse occur?
Elder abuse can occur in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private homes, and other settings where an older adult receives care or assistance.
Who may be responsible for elder abuse?
Depending on the circumstances, the responsible party may be a caregiver, nursing home employee, healthcare provider, family member, facility operator, or another individual or organization. More than one party may potentially be responsible.
What should I do if I suspect my loved one is being abused?
If your loved one is in immediate danger, seek emergency assistance. Otherwise, document your concerns, preserve relevant medical and financial records, and report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities or facility management. An attorney can also help you understand potential legal options.
Can I file a lawsuit for elder abuse?
Potentially. An older adult or an authorized representative may have a civil claim depending on the circumstances and applicable law. A claim may seek compensation for medical expenses, physical injuries, emotional distress, financial losses, and other damages.
Can a nursing home be held responsible for neglect?
A nursing home or other care facility may potentially be responsible when its negligence, inadequate staffing, poor training, improper supervision, or other failures contribute to an injury. Liability depends on the facts and applicable law.
What if my loved one suffered financial exploitation?
Financial exploitation can involve unauthorized withdrawals, misuse of bank accounts, forged documents, improper transfers of property, or other unauthorized use of an older person’s assets. Financial records, account statements, documents, and communications may be important evidence.
How long do I have to file an elder abuse claim?
The deadline depends on the nature of the claim, when the abuse occurred, where it occurred, and applicable law. Certain claims may be subject to specific statutes of limitations, so it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Do I need an attorney for an elder abuse case?
Elder abuse cases can involve medical records, financial documents, facility records, witnesses, and complicated questions of liability. Frank D’Amico, Jr. can investigate the circumstances, identify potentially responsible parties, protect your loved one’s rights, and pursue the compensation and other legal remedies that may be available.