Buffalo Elder Abuse Lawyer

When we entrust the care of our loved ones to Buffalo nursing homes or other caregivers, we expect the money being given to the care facility will ensure our family member’s health and safety. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

At Brown Chiari LLP, we know how scary it can be to discover that the people you’ve trusted with your family member’s well-being might be mistreating them. Know that there are resources available to help ensure their safety. Your Buffalo elder abuse lawyer can guide you through the many types of elder abuse and what you can do to help your loved one recover. 

Neglect

Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails in their duties to protect a Buffalo elder from harm. Neglect can result in serious illness, injury, and death, and is a product of disregard for an older adult’s safety.

Some signs and symptoms of neglect to look out for are as follows:

• Malnutrition and weight loss
• Dehydration
• Soiled clothing and poor hygiene
• Lack of medical aids (ex. hearing aids, walkers, canes)
• Unclean or unsafe living environment
• Untreated injuries or infections (ex. infected bedsores, sepsis)

If an elderly individual is experiencing any of the above, it is time to investigate the quality of care they are receiving. An elder abuse lawyer in Buffalo can help you determine whether the person responsible for their care is failing in their duties, and they can help your family get compensated for the suffering they experienced. 

Physical Abuse

Signs of physical abuse can include cuts, scrapes, bruises, broken bones, burns, dislocated joints, head injuries, sprains, and all manners of injuries. 

If you’ve noticed any of the following patterns with a Buffalo elder, reach out for help:

• Repeated hospitalizations for similar injuries
• Delayed medical care
• Trips to different emergency rooms (to avoid suspicion from ER staff)
• Flimsy explanations from caretakers

These signs can be a clear indicator that some investigation is needed into the people taking care of your Buffalo family member. Be sure to get statements from caregivers about how the injuries have occurred and what is being done about them. If something feels off, don’t let it slide.

Sexual Abuse 

Sexual abuse is any sexual contact that occurs without consent. Adults with certain conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, may be unable to give consent.

Physical warning signs of sexual abuse can include bleeding, bruising, or pain in private parts, new sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), difficulties sitting and walking, and pelvic injuries. Elders who are able to understand what is happening may be wrestling with shame and fear, which can make this topic especially difficult to talk about for them. 

Luckily, a Buffalo elder abuse attorney can help. We can provide the compassionate legal support they need to get the damages they’re due for both economic and non-economic damages. 

Emotional and Psychological Abuse

Emotional and psychological abuse can be hard to spot, which is why it often falls under the radar. Anything that intentionally inflicts fear, pain, or mental suffering on someone can be classified as emotional and psychological abuse.

This form of abuse most likely conjures images of shouting, threats, and nasty names. This is accurate but is important not to overlook subtler forms of emotional and psychological abuse, such as forced isolation. 

Take close note of the reasons your loved one gives for their symptoms, and the reasons that their caregivers provide. If something isn’t adding up, it might be time to get legal help involved.

Financial Abuse

Anyone can experience financial abuse, but elders are especially prone to this. Financial abuse is the non-consensual or illegal use of a person’s money or property. Just as anyone can experience this form of abuse, anyone can perpetrate it, including family members, and total strangers.

Signs of financial abuse include the following:

• A pattern of missing property
• Unpaid bills or eviction notices
• Suspicious changes to bank accounts
• Withdrawals that don’t make sense
• Someone showing unusual interest in the elder’s financial situation

If you suspect someone has taken advantage of your loved one, don’t hesitate to seek help. A lawyer can help you calculate the economic losses your family has suffered and get the full compensation you or your loved one is due. 

Reach Out to a Buffalo Elder Abuse Attorney

If you suspect that a caregiver or nursing home may be responsible for elder abuse, don’t hesitate to contact a Buffalo elder abuse lawyer. If you are having these suspicions, acting now can make a big difference. Your actions could help prevent further abuse for more people than just your loved one.

When you’re ready to speak to a lawyer, reach out to a lawyer at Brown Chiari LLP for a free consultation. When you’re ready, call 716-681-7190 or by filling out the online contact form below.