Elder Abuse Lawsuit Attorneys in Phoenix
Arizona lawyers defending the rights of seniors
Many senior citizens move to Arizona expecting to live out their retirement years happily in the desert sunshine. Unfortunately, a surprising number of such elders experience abuse at the hands of those entrusted with their care. If you or a loved one has been mistreated, The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker can help. Located in Phoenix and Tucson, we are prepared to help seniors throughout Arizona.
What is elder abuse?
Put simply, elder abuse is the failure to appropriately fulfill caretaker duties for a senior citizen in a facility designed for that purpose. Nursing homes are required to provide basic necessities for residents including:
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Elder abuse is growing at an alarming rate
Sadly, almost one million senior citizens are victimized each year by caretaker neglect or mistreatment. According to The National Center for Elder Abuse, the number one problem is neglect of our senior citizens' basic needs. Physical abuse by caregivers ranks as the second most common form of elder mistreatment.
Elder abuse is against the law
Because elder abuse is such a serious problem, many states such as Arizona have enacted laws to protect vulnerable seniors from abusive acts including:
- Physical intimidation—slapping, pushing, shaking
- Forcefully restricting an elder to one room
- Assault/battery
- Sexual assault/battery
- Rape
- Unreasonable physical restraint
- Prolonged or continual deprivation of food or water
- Use of a physical or chemical restraint—such as psychotropic medication—not authorized by the physician
- Improperly dispensing or withholding medication
In the state of Arizona, elder abuse constitutes a Class 5 felony. State law supports filing a lawsuit against any corporation or individual with the responsibility of caring for an incapacitated adult. Arizona law also allows for the recovery of damages through legal action against an abuser including compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Attorney fees
- Medical costs
- Punitive damages
How to determine if an elderly person is being abused
Sometimes it is difficult for relatives to realize their loved ones are being abused. Critical signs to look for include:
- Frequent unexplained injuries
- Untreated wounds, cuts, bruises, welts, or bedsores
- Elder complaints of mistreatment
- Unexplained changes in the elderly person’s behavior or attitude
While the existence of these signs does not always mean that nursing home abuse is occurring, it is a good idea to investigate unusual injuries or behavior. Changes that are sometimes attributed to senility are actually the result of poor care.
If you believe your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, report it immediately to the Arizona Department of Health Services and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker.
We'll fight for you!
Contact us online or call us now at 1-(800)-333-0000 to have your case evaluated at no charge. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker practices law in all of Arizona and California, with offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Fresno.
The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker – We'll fight for you!
