Like child abuse, elder abuse takes advantage of vulnerable people who aren’t fully able to care for themselves. When we place our older loved ones with caretakers or in a home, we are implicitly trusting those people not to take unfair advantage of their greater power. Unfortunately, news stories routinely show that some people have no business working as caretakers. This is not just a breach of the caretaker’s professional ethics -- it is a breach of the abused person’s basic rights and dignity. Unfortunately, older people who are not well enough to take care of themselves are sometimes also not well enough to tell others about the abuse. Sometimes, it’s only after an investigation by family members or a West Palm Beach elder abuse lawyer that the truth comes out.

The most common form of negligence by caretakers is simple neglect. Neglectful caretakers may fail to provide adequate nutrition, enough water or medical care that is clearly needed. They may also fail to turn bed-bound patients often enough, which can lead to deep ulcers called bedsores (pressure sores). Abuse is less common -- but when it happens, it is a horrifying violation of trust. Physical abuse ranges from improper use of restraints and medication to verbal belittling, outright hitting or even sexual abuse. And some caretakers leave their charges alone physically but exploit them financially, stealing money and valuables from the home or even gaining access to bank accounts and property.

Abuse, neglect and exploitation not only rob older adults of their dignity, but can actually worsen their health. Abuse and neglect can create new health problems, such as wounds and infected bedsores, or worsen existing health problems by putting new stresses on a body that is already fragile. In some cases, these health declines can lead to avoidable hospitalization and an early death. And financial exploitation can wipe out the victims’ savings, leaving them with nothing to rely on during their golden years. Families may spend many thousands of dollars trying to reverse the damage of the abuse and neglect, including hospital bills, attorney costs, lost earnings and the cost of relocating an abused older person. Under Florida law, victims and their families have the right to hold abusers legally liable for the damage and financial costs their abuse caused, through a Sarasota elder abuse lawsuit.

Florida state agencies should investigate abusive caregivers and homes -- at least after being notified of the abuse -- and prosecutors may also bring criminal charges against abusers. But these actions can do nothing to help victims and their families deal with the steep financial costs of the abuse. Balliro helps families sue abusers or their employers for the true cost of the injuries. Our Miami elder abuse attorneys help clients claim damages for the abuse itself; all of the medical and legal costs related to it; and other costs, such as the cost of suddenly moving victims to new homes. Our partners are all experienced trial attorneys, so we have ample experience trying cases to verdict. Our goal is always to get our clients the fullest possible recovery, allowing them to get needed medical care and ensure that the victim is in a safe, quality environment.

If you have a loved one who was seriously hurt by an abusive, neglectful or exploitative caretaker, don’t wait to call Balliro for help. To learn more at a free evaluation of your case, please contact us through the Internet or call 1-866-INJURED toll-free from anywhere in Florida.