By the time our parents and grandparents are ready to retire, they have earned the right to live in a comfortable, safe place to enjoy their Golden Years. Although people aged 60 and older are healthier and more active than ever before, it is often the case that aging family members require ongoing medical care, and nursing homes are best equipped to provide for their needs.
The growth of the senior citizen population in the United States has coincided with a rise in elder abuse cases. Many long-term care facilities do not train or screen their employees well enough, and this leads to physical abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.
According to the National Council on Aging, up to 5 million elders are abused each year. Sadly, most cases are never reported.
If you or a family member was abused in a nursing home in Louisiana, contact Morris Bart, LLC. A personal-injury attorney in Baton Rouge will help you pursue justice and compensation from the at-fault caregiver or facility.
Our firm has been representing the injured for more than 30 years, and we have the knowledge and resources to represent your interests. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Louisiana
Call 911 if you or another nursing home resident is in immediate danger. You should also report the abuse to the Office of Aging & Adult Services by calling 800-898-4910.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
What Questions Will I Have to Answer When Reporting Nursing Home Abuse?
The OAAS will ask the following questions when you report nursing home abuse:
- What is the victim’s name, address and contact information?
- Can you provide details about the abuse?
- Does the victim have family or friends nearby?
- Does the victim have any medical problems?
- Do you have evidence to prove the abuse?
NCOA: 90 Percent of Elder Abuse Cases Are Perpetrated by the Victims’ Family Members
Emotional distress, pain, social isolation, wrongful death – these are just a few consequences of elder abuse. So why are only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse reported to authorities?
One reason is because family members perpetrate almost 90 percent of elder abuse cases, according to the NCOA. The aggressors are usually spouses or children of the abused, and victims are hesitant to report the mistreatment because they do not want their family members to go to jail.
It is often the case that a child or grandchild will have legal authority over medical and financial decisions for an aging parent or grandparent. This often leads to financial exploitation; the child will make unauthorized financial transfers to a personal checking account, adjust the elderly person’s will, or sell his or her belongings.
If you were abused, neglected or financially exploited by a family member or nursing home staff, contact a personal-injury attorney from Morris Bart, LLC.
A Baton Rouge injury lawyer will evaluate your case, interview witnesses and determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
