Elder abuse is a huge problem in Connecticut, as well as the rest of the country. The Administration on Aging refers to elder abuse as “any knowing, intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.” However, the definition of elder abuse can vary from state to state. It has been estimated that between one and two million Americans over the age of 65 have been exploited or abused. Typically, elder abuse takes place at a nursing home facility; however, it can also occur at the elder’s home by a caregiver.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse, you may have financial and legal recourse. Contact an experienced elder abuse attorney today to explore your legal options. To schedule a case evaluation with an elder abuse attorney, complete the Free Case Evaluation form.
Elder Abuse Laws Are Meant To Protect
As the cases of nursing home abuse continued to climb in the 1980s, the legal community and advocates decided to take action to protect the nation’s vulnerable older adults. In 1987, The Federal Nursing Home Act or the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) established a minimum set of standards of care and rights for people living in certified nursing home facilities. Facilities that do not comply with the law can lose their Medicare or Medicaid funding. Additionally, Connecticut has adopted the Patient Bill of Rights to protect patients that receive extended medical care. The Bill of Rights states that patients deserve:
- The right to be free from mental and physical abuse
- The right to be informed
- The right to receive proper medical care
- The right to a safe and secure environment
If your loved one’s rights have been violated, you may have grounds for legal action. For additional information about elder abuse lawsuits, fill out the contact form.
More Information About Nursing Home Abuse
Thousands of senior adults are abused in assisted living facilities every year. These facilities include nursing homes, group homes, and board and care facilities. The perpetrators of the abuse are employees that physically harm, neglect or take advantage of residents, whom they are required by law to provide a duty of care. The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that neglect is the most common type of elder abuse. Neglect is classified as the failure to provide food, shelter, health care or protection for an elder adult. The second most common type of elder abuse is physical abuse. Physical abuse is defined as inflicting pain or injury on a senior adult, this includes hitting, restraining and using excessive force. Some other types of nursing home abuse include:
- Sexual abuse
- Financial exploitation
- Emotional abuse
- Abandonment
Sadly, for each case of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation that is reported to authorities, about five or more cases go unreported.
Reach Out To Us To Put A Stop To Abuse
If you suspect that your family member is being abused by a caretaker, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Contact an experienced elder abuse attorney today for a free legal consultation. After hearing about the details of your case, an attorney will advise you on the best course of action to pursue. Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers is available to assist nursing home abuse victims in New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford with their legal claims. The law firm is dedicated to helping abused elders receive the justice that you deserve. To receive a free and confidential case evaluation, fill out the contact form on this page or call 800-PERKINS.