standing against abuse, neglect and mistreatment of seniors.
Elder Care Negligence & Abuse
the elderly are particularly vulnerable members of our society.
Elder abuse is a growing concern in British Columbia. We trust caregivers to protect our loved one’s welfare, but this trust can be misplaced.
It is estimated that only one in five incidents of elder abuse comes to the attention of those who can help. Considered to be a “silent condition,” increased media attention has led more people to speak up against elder exploitation, neglect and abuse, and hold those responsible accountable.
Abuse can take many forms, such as physical, sexual, emotional, or financial. Helpforme understands how difficult it can be for victims of abuse to come forward and how devastating it is for loved ones to learn that a senior member of their family has been mistreated.
Negligent Elderly Care
There is legislation in place that aims to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Negligent elderly care can take the form of neglect; unsafe premises; lack of supervision; untrained staff; or the lack of appropriate response systems. It can also include of physical, sexual or emotional abuse. It is often difficult to ascertain what actually occurred, especially if the victim of potential negligence has diminished mental capacity, such as dementia.
Taking action against negligent care providers can help prevent this from happening again to you and others, as well as provide compensation for the wrongdoing. The lawyers at Helpforme have experience in these difficult cases. We work with you and your family to identify what occurred and who is potentially at fault. To find out if you or someone close to you has a claim due to negligent elderly care, contact Helpforme. Just as our legal expertise can help right the wrongs, our compassionate and empathetic approach can help you through the emotional challenges.
Recovering assets lost by deception
Financial abuse occurs when a person or persons exploit the assets of another. The victims of financial abuse may be physically impaired, socially isolated, living alone, or have declining cognitive faculties. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to this type of abuse, and are often embarrassed about coming forward.
- Fraudulent schemes;
- Using undue influence or dishonesty to convince someone to change their Will;
- Inappropriate use of power of attorney;
- Exerting pressure to invest;
- Using real or personal property without permission; and
- Making false or dishonest statements to obtain funds or convince the elder person to make purchases or sign documents.
The sad reality is that the abuser is, in many cases, a trusted friend or loved one. There may also be an element of reliance or dependence on behalf of the elder individual. Of course, there are also instances of fraudulent schemes perpetrated by strangers.
Oftentimes, taking legal action can result in the recovery of assets that were lost due to the unscrupulous actions of others. If you or a loved one suspect financial abuse, you should contact your local authorities, and seek legal advice about the options available to you. We’re here to help.
As for legal fees, we take all personal Injury cases on a contingency basis, so you don’t have to pay any legal fees unless your case resolves positively.
