Sexual predators take advantage of people whom they believe that they can overpower. Nursing home residents and even those residents benefiting from in-home care may especially fall victim to this kind of mistreatment when working with a caretaker.
It can be difficult to face a potential sexual abuse case when it involves an elderly loved one. If you believe a loved one has suffered sexual abuse, however, then you can reach out to My Nursing Home Lawyer. Together with a Dallas sexual abuse lawyer, you can work through your legal options and fight for compensation on your loved one’s behalf.
To pursue a case against a nursing home or another liable individual after an incident of elder sexual abuse, you can reach out to My Nursing Home Lawyer at (800) 842-6336.
Sexual Abuse of an Elder
Nursing home residents often do not have the fortitude or awareness to fight back, if they face the risk of sexual assault. Some may not even have the opportunity to speak out due to conditions like aphasia.
From a legal standpoint, sexual abuse constitutes any nonconsensual kissing, touching, or sexual intercourse. Parties who suffer from sexual abuse may have such behaviors forced upon them, and may not understand the circumstances in which they are placed, or situations in which they may feel coerced or unable to fend off another party for the sake of their safety or the safety of a loved one.
Non-consensual sexual conduct, especially between an elder and a nursing home caretaker or similar staff member, is not only abuse. It is a crime. You can take such cases to criminal court if you so choose. You can also file a suit in civil court if you wish to pursue compensation for the losses your loved one endured.
Some crossover may exist between institutional abuse and elder sexual abuse. If you believe that the institution in which you have left your loved one may have contributed to their losses, then you can reach out to a Dallas sexual abuse lawyer to discuss how you might expand upon your legal options.
Signs of Sexual Elder Abuse
Visitors to nursing homes and similar facilities must keep a wary eye out for the signs of sexual abuse. Elders may not always have the awareness to express what happened to them or even the ability to communicate. Because of this, you’ll want to keep an eye out for physical indicators of sexual abuse, including:
- Bite marks
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty sitting
- Ruined, torn, or bloodied clothing
- Abrupt development of sexually transmitted diseases
- Bruises on the genitals or other sensitive parts of the body
Victims who may not understand what has happened to them may also express behavioral signs. These can include:
- Abrupt development of self-isolating behavior
- Changes in mood, temperament, and sleeping habits
- Abrupt neglect of personal hygiene
- Abrupt dislike of certain behaviors, including bathing with assistance
- Avoidance of particular individuals within the nursing home
- Aggressive sexual behavior
If your loved one can express themselves aptly, you will also want to listen to what they have to say regarding specific individuals within their care facility. If your loved one starts to suggest a sexual interest in one of the staff, or if they begin to refer to a staff member with romantic terminology, you may want to investigate further.
For a free legal consultation with a Dallas Sexual Abuse Lawyer serving Dallas, call (800) 794-0444
Sexual Abuse and Neglect
Despite the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, which states that nursing home residents are entitled to live in an environment free from abuse and neglect, physical abuse and neglect can often overlap when a loved one resides in a nursing home.
Nursing home caretakers can neglect your loved ones and sexually abuse them. Two caretakers, for example, may engage in opposite behaviors with your loved one as a target. Alternatively, a caretaker may forgo your loved one’s medical needs and touch them inappropriately instead.
In these types of complex cases, you can work with a Dallas sexual abuse lawyer through My Nursing Home Lawyer to determine what compensation your loved one may be entitled to, based on losses suffered.
Dallas Dallas Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Taking Legal Action
If you wish to take legal action against either an individual or an institution in a sexual assault case, you can reach out to a Dallas sexual abuse lawyer. Together, you can determine what means may suit you best as you fight for compensation.
Demand letters, for example, can help you avoid going to court while still fighting for compensation. You can deliver these legal documents directly to the party you believe to be liable for your losses in order to kick off negotiations.
If you would rather solicit a judge’s input on your case, you can instead file a complaint with your local court. In this document, you can identify the party you believe to be liable for your losses as well as what evidence you have backing your claim. You must, however, submit such a document to the appropriate legal representatives by the legal deadline, which can vary, according to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 12.
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Benefits of Working with a Dallas Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Working with a Dallas sexual abuse lawyer can ease you through the process of seeking out compensation for a loved one’s losses. However, many people find themselves reluctant to reach out for legal aid due to worry about what it might cost.
My Nursing Home Lawyer operates on contingency, alleviating your concerns about potential legal fees. You will only receive a bill if a court opts to award you compensation for your losses, or if you come to a settlement agreement with a negotiable party.
For a free case consultation with My Nursing Home Lawyer, you can call (800) 842-6336.
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