Older people are especially vulnerable to financial abuse from money or personal items going missing. This is due to several factors, such as having a disability that makes them dependent on others, making them unlikely to take action against the perpetrator, or even be aware of the abuse. They may have problems using technology and trust others to manage their finances, who then go on to exploit them financially. Additionally, those who commit elder financial exploitation may think their victim will not live long enough to intervene legally after stealing from them.
Sadly, in many cases, the people who commit such terrible violations are those who the older person trusts to take care of them, such as care staff, relatives, and other people they hold in their confidence.
If you are worried about a loved one and think they are being exploited, reach out to a Lyons missing money or personal items lawyer today for legal guidance. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is ready to answer and address your questions and concerns.
Overview of Elder Financial Abuse
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines many types of elder abuse, including elder financial exploitation, which it considers “the illegal, unauthorized, or improper use of an older individual’s resources by a caregiver or other person in a trusting relationship, for the benefit of someone other than the older individual. This includes depriving an older person of rightful access to, information about, or use of, personal benefits, resources, belongings, or assets. Examples include forgery, misuse or theft of money or possessions; use of coercion or deception to surrender finances or property; or improper use of guardianship or power of attorney.” It can be challenging to detect, but there are signs you can look for, and there is help available for you to be able to put a stop to it.
Financial Abuse Can Be Difficult to Detect
Financial abuse can be difficult to detect, but there are indicators that it is happening. If you notice any of the following, it could mean your loved one is the victim of financial abuse:
- Valuable objects going missing
- Cash going missing
- Your loved one telling you about financial abuse
- Signatures on checks that look different or checks made out to “cash”
- Unpaid bills or overdue bills
- Fear of certain caregivers
- Unexplained ATM withdrawals
- Charging for care that is not being provided
- Overcharging for products and services that are not necessary
- Coercing a resident into signing financial or legal documents
- A resident suddenly being unable to pay for medical treatment or care
If you believe abuse took place, you can and should take action on behalf of your loved one. There are several avenues available to you to begin the process of protecting your family member, including reporting the abuse to the police, the nursing home administration, and Adult Protective Services.
Additionally, contacting a Lyons missing money or personal items lawyer can be helpful if you wish to pursue compensation for your loved one. For example, if you want to file a lawsuit against a nursing home or caregiver who you believe committed financial exploitation against your family member, a lawyer can help you investigate your claim and advise you on the most effective course of action to protect your loved one from further harm.
For a free legal consultation with a Missing Money or Personal Items Lawyer serving Lyons, call (800) 794-0444
A Lyons Missing Money or Personal Items Lawyer Can Help
As well as causing economic loss and significant impact on the well-being of the older person, financial exploitation also harms:
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Families of the victim
- Caregivers
- The financial services industry
It leads to impoverishment, homelessness, increased use of publicly funded services, and in some tragic cases, death. It is vital to act quickly to protect the rights of your loved one in the event of them being a victim of financial abuse. A lawyer will be able to help you investigate your claim, inform and involve the appropriate authorities to protect your loved one further, and recover compensation on their behalf.
Lyons Missing Money or Personal Items Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Fighting Back Against Financial Abuse in Nursing Homes
In the event of you discovering your loved one suffered harm from financial abuse, you do have options. There are numerous organizations that can help you take action to protect them.
Along with seeking intervention from Adult Protective Services, you can access valuable advice from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has set out guidelines for protecting residents from financial exploitation in nursing care facilities and what to do if such abuse is found.
When a nursing home fails to protect its residents by providing substandard care and falls short of the standards set out in state or federal regulations, you may have grounds to sue the nursing home.
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Protect Your Loved One and Seek Justice Today
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm seeks justice and compensation for the victims of nursing home negligence, abuse, and exploitation.
We only charge fees for the cases we win, and we offer a free case evaluation where you can voice your concerns. Contact us today for further help and advice.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
