Veterans serve our country by protecting us from conflicts and dangers here and abroad. The government commits to taking care of veterans after they sacrifice so much to protect our own civil liberties. Sometimes veterans are not given the level of care that they need and are neglected by caregivers.
Veterans neglect is often a type of elder abuse, says the Department of Justice that is experienced by a growing senior veteran population. Often, neglect can cause other medical problems that the victim must also endure. For instance, an illness may cause a patient to become bed-ridden where bedsores and other signs of abuse may form. Without adequate body movement and positioning from medical staff, infections can develop.
If you know someone who is a victim of veterans’ neglect and abuse, it is important to speak up. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to schedule a free consultation to discuss the unique details of your potential legal case with a member of our team.
Types of Veterans Neglect and Abuse
Not all types of veterans’ neglect and abuse manifest in the same way. Victims may experience a range of situations that constitute neglect, which is a form of elder abuse. Some examples include:
- Emotional abuse: For veterans, this can include yelling and psychological abuse.
- Physical abuse: Sometimes veterans lash out and caregivers may believe that they should fight back in order to establish boundaries with the veteran.
- Financial abuse: This happens when someone takes advantage of a veteran’s finances and steals from them or spends money in a way that is not authorized by the veteran or their family.
- Sexual abuse: It is a common misconception that veterans are too strong to be a victim of sexual abuse. Unfortunately, everyone, regardless of their gender, can suffer from sexual abuse.
- Elder neglect: General neglect can happen with veterans, just as with other seniors. If the standard of care is not provided, especially in terms of nutrition, including hydration, nutritionm, and basic hygiene needs, this is considered a form of abuse.
Your loved one may face veterans’ neglect or abuse that is outside of the types of abuse listed here. It can happen within a Veterans Administration (VA) office, a traditional medical facility, or nursing home. For example, the U.S. Medicine, says veterans treated by VA often have risk factors for elder abuse. If you have questions about whether what happened to your loved one is a form of abuse, you can discuss it with a Stickney veterans neglect and abuse lawyer.
Veterans Are Likely to Face Neglect
Elder abuse against veterans is currently a major issue in this country. Veterans do not often have the right resources and therapy available to them once they come back from service when trying to acclimate into normal civilian life. Their access to healthcare could be limited. The trauma that they endured may never fully heal, leaving them with a lifetime of concerns that could make them more vulnerable than other seniors to elder abuse and neglect.
For a free legal consultation with a Veterans Neglect and Abuse Lawyer serving Stickney, call (800) 842-6336
PTSD and Veterans Neglect
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can play a role in a person’s likelihood of experiencing neglect. Veterans experiencing the symptoms of PTSD could be more vulnerable than other seniors. In particular, many veterans suffering from PTSD have a fear of abandonment that makes them more likely to tolerate emotional or physical abuse for longer periods of time without reporting what happened.
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Signs of Veterans Neglect or Abuse
The signs of veterans neglect and abuse can be difficult to detect, especially if the patient is suffering from other conditions at the same time. Some signs to look out for include:
- Withdrawal: The victim may become withdrawn and not want to engage with caregivers or peers.
- Depression: The veteran may not enjoy certain activities the way they used to and experience new signs of depression.
- Acts of rage: Irritability and acts of rage can be a sign that a veteran is dealing with unresolved issues that might need to be addressed.
- Neglected hygiene: This can be a big sign that someone is not receiving the care that they need.
- Acting fearful: If the veteran suddenly acts fearful, even when there does not appear to be anything wrong or frightening, they could be fearful because of the abusive behavior they have suffered at the hands of a nursing home employee.
Veterans neglect and abuse are serious offenses. Your loved one may experience any or all the signs on this list. There are other signs not featured on this list. Call our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to discuss your legal options with a member of our team.
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Neglect vs. Abuse
The terms neglect and abuse refer to different things, even though the words are sometimes used interchangeably. Generally, the term abuse refers to the intentional maltreatment towards someone. This can come in the form of physical violence or emotional trauma inflicted on the other person. By comparison, the term neglect refers to the lack of proper care given to someone. This can be unintentional or intentional. A nursing home or medical center not having the proper access to resources is no excuse for neglect of senior veterans.
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Ways to Report Veterans Abuse
If you suspect that someone you love could be suffering from veterans abuse, it is imperative that you take action. The first step is to figure out the process of reporting cases of abuse and neglect to the appropriate authorities. This can include filing a formal report with Adult Protective Services or with the local department of veterans affairs. If they cannot help you, they may direct you to the appropriate place to file your report so it can be properly investigated. After that, you can consult a Stickney veterans neglect and abuse lawyer to see what other actions you can take to protect your loved one.
Seeking Legal Counsel From a Stickney Veterans Neglect And Abuse Lawyer
Veterans neglect and abuse is unacceptable. If you discover that a loved one is a victim, it is up to you to seek justice for them. If no one holds the providers and facilities accountable for veterans abuse, more people could be at risk. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to see what you could do to protect your loved one and other veterans who may be at risk
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