While many people do not think it is a real thing, the financial exploitation of the elderly is a form of elder abuse that is prevalent in nursing homes. According to HelpGuide, it is the unauthorized use of a senior citizen’s monetary funds or property. It is also unethical since nursing homes have a duty of care to protect their patients and personal property they bring into the facility. Therefore, your loved one losing money or personal items could be a sign of financial exploitation or intentional maltreatment. This situation should not go unchecked and must be dealt with accordingly. The most important step you can take is seeking legal counsel from a Tucson missing money or personal items lawyer on how to navigate the situation. You can do this by contacting Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
The Signs of Elder Financial Exploitation
Unlike physical abuse and neglect, the signs of financial abuse are subtle and may not be obvious until the damage has been done. This is why it is essential to look out for the signs and symptoms of financial exploitation, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA). The possible warning signs include, but are not limited to:
- Sudden and frequent missing money and personal items like jewelry and other valuable possessions.
- Changes in bank account habits and noticing large amounts of money being withdrawn at a time for unexplained reasons.
- Third-party withdrawals using your loved one’s ATM card.
- Noticing unauthorized, additional names to your loved one’s signature cards.
- Abrupt changes in their wills, other financial documents, policies, power of attorney, and titles.
- Identity theft and discovering that your loved one’s signature has been forged.
- Noticing that bills that are typically paid automatically are getting unpaid despite the availability of funds.
- The sudden appearance of loved ones and family members claiming rights to the resident’s property and money.
- Unnecessary subscriptions, online orders, services, and goods.
Determining Who Is Responsible for Elderly Financial Abuse
The following groups of people may be responsible for your loved one being exploited.
- The nursing home staff. In most cases, they are responsible for the missing money or personal items since they work closely with the resident. An unscrupulous staff can abuse the trust of the resident and solicit financial information from them.
- Administrators of the nursing home facility. This may include duplicate billings for the same medication, medical device or expense, unexplained visits by someone from management to see your loved one, and sudden interference by an administrator in your loved one’s care.
- Family members or friends. While it is a bitter pill to swallow, there is always a possibility that a close relative or loved one of the resident is behind the theft. To figure out the culprit, it is necessary to keep track of all valuables, money, and visitors.
How to Put an End to the Financial Exploitation
Here are a few tips to help you protect your loved one’s financial interest while they are living in a nursing home:
- Choose the nursing home facility wisely. Before you decide on a nursing home, ensure that you have thoroughly investigated their conduct, and sought testimonies from people with first-hand experience from dealing with them.
- Keep an eye on your loved one’s valuables and money. If you are directly responsible for managing their finances, track their expenses, and regulate their purchases. In cases where another party such as a lawyer is responsible, share your concerns as soon as you notice suspicious financial activities.
- Report the issue to the police. Stealing is a criminal offense and the perpetrators must be held accountable. So, you must report the issue to the police and let the authorities take over. Also, remember to file an official report with the nursing home facility.
- Hire a Tucson missing money or personal items lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
For a free legal consultation with a Missing Money or Personal Items Lawyer serving Tucson, call (800) 794-0444
What Our Law Firm Can Do for You
We can help protect the rights of your loved one and pursue compensation for their loss and pain and suffering. When you hire us we can:
- Thoroughly investigate your claims and determine the party or parties responsible for the missing money and other personal items.
- Provide legal counsel on how to deal with the administrators of the nursing home to avoid taking steps that could jeopardize your loved one’s chances of recovering damages.
- File a claim against the liable parties and their insurers and firmly establish our intention to recover property damage and compensation.
- Utilize the evidence we discovered from our investigation to build a case against the liable parties.
- Employ the services of financial experts to assess your loved one’s financial records to determine signs of exploitation.
- Represent your loved one’s interest at the settlement table and ensure that the insurance company agrees on an equitable amount.
- Take the case to trial if they refuse to agree on an equitable amount.
Per the monetary compensation, we can seek damages for the following:
- Reimbursement for your loved one’s stolen items and missing money.
- Psychological distress and pain and suffering from the ordeal.
- Medical care resulting from the financial exploitations, where applicable.
Tucson Missing Money or Personal Items Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Let Us Work for You
Now that you have a fair idea of how Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can be valuable to your case, you should give us a call. In our free consultation, you can discuss your case with a member of our team who will help you to determine the best way to move forward. Learn more about how a Tucson missing money or personal items lawyer may help by calling now.
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