Elder Abuse Attorney
Elder abuse is the neglect, exploitation or “painful or harmful” mistreatment of anyone who is 65 or older. In the United States, that segment of the population now exceeds 35 million! As this group continues to grow in number and begins requiring care, they are also becoming the most vulnerable to physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse and neglect. According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, nearly two million older Americans are believed to experience abuse each year in this country and only one in five cases of abuse or neglect are reported nationally. Statistics provided by the City of Mesa, Arizona, report that Arizona Adult Protective Services handles approximately 10,000 cases a year in Maricopa County alone and that only one in fourteen cases are reported to authorities. Elder abuse in Arizona occurs far too often. It is important that we do all we can to prevent abuse and help victims get the representation they deserve.
Elder abuse or neglect can involve physical violence, psychological abuse, isolation, abandonment, abduction, false imprisonment, general caregiver neglect, or the unlawful taking of a senior’s money or property. The City of Mesa, Arizona describes the typical characteristics of both victims and their abusers as follows:
Characteristics of victims of abuse or neglect include:
- Majority are 75+ years of age.
- Two-thirds are female.
- Have one or more physical or mental impairments.
- Often widowed or divorced and socially isolated.
- Usually live with the abuser.
Characteristics of abusers of vulnerable adults include:
- 90% of abusers are known to the victim.
- More than two-thirds are relatives of the victim.
- May be socially isolated, possibly substance abusers or persons with poor employment records.
- May be forced to provide care, and are unprepared for the responsibility and related stress.
- May be financially or emotionally dependent on the elder.
Arizona Elder Abuse Lawyer
As the elderly population increases, more and more senior citizens become victims of abuse and neglect. Udall Shumway is in the forefront of the battle against elder abuse in Arizona. Our attorneys are actively involved in drafting legislation to protect vulnerable adults. We have litigated nursing home cases resulting in some of the most significant jury verdicts or settlements in the state, many in the multi-million dollar range. Nursing home abuse cases involve highly complex laws and special rules that should only be handled by highly qualified attorneys.
If you believe that a loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect, call H. Micheal Wright now at (480) 461-5347.
To learn more about the City of Mesa, Arizona’s elder abuse resources, Click Here