Albuquerque Elder Abuse Lawyers

We Stand Against Elder Abuse in New Mexico

Elder abuse is a grave concern affecting countless seniors across the nation, and New Mexico is no exception. It encompasses a range of harmful actions, including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect and abandonment. This type of abuse can occur in various settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, private homes, or even hospitals.

Sadly, this type of abuse often goes unnoticed or unreported due to fear or inability to communicate the situation effectively. At Harvey & Foote, we believe every senior citizen should live a life free from harm and exploitation, which is why we stand against any form of elder abuse.

Call (505) 295-2245 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

What is Considered Elder Abuse?

As we mentioned earlier, elder abuse refers to any intentional or negligent act that causes harm or distress to an older adult, typically aged 60 or older, who may be physically or mentally frail. It can occur in various settings, including homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or even in public places.

Elder abuse can take many forms, and it is a serious societal issue that can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences for older individuals. Common forms of elder abuse include:

• Physical Abuse: Inflicting physical harm on an elderly person through acts such as hitting, kicking, slapping, or pushing. The inappropriate use of restraints or medication to control or harm the individual.
• Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Verbal abuse, humiliation, threats, intimidation, or isolation, which can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. Ignoring or neglecting the elder's emotional needs.
• Financial Abuse or Exploitation: Unauthorized use of an older person's funds, property, or assets. Coercion or deception to gain control over an elder's financial resources. Fraudulent activities such as identity theft, forging signatures, or manipulating bank accounts.
• Neglect: Failing to provide essential care and support, including food, shelter, clothing, hygiene, and medical attention. Abandoning an elderly person without adequate care.
• Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual activity involving an older adult. Sexual harassment or exploitation.
• Abandonment: Deserting an older person by those responsible for their care, leaving them without necessary assistance or supervision.
• Self-Neglect: When an older person neglects their own basic needs, such as failing to maintain personal hygiene, nutrition, or medical care.
• Healthcare Fraud and Abuse: Overmedicating or undermedicating an elder. Providing unnecessary medical treatments or procedures to exploit insurance benefits.

Elder abuse can involve various liable parties, depending on the specific circumstances and the type of abuse that occurs. The liable parties may include:

• Family Members: Adult children, spouses, or other family members who are responsible for the care and well-being of the elderly person can be liable for abuse if they engage in any form of mistreatment, neglect, or financial exploitation.
• Caregivers: Professional caregivers, such as home health aides, nursing home staff, or personal care attendants, can be liable if they physically, emotionally, or financially abuse or neglect the elderly individuals under their care.
• Healthcare Providers: Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals may be held liable if they provide substandard medical care, overmedicate, or undermedicate older patients, leading to harm or neglect.
• Financial Advisors or Guardians: Individuals appointed as financial advisors, guardians, or power of attorney agents can be liable if they misuse the elderly person's assets, engage in financial exploitation, or fail to act in the best financial interests of the elderly person.
• Scammers and Fraudsters: Unknown individuals or organized scams targeting older adults for financial fraud or exploitation can be liable if they deceive or steal from elderly victims.
• Institutional Settings: Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other institutions can be held liable for elder abuse that occurs within their premises if they fail to provide a safe and secure environment or if their staff members engage in abusive or neglectful behavior.
• Friends and Acquaintances: Friends, neighbors, or acquaintances who have access to the elderly person or are involved in their lives can be liable if they exploit, abuse, or neglect the older individual.
• Legal and Financial Advisors: Attorneys, accountants, or financial advisors who are involved in an elder's legal or financial affairs can be liable if they participate in fraudulent or exploitative activities.

Our Commitment To You

Our team commits ourselves to thoroughly investigate your case, gather necessary evidence, and build a compelling case on your behalf. Whether it’s fighting for justice in court or negotiating settlements outside the court system, our Albuquerque elder law attorneys have extensive experience litigating such claims. We will provide you with regular updates about your case status so that you remain informed throughout the legal process.

If you suspect that an elderly loved one is being abused or neglected at their nursing home facility - don't hesitate! Contact us today at (505) 295-2245, let's fight elder abuse together!