Each year, millions of people over 60 are abused and suffer severe physical, mental, and emotional injuries. There are many different types of elder abuse, each varying in severity. No matter what type of injuries you or a loved one suffers due to nursing home negligence, you have a right to recover from the responsible party.
What Damages Could You Have from Elder Abuse?
Elderly individuals who are abused may suffer many damages depending on the type of harm they endure. Damages are losses that may be quantified in a monetary recovery through a personal injury claim. Your losses will be directly related to the type of elder abuse suffered.
Types of Elder Abuse
According to the National Council on Aging, common types of elder abuse include:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Confinement, restraints, and isolation
- Neglect
- Deprivation of needs
- Financial abuse
Economic Damages
Economic damages are easily quantifiable through proof of out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical bills, damaged property, and other actual costs. Any type of abuse or neglect that requires medical treatment typically results in economic damages. However, financial abuse could also result in economic damages to recover any stolen money.
Non-Economic Damages
It’s harder to value non-economic damages because they are not connected to money you have lost. Instead, it includes things like pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Non-economic damages are most common when an elderly individual has been physically or emotionally abused. That includes sexual abuse, neglect, deprivation, and even wrongful death as well. Financial abuse may not result in non-economic damages in all situations.
Seek Medical Care Physically & Emotionally
If you or a loved one suffer elder abuse, it’s essential to get medical care as soon as possible. The initial medical treatment you receive will establish a baseline for the severity of your injuries. It can also help prove who hurt you and when you were injured.
You should also seek psychological treatment if you suffered mental or emotional harm. You may need help coping with the harm that you have suffered. A licensed counselor or social worker can help guide you through the healing process.
File a Complaint
If you suspect abuse or neglect of an elderly individual or person with disabilities, you should file a complaint with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. They track, investigate, and handle abuse and neglect in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in day activity centers and health service locations. You can call (830) 264-6297 to make a report. If someone does not answer your call, they will return your voicemail within one business day.
Contact Your Local Ombudsman
You can also contact your local Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman. They advocate for residents’ rights and help protect elderly individuals in nursing homes and treatment facilities. You can reach out to them by calling (830) 264-6297, and you will be connected to someone in your geographic area.
Contact a Texas Elder Abuse Attorney for Help
If you or a loved one was abused in a long-term care facility by a friend or relative, or anyone for that matter, you should immediately contact an elder abuse attorney.
Your attorney knows Texas laws that apply to your specific situation and can help you protect your loved one. You must get them out of the dangerous situation as quickly as possible. An attorney can help you find the resources you need.
Call Kemmy Law Firm today at (830) 264-6297 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation of your case. We will compassionately listen to your needs and help you get the best outcome possible.
The post Top Tips to Recover from Elder Abuse appeared first on Kemmy Law Firm.
