Elder abuse is a serious issue in Arizona and across the United States. According to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, between 4,600 and 6,900 seniors will experience some type of abuse each year in Arizona. Older seniors are generally most vulnerable to abuse and neglect due to isolation, physical or mental disabilities, and their dependence on others. If you believe that your loved one is not receiving quality care or has suffered abuse, the time to take action is now.
The guide below is a resource for families who are seeking to help their loved ones seek justice for elder abuse in Arizona. If you have specific questions related to your case, please contact our office. We offer free consultations.
HOW TO HELP ELDER ABUSE VICTIMS IN ARIZONA
1. STUDY THE WARNING SIGNS OF ELDER ABUSE
If your loved one lives in a nursing home or in an assisted living facility, we recommend studying the warning signs of elder abuse. There are several types of elder abuse. Physical abuse and neglect are the most prevalent. Notable warning signs for these two types of elder abuse are listed below.
PHYSICAL ELDER ABUSE WARNING SIGNS:
- Signs of unexplained injuries. This could include scars, bruises and welts.
- Broken bones, dislocations or sprains
- Broken eyeglasses
- Caregiver refuses to allow you to see your loved one alone
ELDER NEGLECT WARNING SIGNS:
- Unusual weight loss. This could be a result of malnutrition and dehydration.
- Untreated physical problems (i.e. bed sores)
- Left dirty or unbathed
- Unsafe living conditions (i.e. no air conditioning, fire hazards)
- Unsanitary living conditions. (i.e. soiled bedding)
2. REPORT NEGLECT OR ELDER ABUSE IN ARIZONA
Elder abuse is rarely reported to authorities by the victim. Fear, social isolation or the inability to file a report due to physical or mental impairments keep victims from reporting these crimes.
If you or a loved one is a victim of elder abuse, do not hesitate to report the situation. Keep a detailed record and report the incident to the proper authorities.
In Arizona, elder abuse or neglect can be reported to:
- Police
- Adult Protective Services (APS)
- Area Agency on Aging
- Attorney General’s Task Force Against Senior Abuse (TASA)
The proper channel for your report will depend on the type of help you need. See the options below for emergency and non-emergency assistance.
EMERGENCY
If the situation is an emergency, call 9-1-1 or the police department immediately.
NON-EMERGENCY PHYSICAL ABUSE
If the situation is not an emergency but physical abuse is a factor, call APS, the Area Agency on Aging, or TASA.
- Adult Protective Services (APS) – (877) 767-2385
- Area Agency on Aging 24-Hour Helpline – (602) 264-4357
- Task Force Against Senior Abuse (TASA) Helpline – (602) 542-2124
3. CONSULT WITH AN ARIZONA ELDER ABUSE LAWYER
After you have reported the incident, consider consulting with an Arizona elder abuse lawyer. Nursing homes have an obligation to their residents to render quality care, a safe environment and trained and qualified employees and staff. While there are government regulations that stipulate what kind of care residents of nursing homes and similar facilities should receive, incidents of abuse and neglect occur.
If a nursing home failed to keep your loved one safe and the staff was unable to keep up with his or her daily needs, you may have a legal case against the facility.
At Miller Kory Rowe LLP we believe that the only way to shine a light on cases of nursing home abuse and neglect is through aggressive litigation. We are proud to say that our attorneys have helped many families seek justice for their loved ones.
CONTACT OUR ARIZONA ELDER ABUSE ATTORNEYS
At Miller Kory Rowe LLP, we provide aggressive and principled legal representation to elder abuse victims in Phoenix, Tucson and throughout Arizona. Our Phoenix nursing home abuse lawyers have a deep understanding of state and federal laws and are up to date on nursing home and elder abuse in Arizona.
If you have reason to believe that your senior loved one was abused in a nursing home, contact our team. Our law firm possesses the resources and experience to fight for the compensation and justice your family deserves. Please call us today at (602) 648-4045 for a free legal consultation.
