When you need experienced elder abuse or nursing home neglect lawyers, contact our Seattle firm for answers and options.






ADDRESS:
Menzer Law Firm, PLLC
705 Second Ave., Suite 800
Seattle, WA 98104

TELEPHONE:
Tel: 206-903-1818
Fax: 206-903-1821

Our Nursing Home Neglect and Elder Abuse Lawyers in Seattle

Unfortunately, nursing home neglect and other forms of elder abuse do occur in the Seattle area. The Seattle-based Menzer Law Firm has extensive experience handling such cases. Matthew Menzer is deeply committed to protecting the vulnerable members of our society, including the elderly. We have helped victims of elder abuse that occurred in domestic settings and in residential care, including rehabilitation and nursing home facilities.

Elder Neglect and Abuse

Of the approximately 1.8 million people who live in King County, more than 10 percent are 65 years of age or older. As this proportion continues to grow, there has been an alarming rise in the neglect of, and crimes against the elderly throughout the area.  This prompted the King County prosecuting attorney to create the Elder Abuse Project in 2001. Although there were more than 2,600 reports of elder abuse in King County in 2002, alone, it is estimated that the true figures regarding elder abuse are higher, since many cases go unreported. In domestic settings (generally the home of the elderly person), the abuse or neglect may be by a family member, such as an adult child or grandchild, or a spouse, or an in-home caregiver. In nursing homes and other residential care facilities, the abuse or neglect may be by a member of the staff, another elderly resident, or an intruder.

What Is Elder Neglect and Abuse?

The term "elder abuse" indicates any intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or other person that harms or seriously risks harming an elderly person. Although the definition of "elderly" has not been universally agreed upon, older than 60 or 65 is often cited as the norm. The harm could be the result of something a person did or something that was not done. Examples of elder abuse that our lawyers are familiar with include:

  • Neglect: Failure to provide food, healthcare, shelter, or protection for an elderly person
  • Financial Exploitation: Misusing, concealing, or taking an elderly person's funds, assets, or property. A relative may be the perpetrator of financial abuse; so, for example, may a house contractor, a "financial advisor," or a scam artist
  • Abandonment: The abandonment of an elderly person by someone who had assumed the responsibilities for his or her custody or care (for example, abandoning an elderly relative at a hospital ER, or in his or her home)
  • Physical Abuse: Inflicting an injury or physical pain on an elderly person, or depriving him or her of a basic need
  • Emotional Abuse: Causing anguish or distress to an elderly person through verbal or nonverbal behavior (e.g., insults, threats, manipulation)
  • Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or activity of any kind

If you feel that a member of your family has suffered any of these types of neglect or abuse, please contact the elder abuse lawyers at the Seattle offices of the Menzer Law Firm. We have the skills, compassion, and experience to make sure that your rights, or the rights of your loved one are protected.

Nursing Home Neglect and Other Abuse

Nursing home neglect and abuse are serious problems in the Seattle area and across the United States. As the American population ages, healthcare costs increase and the shortage of healthcare workers continues. Many of our elderly members of the community are therefore receiving inadequate care in nursing homes and other types of residential care facilities such as board and care facilities, adult day care, group homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and other institutional settings.

What Types of Elder Abuse Occur in Residential Care Facilities?

Residential care facility (RCF) staff, administrators, healthcare providers, fellow RCF residents, and intruders into an RCF are all potential perpetrators of elder neglect and abuse at a nursing home or other residence care facility. The categories of elder abuse given above (financial exploitation, neglect, abandonment, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse) also apply to RCFs; a significant difference is that in nursing home settings, neglect is the most common form of abuse. Many caregivers fail to provide appropriate and adequate care (e.g., providing proper nutrition, medication, and clothing; monitoring the safety of residents; taking a resident to the bathroom when needed; changing a resident's position to prevent bedsores; and responding promptly to a resident's requests for assistance). In addition, the misuse of physical restraints or restraint by medication has been documented in RCFs.

At the Menzer Law Firm, we've seen the often traumatic effects of RCF and nursing home neglect and other forms of abuse. We have handled many cases dealing with such issues, and successfully secured the compensation that victims of this harmful abuse deserve. Please feel free to contact the lawyers at our firm to discuss your concerns in a complimentary and completely confidential consultation.

Arrange a Consultation with a Nursing Home Neglect / Elder Abuse Attorney

The Menzer Law Firm is committed to helping the victims of nursing home neglect and other types of elder abuse. Our lawyers in Seattle are always available for a private, no-charge consultation to discuss your case. Call our office or contact our elder abuse lawyers online to arrange a consultation.