Elder Abuse Lawyer in Las Vegas

If you have a senior loved one in a nursing facility or care home, you may be concerned for their safety. Elder abuse is an unfortunate reality, and those tasked with the care of our seniors do not always live up to their duty.

If you or your loved one has been the victim of elder abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility, a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer from J&Y Law is here to be your advocate. We take crimes against the elderly seriously and will work tirelessly to hold negligent caretakers accountable for their actions.

We have helped tens of thousands of clients find justice and are ready to put our skills and knowledge to work for you. Contact us today for a case consultation with an elder abuse lawyer in Las Vegas.

Types of Elder Abuse in Las Vegas

Elder abuse is, unfortunately, a common legal issue in elder care. Nevada law defines elder abuse as the negligent abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment of an older person, where “older person” is someone 60 years old or older.

This definition is intentionally broad and encompasses a wide range of behaviors that cause harm or distress to a senior person, including:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse includes any behavior meant to cause pain or physical distress/discomfort, whether intentionally or through negligent care, such as:

• Hitting or striking
• Rough handling
• Using unnecessary restraints
• Withholding food or medicine
• Creating intentional discomfort (e.g., removing blankets)
• Aggressive or violent threats

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse comprises behaviors meant to cause psychological and emotional distress, such as those listed below:

• Harassment or name-calling
• Belittling or insulting
• Controlling the older person’s behavior
• Isolating patients from other residents
• Threatening or intimidating

Sexual Abuse

Elder sexual abuse involves any kind of unwanted sexual behavior, advances, speech, or touching, including the following:

• Groping or fondling
• Making sexual comments
• Exposing oneself to residents
• Forcing the removal of clothing
• Coerced participation in sexual photography
• Sexual assault or rape

Financial Abuse

Financial elder abuse is the stealing of money or possessions from an older person using force, deceit, and fraud. This includes actions like:

• Stealing money or possessions
• Identity or credit card theft
• Changing account beneficiaries
• Scamming or defrauding
• Abusing trust to steal money or property
• Coercing older persons to make will changes

Financial Compensation You Can Recover for Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is a serious crime, and victims have the right to seek financial compensation from the offenders.

An elder abuse lawyer in Las Vegas can help pursue redress from the facilities or medical professionals that caused you or your loved one harm. Depending on the circumstances, you can recover money for the following losses:

• Medical treatment for injuries related to abuse or neglect
• Necessary future medical care
• Cost of moving to another facility
• Therapy and psychological counseling
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Reductions in life quality
• Value of stolen property/possessions

The team at J&Y Law will investigate your claim from every angle to fully account for losses and demand adequate compensation.

Signs of Elder Abuse in Las Vegas

It’s important to know the common signs of elder abuse so that it can be properly recognized and addressed. Below are some of the most common signs of elder abuse

• Unexplained bruises and cuts
• Sprains and muscle injuries
• Signs of restraint (e.g., wrist ligature marks)
• Dirty or disheveled appearance
• Torn or bloody clothing
• Broken accessories (e.g., eyeglasses)
• Depression or anxiety
• Becoming withdrawn or non-responsive
• Changes in mood, appetite, or behavior
• Missing money or personal possessions
• Atypical credit card purchases or expenses
• Changes to account beneficiaries or will/testament

Reporting Elder Abuse to the State

Elder abuse is a crime that the state investigates thoroughly. If you suspect that a nursing facility or care organization is guilty of elder abuse, reporting it to the state can trigger an official investigation.

You can report suspected elder abuse in Nevada to the state’s Adult Protective Services department.

Once the department receives your complaint, it can investigate for signs of abuse. If the department finds signs of abuse, it will refer the case to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for Elder Abuse in Las Vegas?

Nevada’s statute of limitations typically gives you two years to file a lawsuit for elder abuse or neglect. Once the two years pass, your chance to recover compensation is lost forever, so you must act quickly.

It can take months or even years to build a strong case, and delays will only hurt your claim. By contacting an attorney, you can hit the ground running and minimize the risk of payment delays or complications.

Contact a Las Vegas Elder Abuse Lawyer Today

The consequences of elder abuse can upend lives and completely shatter your faith in the medical and healthcare system. Victims need to choose an elder law attorney who will hear their side of the story and fight to balance the scales.

J&Y Law stands firm in our dedication to protecting society’s most vulnerable and will not stop until we have held liable parties accountable to the fullest extent possible.

Contact our offices online or reach out by phone today to speak to an experienced elder abuse lawyer in Las Vegas about options for legal action.