About 1 out of every 10 Americans aged 60 years or older have experienced elder abuse. This is an unfortunately high number that needs to be addressed.
But what is elder abuse? If you have been affected by it, who can you turn to for help?
If you are a St. Pete resident struggling with elder abuse, finding someone to talk to can feel hopeless. Luckily, an elder abuse attorney can help you out.
In this article, we will be discussing the role of an elder abuse attorney and how you can go about finding the right one for you.
Don’t want to read the full blog? Watch the video.
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is a term for any knowing, intentional, or otherwise negligent act by someone who causes serious harm to a vulnerable adult. All 50 states have some sort of elder abuse protection laws.
Elder abuse can happen in different places. It could happen in an elderly person’s home, a family member’s house, an assisted living facility, or even a nursing home.
Types of elder abuse include physical, emotional, neglect, financial, and sexual abuse.
Who Do I Contact About Elder Abuse?
The first place you should turn to for reporting elder abuse is 911. This is for immediate, life-threatening cases.
If you think that elder abuse is occurring, tell another family member or friend. A doctor or even an elder abuse hotline are great resources as well.
In the event you or an elderly relative needs legal representation, there are lawyers specializing in elder abuse all around St. Pete.
Tips for Finding the Right Elder Abuse Attorney
If you or someone you know is suffering from elder abuse and you need legal representation in St. Pete, elder abuse attorneys are here for you. Let’s discuss a few tips on finding the right elder abuse attorney and how to talk to them.
Find Referrals
Getting a referral from family and friends is a great way to find a new lawyer.
It is important to find referrals from people in your age group or those who have been in similar situations. If they had a positive experience, that attorney can probably do the same for you.
If you have a lawyer already, they can also refer you to elder law specialists.
Meet for a Consultation
Getting an in-person consultation is key for determining whether an elder abuse attorney is right for you.
If you can get a free consultation, even better. Use this time to feel out an attorney and see if they properly listen to your situation.
Talk About Experience
While elder abuse attorneys are trained in that field, their specific experiences also matter. Ask potential attorneys about their experience to see if it aligns with your needs.
If you do not feel comfortable talking about your case beforehand, this is a good way to see if an attorney can help you out with your specific situation.
Find the Right Attorney for St. Pete Elder Abuse Cases
Figuring out how to talk about elder abuse is difficult, as is finding the right attorney. Use this article to understand what elder abuse is and how elder abuse attorneys in St. Pete can help you resolve your case. For more informative articles on Florida law and court cases, check out the rest of our blog!
