NYC Elder Abuse Lawyer
Those who would abuse the elderly deserve to be held fully accountable for their actions. An NYC elder abuse attorney can help you make sure justice is served.
As children, we’re all taught to respect our elders. Going by how prevalent elder abuse remains in American society, however, it’s clear that many of our fellow citizens leave their manners—and general sense of decency—at the door.
While no two cases of elder abuse are exactly the same, all are detestable in an ethical sense. Mistreatment, which may include harms of a physical, emotional, or financial nature, can end up sowing deep seeds of mistrust in an older individual during his or her twilight years.
If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of abuse, do not stay silent. Contact an NYC elder abuse lawyer at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP today. Our counsel may help you win fair compensation.
Examples of Elder Abuse in NYC
While not always easy to identify, elder abuse can manifest in a number of ways. Some common examples of elder abuse in NYC include the following:
- Physical assault, including hitting, shoving, grabbing, biting, involuntary confinement, and the use of excessive force
- Emotional abuse, such as intimidation, humiliation, manipulation, unfair blaming, and cutting off contact without explanation
- Sexual abuse, including rape, inappropriate contact, and forcing an elder to watch sexual acts or material
- Financial abuse, such as stealing or misusing funds, forging signatures, and engaging in false representation
Related to these forms of abuse is healthcare fraud and abuse, which may encompass any number of other forms of theft or mistreatment.
Once you’ve identified the type of abuse that you or your loved one has suffered, you will have to provide tangible proof of the misconduct.
Signs of abuse may include unexplained burns, bruises, or injuries; bed sores and poor hygiene; moodiness, sullenness, or rapid agitation; and sudden financial changes. Photographs, medical reports, and witness testimony may help you substantiate your claim in court.
It’s generally wise to formally address any potential abuse as soon as possible, partly because neglect is often ongoing. In other words, abusive behavior may not fully stop until legal action is taken.
Elder Abuse Cases and the Statute of Limitations
In the state of New York, victims of elder abuse must be aware of some of the basic tenets of personal injury law. For NYC elder abuse cases being handled in civil court, the statute of limitations comes into play. This describes how long from the date of the abuse you will be given to pursue damages.
New Yorkers’ statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years. This is generally a strict deadline; don’t expect a judge to grant you additional time to file your suit.
Other elements of personal injury law will almost certainly apply to your case, but an experienced elder abuse lawyer in NYC can help you handle these as they come up.
Consult with an NYC Elder Abuse Attorney
There’s no room in civil society for elder abuse, yet it still happens with surprising regularity in all walks of life. We think that’s completely unacceptable.
If you or a family member has been the victim of abuse, contact an NYC elder abuse lawyer at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP. Call us at 1-800-VICTIM2 (842-8462) or fill out the online contact form at the bottom of this page to schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.