How to Help Your Family Member Recover from Financial Elder Abuse
Financial exploitation of the elderly is a prevalent problem around the world. Although the U.S. does not have an accurate reporting technique for the rates of financial elder abuse, estimates place related losses for seniors at around $36.5 billion each year. About 954,000 senior citizens skip meals because of financial abuse today. Helping your family member recover from financial abuse is possible, but you need the right resources and assistance. Here’s what to do.
Come Forward and Report the Issue
Part of what makes it so difficult to track elder financial abuse is the fact that many don’t report their struggles. Perpetrators are often caregivers, friends, and even family members – making it difficult or awkward to report the incident. In other cases, elderly victims are afraid no one will believe them, or that the perpetrator will retaliate. Whatever the circumstances surrounding your case, know that it is crucial to bring it to the attention of authorities. Police will help you protect your rights and potentially recover from exploitation.
The most common scams affecting the elderly (according to the Department of Justice) are IRS and tax scams, sweepstakes/lottery scams, online dating scams, tech support scams, unsolicited phone calls, and identity theft. As soon as you spot or suspect financial abuse, get help from a program near you. Tell your loved one that you believe his or her allegations and that you will seek confidential assistance. Notify the correct authorities and get help for your loved one as soon as possible. Give as many details as you can about the situation.
Elder financial abuse is a crime. The state may prosecute offenders with penalties such as jail time, community service, or restitution. California is one of a handful of states that also allows vulnerable older adults to file civil claims in pursuit of compensation for damages. A financial exploitation civil claim could result in not only reimbursement of what the perpetrator stole, but a multiple of that amount (typically two to three times the amount lost) plus attorneys’ fees and potentially punitive damages.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Elder financial abuse extends much deeper into victims’ lives than just some money lost. Victims and their families may suffer in myriad other ways, including being unable to pay for medical bills and expenses, requiring counseling and management for the abuse, and even experiencing emotional and physical harms as a result of the exploitation. Studies have found connections between financial exploitation and depression and anxiety, which may require additional therapy. Help your loved one recover the full extent of damages by hiring a San Diego Personal injury attorney.
Financial elder abuse claims are complex and often difficult to litigate. You need an attorney you can trust to represent you during your insurance claim or personal injury case in California. Remember – you can likely recover the cost of your attorney’s fees in these claims within the state. Don’t go with a lawyer without experience or proven results in an effort to save money. Instead, trust your instincts and choose an attorney who will truly represent your loved one’s best interests with aggressive claim litigation.
Working with an elder financial abuse attorney during your civil claim could open your eyes to all of your rights as a victim or the loved one of a vulnerable senior citizen. It could also give you access to important resources and information that can advance your case, such as a team of fraud investigators and financial exploitation experts. The right team of lawyers can make all the difference in how easy or difficult it is to help your loved one recover from financial abuse. When someone takes advantage of your family member, seek help from authorities and civil claim lawyers near you.