Tampa Elder Abuse & Exploitation Attorney
Many elderly adult residents of Tampa depend on others to provide care and manage their financial and legal affairs. Perhaps you have a parent or family member who requires such assistance. While most of us try to do right by our elders, the unfortunate reality is that many vulnerable adults are the victims of abuse and exploitation.
If you know someone in this situation, it is important to stand up for them. One thing you can do is contact an experienced Tampa elder abuse and exploitation attorney. Knudsen Law is a dedicated Florida estate and probate firm that has assisted many vulnerable seniors, and their families, in taking legal action against those who would abuse their positions of trust.
The Scope of Elder Abuse and Exploitation in Florida
Nobody wants to think someone is actually capable of abusing or taking advantage of a senior citizen. Yet the primary reason such exploitation occurs is simple: Because the elderly make an easy target. Many elders require round-the-clock care from a dedicated caregiver. This places the caregiver in a position of enormous power and influence, which can be easily exploited to the detriment of the senior.
Some of the more common forms of elder abuse and exploitation that we see in our practice include:
- Physical Abuse: The intentional or reckless use of physical harm that results in bodily injury or pain. This can include hitting an elder or using excessive force against them, such as when restraining them in a bed.
- Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact with an elder, including unwanted touching, sexual harassment, or sexual activity with a person who lacks the capacity to give consent.
- Psychological Abuse: Inflicting emotional pain, anguish, or distress on an elderly person.
- Neglect: A caregiver or fiduciary’s refusal or failure to provide a dependent elder with any goods or services necessary to their health and safety.
- Financial Exploitation: The illegal or unauthorized use of an elder’s financial resources for the sole benefit of another person. This can include coercing an elder into signing over access to their financial accounts or abusing authority previously granted to a fiduciary under a power of attorney or Florida guardianship.
- Abandonment: Deserting an elderly person who was previously under a person’s care or custody.
- Self-Neglect: An elderly person, who is under the care of another, is allowed to hurt themselves or place their life at risk by failing to perform basic tasks like eating or taking medication.
Florida has a number of civil and criminal laws to deal with elder abuse and exploitation. Civil remedies can include seeking compensation for any personal injury caused to an elderly person. In cases of financial exploitation, a civil action can also seek to recover any misappropriated property and additional monetary damages.
Contact Our Tampa Elder Abuse & Exploitation Attorneys Today
People often suspect elder abuse or exploitation but are unsure of what steps they should take next. If you have any such concerns, you should not hesitate to speak with a qualified Tampa elder abuse and exploitation attorney as soon as possible. Contact Knudsen Law today at (727) 398-3600 to schedule a consultation.
