Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.
Nursing home abuse comes in many different ways: neglect, malnutrition, and even physical abuse. Yet, there is one form of abuse that is often overlooked: financial exploitation. This silent threat can continue unchecked for months or even years. Recognizing the signs is the first step to action in reporting to the elder abuse hotline and taking the help of legal services. At Malman Law, families can get in touch regarding financial exploitation and are assured that through expert legal intervention, their loved one is protected, and the offenders are brought to justice.
We Have Obtained One of The Largest Nursing Home Verdicts in Illinois History
Nursing home abuse is widespread in the United States. The types of abuse range from bedsores, to patients being malnourished, to outright physical battery. Most family members are now aware of the physical and emotional risks when picking nursing homes for their loved ones.
However, there is one silent type of abuse that might go on for months or years. It does not leave a physical mark or even emotionally affect the victim, but eventually, it will deprive them of a quality life or the things they need to thrive. This type of abuse? Financial.
Financial abuse – also known as financial exploitation or material exploitation – is an abuse of a person’s assets, funds, or personal property. A patient inside a nursing home can become an ideal target for financial abuse.
A nursing home resident is vulnerable to the deception required to steal funds from them, and in most cases, these victims are unaware that they have been targeted.
In nursing homes, financial exploitation and abuse take many forms, including:
Certain conditions make nursing home residents vulnerable to financial stress. Key factors include:
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Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction and workers’ compensation cases.
STEVE J. MALMAN
Founding Attorney
The earlier the warning signs of financial exploitation are identified, the less harm will be done to the loved one. Some family and friends should look for the following warning signs to help identify potential exploitation or abuse:
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Bank account and financial instrument unauthorized use, like credit card fraud, is one of the most frequent kinds of financial exploitation and may carry significant financial consequences and emotional harm to its victims.
Please read: How Nursing Homes Might Try to Cover Up Abuse
There are legal avenues of justice and methods for recovering losses available to the victims of nursing home financial abuse. An elder law attorney experienced in guiding the families in the following areas can help the families:
Legal action against the individuals and the involved institution ensures that this form of exploitation does not continue.
The largest nursing home verdict in Illinois history for the death of an 80-year-old woman due to a lack of oxygen.
Nursing home neglect: bedridden man’s rails ignored, bed shoved near radiator. Severe burns led to amputation.
Reporting suspected elder abuse is an important protection for vulnerable residents in nursing homes. Those concerned about the welfare of a resident in Illinois may do the following:
The Illinois department on aging investigates complaints of elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Their scope of practice includes thorough investigation, support to help the victims recover, and measures for ongoing safety and protection to prevent further harm. By doing this, they are strategically placed to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation and to take appropriate actions regarding incidents of exploitation.
The Elder Abuse Hotline provides immediate support to an individual concerned about elder abuse, referring callers to the most appropriate resource for their specific needs, including referrals to local agencies and/or services..
Cases of human or material dangers, or other criminal activity, must be directly reported to the local police or another corresponding law enforcement authority. Prompt police notification can lead to a better legal case.
An elder law attorney can be of immense help in the process of reporting. Lawyers guide families through collecting evidence, documenting financial or physical harm, and understanding legal options. One can also assist a victim and their family in pursuit of civil or criminal cases, which includes advocating for restitution.
You do not have to tolerate financial or physical abuse in nursing homes. Instead, nursing homes should be held accountable by hiring an attorney from Malman Law. Our attorneys are here to fight for your right to compensation.
Schedule a consultation today at 888-625-6265 or request more information online.
Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, truck accidents, car accidents, premises liability, construction, and workers’ compensation cases in Chicago, IL.
Years of experience: +30 years
Justia Profile: Steve Malman
Illinois Registration Status: Active and authorized to practice law—Last Registered Year: 2024
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by President and Founder, Steven J. Malman who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.