Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
Abuse can happen to anyone – regardless of age, sex, race, religion or ethnic or cultural background. Each year, hundreds of thousands of adults over the age of 60 get abused, neglected, or financially exploited. This is called elder abuse. While elder abuse can happen anywhere, it is most common at assisted living facilities or nursing homes.
If you believe or suspect that your elderly loved one is the victim of some type of elder abuse or nursing home neglect, it is important to immediately consult with authorities. You should also contact an experienced New Jersey elder abuse attorney to help protect the legal rights of your loved one.
Elder Abuse Is Common Because the Elderly is More Vulnerable
Approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60 years or older has experienced some form of elder abuse. Data shows that more than 5 million elders are abused each year. Even more disturbing than the numbers of elder abuse is the fact that approximately only 1 in 14 cases of abuse are reported to authorities. One main reason for the lack of reporting is that signs of elder abuse may not always be apparent and detectable.
Common Signs of Elder Abuse
It is not always easy to detect signs of elder abuse. Most elder abuse cases go unnoticed, leaving victims helpless and unable to seek the justice they deserve. As such, it is imperative that you are vigilant of the common signs of elder abuse, especially if your elderly loved one resides at a nursing home facility. Below are some common signs of elder abuse:
- Open wounds or bed sores
- Extreme weight loss
- Dehydration
- Chronic infection
- Disappearance of personal items
- Unaccounted for depletion of finances
- Argumentative or fearful behavior towards the staff at nursing home facility
- Inadequate explanation for an unexpected disability or death
- Sleepiness or confusion not associated with a previously diagnosed condition
- Delayed access to loved ones
- Unexplained or sudden injuries
- Withdrawal from normal activities or a sudden change in mood
If you suspect that an elderly loved one is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call 911. If danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, you should still report it as soon as possible. You should contact your local Adult Protective Services office, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or police.
Call a New Jersey Elder Abuse Attorney Today!
The legal team at Beninato & Matrafajlo Attorneys at Law, LLC is dedicated to helping our injured clients reach the best monetary settlement when they are involved in any type of accidents.
If you suspect a loved one has become the victim of elder abuse, you need an experienced and caring legal advocate on your side. Our experienced New Jersey elder abuse attorneys are available to personally review your case. Call us at 908-355-7100 to schedule a free, complimentary consultation with our legal team today.
Dan T. Matrafajlo, Esq. is the Managing Member and Lead Partner at Beninato & Matrafajlo, Attorneys at Law, LLC, a New Jersey-based personal injury law firm with offices in Elizabeth and East Brunswick. With over two decades of experience representing clients in complex matters—including motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death cases—he has recovered over $100 million on behalf of his clients and is known for securing significant results. He has also helped shape New Jersey personal injury law through notable Appellate Division decisions such as Hardison v. King and Frenklakh v. Lojek, with his litigation work featured in the New Jersey Law Journal, underscoring his authority in the field.
Mr. Matrafajlo was recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Stars honoree from 2012 to 2017 and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum—an honor reserved for attorneys who have achieved multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Combining deep legal expertise with a client-focused approach, he provides strategic, results-driven representation while guiding clients through every stage of the legal process. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and is admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York.
