Our elders are particularly vulnerable to many types of accidents, such as trip and fall accidents. What is just a broken bone for a younger person can actually be a death sentence for an elderly person. Unfortunately, this puts your elders at an increased risk of being abused. Known as elder abuse, this is against the law and grounds for filing a person injury claim.
Keep learning to get tips on how to reduce the chances that your elder will become the victim of abuse. If they have already been harmed, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to find out what your legal options are.
Falls Are the Second Most Common Type of Accident That Leads to Injury for the Elderly
Falls are the second most common way an elderly person can experience an accident injury that leads to death. In fact, 33% of people over the age of 65 experience a fall each year. Half of those people have experienced a fall before. Falls happen frequently in crowded areas, ramps, on ladders, in areas with uneven surfaces, on stairs, and in doorways.
Not All Falls Are Accidental
While many falls are entirely accidental, not all are. In some cases, a caregiver can be responsible for causing a fall. They may have created a dangerous condition to purposely create the situation that was dangerous. They may have known about dangers and done nothing to prevent them. If either of these issues is true, then you may have a personal injury claim.
To protect your loved one from this type of abuse, make sure you know where they are and what they are doing. This does not mean you need to keep tabs on them every second of the day, but if they are going on a field trip, know who their caregiver is. Caregivers are much more likely to take advantage of someone who does not have involved family members.
Some Simple Appliances Can Be Dangerous for Your Loved One
Those who work with the elderly are very familiar with dangerous products and what can easily injure their patients. They may allow a loved one to use something that seems safe on the surface but is anything but for the elderly with decreased strength and lower reaction times. This could include everything form kitchen appliances to bath equipment.
The best way to prevent your loved one from being injured by such appliances is to stay up to date on what can be dangerous. Read product warning labels and take them seriously. Know what is in your loved one’s room so that if something dangerous is put there, you will know.
Call Us if Your Loved One Has Been the Victim of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is a criminal charge and it can also lead to a civil lawsuit to recoup compensation for damages. If your loved one has been the victim of elder abuse, we urge you to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker today at 800-333-0000 for your free legal consultation.
