Austin Elder Abuse Lawyer

Elder abuse is a growing concern in our society, affecting countless vulnerable individuals each year. As our population ages, the need for vigilant protection of our seniors’ rights and dignity becomes increasingly crucial. Elder abuse can take many forms, and this grave issue demands serious attention and robust legal action to ensure the safety and well-being of our elderly loved ones.

At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP, we understand the profound impact that elder abuse can have on victims and their families. Our experienced team of Austin elder abuse lawyers is dedicated to advocating for those who cannot always speak for themselves. With a track record of success in the courtroom and a commitment to achieving fair settlements, we stand ready to fight for justice on your behalf.

Signs of Elder Abuse

There are several signs that someone has been subjected to elder abuse, and by keeping an eye out during visits, you may be able to take action sooner rather than later. The following are some of the most common signs indicating elder abuse at a medical facility or under other care:

• Bruises
• Fractures
• Injuries
• Poor hygiene
• Untreated medical conditions
• Withdrawal
• Depression
• Anxiety and fear around specific individuals
• Unexplained withdrawals and transactions
• Sudden changes in wills and financial documents

There are other indicators of abuse, so we encourage you to trust your gut and contact an elder abuse attorney if you are not sure. We also encourage you to contact Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP for assistance assessing your claim and getting the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

What Compensation Can You Collect From an Elder Abuse Claim?

Many losses and damages may qualify for complete compensation depending on the circumstances surrounding the abuse. You may be eligible to receive financial recovery for damages, including but not limited to:

• Pain and suffering
• Past and future medical expenses
• Funeral costs and wrongful death
• In-home rehabilitation
• Court costs and attorney fees
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Decrease in quality of life
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages

Other losses may also qualify for compensation, though identifying these may be difficult without support from an elder abuse lawyer. When you work with an Austin elder abuse attorney from Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP, we can help you identify other eligible losses, determine the value of your claim, and maximize the compensation you can obtain for your damages.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Elder Abuse

If you suspect that you or someone you know has been subjected to elder abuse, you may not know what you should do. Taking calculated steps and utilizing particular strategies can increase your chances of receiving complete and fair compensation. We encourage you to use our suggestions should you take legal action against the negligent parties.

Seek Medical Attention Quickly

If you are concerned about any injuries or latent bodily harm, including that relating to medical conditions and care, you should seek medical attention as soon as you can. While you may not be the most comfortable working with doctors or other medical practitioners after your trust has been broken, this step will help you heal and recover as quickly and completely as possible.

Seeking medical attention sooner rather than later will also help if you take legal action. Court personnel will view your claim more positively if you visit the doctor as quickly as possible, meaning it may be easier to receive complete compensation. Further, medical records, doctor’s notes, and treatment plans may be helpful evidence for your claim.

If you need assistance finding a trusted medical provider, contact Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP. We can provide you with a referral or help you explore your other care options so you can feel confident and comfortable in your care.

File a Report About the Abuse

If you have not already done so, we encourage you to file a report of elder abuse. This may require some documentation and contacting local authorities and Adult Protective Services (APS). The report will serve as a premise and foundation for your claim.

Communicate Carefully With Insurance

Only share information you must provide, and do not extrapolate or provide additional details. The more you share with insurance, the more information they will have to use against you, potentially reducing the value of your claim.

Collect and Organize Any Evidence You Can

We encourage you to hold onto and safeguard any information and evidence related to your claim. This evidence may include medical information, photos, videos, witness statements, physical evidence, logs of injuries and pain, and anything else that feels relevant.

If there is any information you cannot gather for any reason, that is okay. Once you retain our support, an Austin elder abuse lawyer from Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP can help you collect this evidence during our investigation.

Stay Offline

We encourage you to stay offline as much as possible during your claim, as any information you share can be used against you. Court personnel can access the information you share on social media, even if you utilize privacy settings.

Do Not Discuss the Claim With Others

While speaking about your claim with others may feel comforting, please do your best to avoid this. We can only provide maximum privacy protection while you communicate with your elder abuse attorneys. Conversations with friends, family, or strangers may be used against you, even if this is no one’s intention.

Partner With a Qualified Lawyer

We urge you to retain support from an elder abuse lawyer, such as one from Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP, as soon as you can. We can help ensure insurance does not take advantage of you, provide additional recommendations for your next steps, and make personalized suggestions based on your unique circumstances.

How Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP Can Help

Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP is Austin’s oldest personal injury law firm, established in 1959. Our experienced Austin elder abuse attorneys have a well-earned reputation for handling significant cases and achieving fair settlements. We are dedicated to advocating for the rights of elder abuse victims and their families, ensuring justice is served.

For assistance with an elder abuse claim, contact Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP at (512) 454-3751 or visit our contact form. Our team is ready to provide the support and representation you need.