Elder Abuse in Central Texas
For Eva Malone, elder abuse isn’t just a crime – it’s a real problem in Central Texas.
Malone, a specialist with Adult Protective Services, investigates high-profile cases of elder abuse in the state of Texas. According to Malone, the central region of Texas has been inundated with elder abuse claims since the start of 2015.
Over the course of the last year, there were nearly 4,000 cases confirming elder abuse across Central Texas. In the month of October alone, Texas accumulated upwards of 1,200 elder abuse victims.
Malone noted that, despite being treated poorly or wrongly, victims of elder abuse often suffer in silence or neglect themselves. Many cases across the country continue to go unreported, presumably because, according to Malone, people don’t want to believe it.
In Texas, Malone indicated that many cases of elder abuse go unreported across Texas, due in large part to the fact that people suspected of elder abuse “have the right to refuse….. investigations.”
Elder Abuse Claims in El Paso, Texas
It’s an all-too disturbing reality, but there is a population of the elder community that faces abuse, neglect or some other form of victimization each year. Recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that upwards of 500,000 people over the age of 60 endure abuse or neglect annually in this country. Unfortunately, that number is expected to be much higher, as many cases of this type of abuse go unreported.
There are six types of abuse that occur among the elder community. They include:
- Neglect
- Abandonment
- Financial abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
It is not uncommon for this type of abuse to occur in nursing homes or assisted living facilities where elders may be particularly vulnerable. It is important to remember that, when dealing with these types of facilities, the acts of employees and individual workers make the facility and its staff liable for the abuse.
If you or someone you love has endured any degree of elder abuse, know that you are not alone, and there are resources available to you. In the southwest region, including Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, there are attorneys who specialize in handling cases stemming from elder neglect.
At The Ruhmann Law Firm, our attorneys pride themselves on advocating and giving a voice to those who need it most. We understand that cases of abuse can be stressful and intimidating, and that’s why we are committed to helping you every step of the way. No one deserves to have his or her personal rights, liberties, and overall well-being compromised due to the actions of another, and your trauma need not continue. Let us work with you to build a strong case that yields the full and fair settlement that you rightfully deserve.
You are not alone this holiday season. We are prepared to stand with you every step of the way. To schedule your free initial consultation with our attorneys, call us today at (915) 845-4529.