Elder Physical Abuse

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Shreveport Lawyers Handling Claims of Physical Abuse of the Elderly

Persuasive advocacy from Shreveport elder abuse attorneys

Most seniors already have some physical ailments. Any additional force, such as from a slap to the use of physical restraints, is likely to be very traumatic. In addition to the physical pain, striking or hurting a senior often causes emotional pain starting with an inability to trust the people who were supposed to care for the senior. Sadly, too many caretakers use force as a way of controlling or punishing a senior instead of using patience, education, and respect. Caretakers may also be liable if they fail to prevent the use of force by others including other caretakers and residents. At Garcia & Artigliere, our Shreveport elder abuse lawyers have been fighting for the elderly since 1993. We have more than $3 billion in recoveries, including a $1 million settlement on behalf of residents who were physically abused by another resident - contact us today.

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How can our Shreveport physical abuse lawyers help?

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What is physical abuse?

Physical abuse is defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as any “illness, pain, injury, functional impairment, distress, or death as a result of the intentional use of physical force and includes acts such as hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, and burning.” Other types of physical abuse include using chemical restraints (drugs) and physical restraints which many include ties, bandages, belts, and anything that prevents a senior from standing up. Physical abuse also includes intentionally denying a senior food and medications. Sexual abuse is another type of physical abuse.

Staff members may abuse a senior to control or punish that senior. Residents may get into fights with other seniors or act out due to their cognitive difficulties. The bottom line is that caretakers should take reasonable steps to prevent abuse and stop it from continuing. Most types of physical abuse can be prevented with advance planning.

When should you be concerned that your loved one may be the victim of physical abuse in Shreveport?

It helps to regularly visit your loved one who is in a care facility or even at their home.

Some of the signs of physical abuse of the elderly to look for include:

  • Fractured hips, limbs, appendages, and internal body parts
  • Bleeding
  • Bruises, cuts, and lacerations
  • Behavioral changes
  • Physical pain
  • Being afraid of a staff member, resident, or a person with access to the senior’s facility or home
  • Untreated infections
  • Loss of weight or weight gains
  • Not participating in activities with other seniors
  • Problems sleeping
  • Anxiety and depression
  • ER care
  • Sudden death

Why does physical abuse occur in Shreveport facilities and homes?

At Garcia & Artigliere, our Shreveport elder abuse lawyer works with the police, local adult protective agencies, and the Louisiana Ombudsman when physical abuse of your loved one occurs. We file claims for damages against caretakers to compensate your loved one.

Some of the reasons seniors in Shreveport suffer physical abuse include:

  • The abuser has a substance abuse problem; is mean and uncaring; or wasn’t properly trained by the caretaker to handle cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments in a more positive way
  • The caretaker (such as a skilled nursing facility or a nursing home) failed to:
    • Educate staff members about how to help seniors with physical, emotional, or cognitive difficulties
    • Hire enough qualified employees
    • Write and implement written safety measures
    • Provide individual care plans
    • Conduct background checks
    • Discipline or terminate any abuser
    • Notify law enforcement, local adult protective services, or the Louisiana Ombudsman Program
    • Provide prompt medical care

Our attorneys coordinate the senior’s civil claim with any criminal charges.

What injuries do Shreveport physical abuse victims suffer?

Our Shreveport physical abuse lawyers work with elder care physicians and other doctors to show what injuries your loved one has, what medical treatments are necessary, and how the physical abuse has affected your loved one physically and emotionally.

Some of the injuries that elderly physical abuse in Shreveport may cause include:

  • Broken bones, such as broken hips
  • Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma
  • Spinal cord damage and paralysis
  • Lung disorders
  • Heart disorders
  • Muscle, nerve, muscle, tendon, and ligament damage
  • Neck, shoulder, and back pain
  • Chronic pain
  • Emotional trauma
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How much is a senior’s physical abuse claim worth in Louisiana?

Every day is precious, especially as we age. At Garcia & Artigliere, our Shreveport physical abuse lawyers demand that caretakers who fail to prevent physical abuse compensate seniors for every moment of pain and every moment of anxiety or fear – for every day the senior suffers.

The defendants in Shreveport physical abuse claims should compensate victims for the victim’s:

  • Medical expenses. These costs include charges for emergency care, hospital stays, rehabilitative care, medications, psychological care, and other medical costs.
  • The daily pain and suffering of the victim
  • Any loss of bodily function
  • Any scarring and disfigurement
  • The loss of quality of life
  • Punitive damages

Our lawyers also file wrongful death claims on behalf of families. Wrongful death damages include the funeral and burial costs, any financial damages, such as the loss of an inheritance, and the loss of guidance and support your loved one would have provided.

Are there time limits in Louisiana for filing a Shreveport physical abuse claim?

The time limit a victim must file  a claim against a Shreveport caretaker is just one year from the date of the physical abuse.

Don’t wait. Contact us today. We’ll notify the caretaker that your loved is being abused, and the abuse must stop now. We need to speak with everyone while their memories are fresh. Your loved one needs medical help now.

Do you have a Shreveport physical abuse lawyer near me?

At Garcia & Artigliere, our physical abuse lawyers consult with seniors and their families at our Louisiana office. We also consult with Shreveport clients in Shreveport at their residential care facilities and the homes of family members if necessary. Other options include consultations by phone or video.

We understand how scary the claims process can be. We’ll answer your questions and prepare you for each step of your claim.

Contact the experienced Shreveport physical abuse lawyers at Garcia & Artigliere today

At Garcia & Artigliere, our experienced attorneys understand just how devastating physical abuse is. Odds are if your loved one is being physically abused, other seniors are being abused too. Our record of success in elder abuse and neglect cases includes numerous settlements and verdicts, some for as high as $38.6 million, $45 million, and $46 million.

To protect a member of your family who is being physically abused, call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We represent seniors in Shreveport, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge Louisiana – and Arizona, California, and Kentucky. Or lawyers handle physical abuse claims on a contingency fee basis.

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