What Are The Legal Implications Of Elder Abuse And Neglect?
Elder abuse, and neglect, are illegal within the state of Florida. By being aware of what constitutes these actions and the legal implications of elder abuse and neglect, you and your elderly loved ones can obtain justice. Our Florida elder law attorney at Hoyt & Bryan explains more below.
What Is Elder Abuse?
The definition of elder abuse within the state of Florida is as follows: the intentional infliction of physical and/or psychological injury upon an older person.
Some of the different acts that constitute elder abuse within the state of Florida are as follows:
- A caregiver says hurtful words to the elderly individual they are supposed to be taking care of.
- A family member who hits an elderly family member.
- A caregiver who steals money from the elderly person in their care.
Every single one of the above is considered an act of elder abuse. Right before we can go over the legal implications of elder abuse, though, let’s go over what, exactly, neglect is and how it pertains to elder abuse.
When Should I Contact an Elder Law Attorney?
What Is Neglect?
The definition of neglect, as per the National Institute of Aging, is as follows: a situation in which a caregiver does not respond to the elderly adult’s needs.
Some of the different acts that constitute neglect within the state of Florida are as follows:
- When a caregiver fails to give the elderly adult in their care the medications that they need.
- When a caregiver withholds food and/or water from the elderly adult in their care.
- When a caregiver ignores the reasonable requests made by the elderly adult in their care.
Every single one of the above is considered an act of neglect. And with that in mind, neglect is often considered an act of elder abuse, as it serves to cause physical and psychological harm to an elderly adult.
What Are The Legal Implications Of Elder Abuse And Neglect?
The legal implications of elder abuse and neglect are significant. Someone who is found to be guilty of elder abuse and neglect may face both civil and criminal charges, depending on the acts that they are found guilty of.
To obtain justice for elder abuse and neglect, you can file civil litigation against the party that is guilty of this elder abuse. Right before you speak with a Florida elder law lawyer, though, you must know that a civil action can only be brought forth by one of the following parties:
- The elderly adult who was abused.
- The elderly adult’s guardian.
- An organization acting on the elderly adult’s behalf.
- An individual acting on the elderly adult’s behalf.
- The personal representative of a deceased elderly adult’s estate.
Regardless of who brings forth a civil action, the consequences for elder abuse and neglect are as follows:
- If the abusive party’s actions did not result in significant bodily harm and/or permanent disfigurement, then it is a third-degree felony that can be punished with up to 15 years in prison.
- If the abusive party’s actions did result in significant bodily harm and/or permanent disfigurement, then it is a first-degree felony that can be punished with up to 30 years in prison.
- If the abusive party committed aggravated neglect against an elderly adult, then it is a second-degree felony that can be punished with up to 15 years in prison.
Speak With A Florida Elder Law Attorney Today
The elder law field is quite broad. For this reason, you must speak with a Florida elder law attorney about the specifics of your case before filing civil litigation so that you can partner with a lawyer who can assist you in obtaining justice for your case.
