Elder Neglect

We recognize the profound impact that neglect and elder abuse can have on individuals and their families. At Doyon & White we are committed to standing up for the rights of our elderly clients, providing compassionate and dedicated legal representation during their time of vulnerability. Elder abuse and neglect are deeply distressing issues that can lead to physical and emotional suffering for the elderly and their families. The betrayal of trust and violation of dignity can have severe consequences on the health and well-being of our elders.

Neglect in the context of elder abuse refers to the failure or omission by a caregiver or responsible party to provide the necessary care, assistance, and support required to meet the basic needs of an elderly person. It involves the withholding of essential services or care that results in, or could potentially lead to, physical, emotional, or financial harm to the elderly individual.

According to the American Association for Justice, as many as 90% of U.S. nursing homes have staffing levels too low to provide even “adequate” care for our loved ones. Too many corporate facilities, which are increasingly the norm for elderly care, put profit before people and decrease their staffing levels to increase their profits. As a result of the current state of our elder care, the aging population continues to suffer from preventable falls, bed sores, dehydration, malnutrition, sepsis and other serious infections.

Despite these statistics, pursuing civil claims for compensation can be legally challenging and not all claims of elder abuse result in civil claims. Our approach to elder abuse cases involves a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse, your elder’s prior health conditions and their injuries as a result of the neglect. Identifying and addressing neglect is crucial to ensuring the well-being and safety of the elderly. Legal measures, such as filing a civil lawsuit or reporting the abuse to appropriate authorities, may be necessary to hold responsible parties accountable and protect the rights of the elderly person.

We strive to provide not only legal representation but also a supportive environment where victims and their families can find solace and strength. We understand that each case is unique, and our legal team is equipped to navigate the complexities associated with elder abuse claims. From gathering evidence to building a compelling case, we are committed to pursuing justice for our elderly clients and their families.

Financial Abuse

At Doyon & White we feel very strongly that everyone—regardless of their age—is entitled to dignity, honesty and respect. Sadly, as a direct result of financial abuse and financial exploitation, our elderly population and their families all too often suffer injuries, humiliation, and serious financial harm at an increasing rate every year.

Financial abuse can be an online or telephone scam or a close relative with unauthorized or improper use of an elderly person’s financial resources. Elders are specifically targeted for their vulnerability, trust, and lack of knowledge of some financial processes. While unfortunately common, a live-in aid or a close family member may have unauthorized access to their funds resulting in claims of theft, embezzlement or fraud.

Identity theft, coercion and undue influence are also used by close family members or friends to gain access to funds, bank accounts, credit cards or to change estate planning documents for future gain. Investigating these claims, determining how access was gained and accounting for where funds were spent, takes extensive research, financial investigations and often times court approval for access to records.

Financial abuse & exploitation can have severe consequences for elderly individuals, leading to financial hardship, loss of assets, and compromised quality of life. Depletion of their assets can have devastating effects on long term planning and financial repercussions to immediate family.

Legal remedies, such as reporting to authorities or pursuing civil litigation, may be necessary to hold those accountable and protect the financial well-being of the elderly. Changes to estate planning documents can require probate court and superior court representation. If you suspect financial abuse, seeking the assistance of the experienced probate and civil litigation attorneys at Doyon & White to help your elderly loved one is crucial.

Medication Errors

Reactions from dangerous medication errors can be devastating, especially to those who are already sick or elderly. In the most extreme instances, wrongful death may result from a drug not properly tested or a medication administration error. Inattentive staff, poor medical records review, and lack of knowledge of drug interactions can all cause devasting consequences. These errors can occur in various settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, or by aides in the home. Medication errors can have serious repercussions for the health and well-being of our elderly and may be considered a form of neglect or abuse.

Detecting and addressing medication errors in the context of elder abuse requires vigilance from caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals. Prompt action in reporting the error, seeking medical treatment and seeking legal advice, may be necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the elderly individual.

Dealing with a medication error that affects the health of an elderly loved one can be an emotionally challenging experience, especially when you feel partially responsible for overseeing their care. It’s important to remember that you are not alone in navigating these difficult situations, and advocating for your loved one’s well-being is an essential part of being a responsible caregiver. If you or a loved one have been given medications in error that caused injury or illness, contact an experienced attorney immediately to investigate and preserve the associated evidence.