New Jersey Elder Abuse Attorney
Elder abuse includes physical, mental, sexual, and financial abuse of older members of society who are often more vulnerable. Elderly individuals may face abuse at home, in medical facilities, or in nursing homes. It is important to recognize that elder abuse is a crime and can carry severe penalties. In addition to prosecution by the state, victims and their families can seek justice, accountability, and compensation through a civil lawsuit.
Expertise
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Content written by Samuel Meirowitz
- Expertise
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Quick Links
- Why Should I Hire Meirowitz & Wasserberg for My Elder Abuse Case in New Jersey?
- What Are the Types of Elder Abuse?
- How Can the Elder Abuse Attorneys at Meirowitz & Wasserberg Help?
- How Do I Prove Liability in an Elder Abuse Case?
- What Compensation Is Available in a New Jersey Elder Abuse Case?
- How Do I Report Elder Abuse in New Jersey?
- Contact Meirowitz & Wasserberg Today
The attorneys at Meirowitz & Wasserberg understand how to handle elder abuse cases. Our firm was founded in 2011, and our attorneys have 10 to 20 years of experience dealing with elder abuse cases. Call (844) 446-9529 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our compassionate New Jersey elder abuse attorneys.
Why Should I Hire Meirowitz & Wasserberg for My Elder Abuse Case in New Jersey?
Approximately 1 in 10 elderly Americans have experienced some form of elder abuse, and roughly 60 percent of abusers are relatives of the victims. Some estimates indicate that only 1 out of every 14 cases of elder abuse receives attention from law enforcement. Most go unreported.
Our firm believes that every senior in New Jersey has the right to live a safe and healthy life. They also deserve high-quality legal representation. However, not all lawyers have the relevant knowledge and experience necessary to manage these cases successfully. Founding partner Samuel Meirowitz has over 20 years of experience practicing law in New York. Our legal team has the skills and resources needed to protect your loved one’s rights.
Further, our case results are a testament to our diligence on behalf of our injured clients. We have recovered $360 million in settlements and verdicts on their behalf.
Testimonials from our Clients in New Jersey- “I have known the team at Meirowitz & Wasserberg for a few years now. Sam, Dan, and Kush created a welcoming and inviting team when dealing with my case. I felt very comfortable and heard by these individuals and have loved to see their growth and success. It is not often that people express warm feelings towards legal council; however, this team cares so deeply for their clientele that you can’t help but feel an almost sense of familiar security when working with them. I give these five stars because they have earned them by not only being the great firm that they are, but because they do not view you as just a case but as a person needing their expertise.” – Kim Madril
- “Melissa and the Meirowitz & Wasserberg team win again! I can not recommend Melissa enough. From the moment she takes on your case, she is hands-on and you are in the most capable hands. Her team stays in constant contact with updates on your case. She went the extra mile and I felt like a part of the Meirowitz & Wasserberg family along the way. They truly care about their clients!!” – Justin Laskowski
What Are the Types of Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse takes many forms. Some of the most common forms that our New Jersey personal injury lawyers have seen include:
- Physical abuse – The use of physical force resulting in bodily injury can include kicking, hitting, striking, burning, or using other unnecessary force against a frail patient when moving or repositioning them.
- Emotional abuse – Psychological abuse is the most common form of elder abuse. It can be covert and include things like ridicule, intimidation, threats, and manipulation at the hands of a trusted caregiver. For example, emotional abuse can include prolonged teasing of a patient suffering from dementia or any other psychological condition.
- Sexual abuse – Elderly adults, particularly women, are vulnerable to sexual abuse. Any unwanted sexual contact or advances constitute sexual abuse. This can also include forcing elderly patients to perform sexual acts, making them view pornographic material, or taking sexually explicit photos of them.
- Financial exploitation – Financial elder abuse can happen without the victim’s knowledge. It can be as simple as a caregiver stealing a checkbook or credit card for personal expenses. In many cases, financial exploitation involves identity theft.
Elder neglect is another serious problem that can devastate the well-being and health of older adults. Unfortunately, it is often misunderstood and under-reported. Elder neglect can take many forms, but it generally refers to the failure of a caregiver to provide adequate food, hydration, medical care, hygiene assistance, shelter, social contact, and emotional support.
What Are Common Signs of Elder Abuse?
Two of the main factors enabling elder abuse are isolation and medical impairment. An elderly person living in a nursing home or an assisted living facility likely doesn’t have family or friends nearby for help when needed. Additionally, our bodies wear down over time, and some elderly individuals suffer from cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, making them easy targets for abusive caregivers.
According to the National Institute on Aging, some of the most common signs of elder abuse include:
- Seeming confused, depressed, or withdrawn
- Isolation from family and friends
- Fear of being touched by loved ones
- Unexplained bruises, scars, burns, or other injuries
- Bedsores or other preventable conditions
- Appearing dehydrated, underfed, or dirty
- Seeming overmedicated or undermedicated
- Unusual changes in spending or banking patterns
If you have a family member or older friend in a care facility, it’s important to remain alert to the subtle signs of mistreatment. Often, elderly adults fear retaliation if they say something. They count on friends and loved ones to step in and help.
How Can the Elder Abuse Attorneys at Meirowitz & Wasserberg Help?
Matters involving negligence and medical malpractice require the guidance and experience of a seasoned attorney. These cases often involve high damage amounts due to the need for medical care and additional accommodations. They may also result in pain, suffering, and decreased quality of life.
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, we have extensive experience handling these complex cases and a deep knowledge of local laws that will come into play. Even more importantly, we care deeply about our client’s case outcomes. Our firm takes cases on contingency, meaning you don’t pay unless we collect compensation on your behalf. Learn how a NJ elder abuse attorney at our firm can help you win your case.
“I reached out to Meirowitz & Wasserberg when I had a couple of legal questions and was wondering if I would need a lawyer. I spoke with K Shukla and was so appreciative to have a direct conversation where I was provided some high level counsel that ultimately helped me navigate the issue a family member was facing. It was such an honest and straightforward experience that I would reach out to them again with any legal needs in the future.” – Evelyn Ramirez
How Do I Prove Liability in an Elder Abuse Case?
Multiple facilities and individuals could be found liable for elder abuse, including:
- Caregivers – Potential defendants entrusted with providing services and care to an elderly person can include an employee of an elder care facility, a neighbor, or even a relative.
- Medical professionals – Elder abuse can be perpetrated by a licensed medical professional, such as a physician, nurse, physical therapist, or dietician.
- Elder care facilities – Facilities that provide housing and other elder care services can be found liable for abuse if they don’t ensure the safety of a resident, maintain proper hiring standards, or adhere to various state nursing home regulations.
- Third parties – Some facilities will hire third parties, such as cleaning, maintenance, or security crews, who could harm an elderly person under their care.
Our experienced New Jersey elder abuse lawyers will determine who can be held responsible in your case. To prove liability, your attorney must typically establish negligence or intentional abuse. To do so, they will gather evidence to build a strong case. This evidence may include:
- Medical records documenting injuries or illness
- Photos or video footage
- Records of a nursing home’s staff training and other policies
- Testimony from witnesses, including family, friends, and nursing home staff
- Expert opinions on how the minimum standard of care was breached
What Compensation Is Available in a New Jersey Elder Abuse Case?
Different types of damages are available for victims of elder abuse and their families through a civil lawsuit. Among other things, compensation may be available for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Rehabilitation costs
- Relocation costs
- Loss of financial support
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Legal fees
The compensation you are entitled to will vary depending on the circumstances of your case. It’s critical to act promptly to help protect your loved one’s rights and boost your chance of achieving a positive outcome. Our personal injury lawyers in New Jersey can explain and protect your rights.
How Do I Report Elder Abuse in New Jersey?
You may be unsure what to do next if you suspect that a loved one is a victim of elder abuse. First, collect as much information as possible, such as names of suspected perpetrators and dates of the abuse. The next step is to report the matter to the New Jersey Department of Health, which will investigate the claim.
Again, it’s also important to know that elder abuse is a crime, so you may also need to contact your local law enforcement agency. Further, you have the right to pursue justice through a civil lawsuit. Our elder abuse attorneys in New Jersey can help you file your report, gather evidence, and pursue justice, accountability, and compensation for your loved one.
Contact Meirowitz & Wasserberg Today
If you or a loved one are a victim of elder abuse, you need strong representation from a New Jersey elder abuse attorney. At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, our experienced and compassionate attorneys have decades of combined experience helping our clients achieve justice and secure meaningful compensation. Call (844) 446-9529 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and learn how our firm can help.
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