Tulsa Elder Abuse Lawyer

Elder Abuse Attorney in Tulsa, OK

Elderly residents of Tulsa are some of the most vulnerable members of the community, and many rely on daily caregivers to help them handle everyday tasks, manage medical conditions, and enjoy life to the fullest. Unfortunately, elder abuse is more common than many people realize. If you discover your elderly loved one has been abused by a caregiver, it is crucial to speak with a Tulsa elder abuse lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

Representing Victims of Elder Abuse in Tulsa, OK

The attorneys at Fulmer Sill have decades of experience representing clients in Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma in some of the most challenging personal injury cases, including elder abuse claims. We know how devastating it is for any family to discover that an elderly loved one has suffered abuse from those trusted to care for them, and we can help you pursue accountability and compensation after discovering any such mistreatment.

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), about 10% of Americans over the age of 60 have experienced some type of elder abuse at least once. Elder abuse is most commonly committed by family members and caregivers of the victim, and unfortunately, most of these cases do not involve isolated incidents. Many victims of elder abuse suffer prolonged mistreatment and patterns of abuse that extend over long periods before they are discovered.

The NCOA also estimates that only about one in every 24 cases of elder abuse is reported to the appropriate authorities. Many victims struggle with medical conditions that can make it very difficult for them to respond correctly or know what to do when they experience elder abuse. Family members must remain vigilant for any signs of elder abuse and hire an elder abuse lawyer if they suspect this is happening to their loved one.

Building an Elder Abuse Case in Tulsa

There are many reputable nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the Tulsa area, including The Parke Assisted Living and Trinity Woods, and many families in the community trust facilities like these to provide daily care to elderly family members. There are also many home care services operating in the area. Elder abuse can be difficult to detect in some cases, and it can also happen in various ways: 

• Physical abuse is typically the most obvious form of elder abuse. Pay close attention to any signs of recent injury. If your elderly loved one is in a nursing home, staff are required to document falls and other injuries and should provide a clear explanation of any signs of injury when asked.
• Sexual abuse can include sexual battery, unwanted touching, groping, or displays of sexual material. Nursing home residents may suffer from sexually transmitted infections from such behavior, and the party responsible will likely face severe criminal penalties in addition to liability for the victim’s damages.
• Willful neglect could include failing to provide basic daily needs like hydration, nutrition, or medication. This can also include failure to reposition a bedridden person, allowing bedsores to form.
• Financial exploitation may take a long time to be obvious, and perpetrators could engage in direct theft of property, identity theft, check fraud, and other financial crimes against elderly victims.

These are only a few examples of how elder abuse can happen in the Tulsa area. Once you recognize any signs of this, you should speak with an experienced Tulsa elder abuse attorney at your first opportunity.

Filing an Elder Abuse Claim in Tulsa

Elder abuse can not only result in significant losses for the victim and their family, but it is also illegal. Oklahoma enforces strict elder abuse laws, and anyone who violates these laws can face harsh penalties, including fines and jail time. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities may also be held vicariously liable for the harm staff members have caused to elderly residents.

In a personal injury case for elder abuse, the victim’s family may have grounds to claim various damages, including the cost of any medical care the victim required to heal from the abuse they suffered, lost income, if a family member was forced to take time away from work to handle the situation, and compensation for pain and suffering. If a defendant violated the Oklahoma Elder Exploitation and Abuse Act, they could also be forced to pay punitive damages.

Reach out to the team at Fulmer Sill at your first opportunity to learn how we can help with your elder abuse case in Tulsa. We have extensive experience handling these cases and are confident we can guide your family to a favorable outcome.

FAQs About Tulsa, OK Elder Abuse Laws

What Are the Signs of Elder Abuse?

Signs of elder abuse could include unexplained injuries, a sudden decline in an elderly person’s medical condition, personality changes, or signs of neglect in their living space. Family members must pay very close attention to any potential red flags and thoroughly investigate them.

What Is an Elder Abuse Case Worth in Tulsa?

The potential value of an elder abuse case in Tulsa depends on the specific details of the case, the scope of the harm done to the victim, and whether any Oklahoma elder abuse laws were broken. Your Tulsa elder abuse attorney can calculate economic damages like medical expenses, lost income, and out-of-pocket expenses you can claim, and they can also help you determine a suitable amount of pain and suffering compensation to claim from the defendant.

Why Should I Hire an Elder Abuse Lawyer in Tulsa?

You should hire an elder abuse lawyer in Tulsa because these are inherently complex and emotionally stressful cases. Your Tulsa elder abuse lawyer can help you prove the truth of the situation and uncover the full extent of damages your family can claim from the defendant. You are significantly more likely to succeed with your case with an attorney’s help.

What Does it Cost to Hire an Elder Abuse Lawyer in Tulsa?

The cost to hire an elder abuse lawyer in Tulsa depends on the lawyer’s billing policy. Fulmer Sill accepts personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so we only charge a fee when we secure compensation for our client. If we are unable to secure a recovery for you for any reason, there is no fee.

Contact A Tulsa, OK Elder Abuse Lawyer Today

The team at Fulmer Sill has years of experience helping injured clients pursue accountability for the harm they have suffered because of the negligence and misconduct of others. We know how to help you overcome the various challenges you could face after discovering elder abuse, so contact us today and schedule your free consultation with a Tulsa elder abuse lawyer.