Oklahoma City Elder Financial Abuse Lawyers
When we hear the phrase "elder abuse," it often conjures up images of physically and emotionally abusive nursing home orderlies, bullying our older loved ones. While this, unfortunately, is a sad truth in our country, there are more insidious forms of abuse that exist in the same context. Financial abuse is one such form. Like physical and emotional abuse, it thrives behind closed doors and in the shadows, where our loved ones and their guardians cannot see. However, unlike those other types of abuse, it is extremely difficult to detect, sometimes going on for decades before the truth comes out. Depending on the situation, the abused family member may be fully aware of what is going on, but lacks the insight to see what is really happening.
If you believe a loved one who is currently in someone else’s care is being taken advantage of financially, don’t hesitate to take action. Call Oklahoma City elder abuse attorney Ray Maples to discuss your legal options in a confidential case consultation. Over the years, Mr. Maples has witnessed a variety of abuses visited upon the elders of our community. It is despicable behavior and he will use every resource at his disposal to expose the truth and hold these abusers to the highest letter of the law.
Call (405) 883-4487 today to schedule a case evaluation.
What Should I do if I Suspect Elder Abuse?
No matter what kind of abuse you believe is occurring - whether it is physical, emotional or financial - you need to take action immediately. Not only will you shine a light on the cycle of violence currently taking place, you may very well be preventing the abuse of another individual as well. We highly recommend speaking with the facility manager first to see what can be done. If the behavior continues unabated or you feel as though the facility’s management is compromised as well, contact your regional Adult Protective Services branch to submit a complaint.
What Does Financial Abuse Look Like?
Relatively speaking, financial abuse has the capacity to be just as damaging, if not more, as emotional and physical abuse. Such behavior can quickly spiral out of control, wrecking havoc on a senior’s retirement plan and leaving them emotionally destitute. It is important to maintain an active record of your loved one’s possessions and financial records as much as possible to head-off some of the following scams:
- Confiscation of an elder’s personal possessions and keepsakes
- Pocketing extra money from errands
- Forging checks or documents in your loved one’s name
- Forcing or bullying an elder into opening new lines of credit
- Outright theft of an elder’s checks, wallet, purse, and money
- Charging for nonexistent services
Compassionate and Qualified Counsel
Your loved ones deserve to spend their twilight years in peace and comfort, not always looking behind their backs and counting every last dime in their pocket. If you have a loved one that you believe is being subjected to abuse of any kind, contact Attorney Ray Maples as soon as possible. Together we can review your options and discuss next steps. The number to call is (405) 883-4487.