Arizona Elder Abuse Lawyer | Protect Seniors, Seek Justice

Elder Abuse

Protecting Arizona's Seniors: AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys Fights Against Elder Abuse and Neglect.

Elder abuse is a deeply disturbing issue where vulnerable older adults are harmed, exploited, or neglected by those they trust or who are responsible for their care. This abuse can occur in homes, nursing facilities, or assisted living centers, leaving seniors with devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys is dedicated to advocating for the rights and dignity of elderly individuals in Arizona, holding abusers and negligent caregivers accountable.
Our seniors deserve to live with respect, safety, and security. We fight for
those whose trust has been violated and whose well-being has been
compromised.

Understanding Elder Abuse in Arizona

Arizona law provides specific protections for “vulnerable adults,” which includes individuals 18 years or older who are unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect, or exploitation due to a physical or mental impairment (A.R.S. Title 46, Chapter 4 – Adult Protective Services Act). Elder abuse can take many forms:

Physical Abuse: Intentionally causing physical pain or injury (hitting, pushing, improper use of restraints, over or under-medicating).
Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Verbal assaults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, isolation, or harassment.
Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact, including with those unable to consent due to cognitive impairment.
Neglect: Failure by a caregiver (family member or facility staff) to provide necessary food, water, shelter, hygiene, clothing, medical care, or a safe environment. This includes:
Abandonment.
Failure to prevent bedsores (pressure ulcers).
Leaving an elder unsupervised when they require assistance.
Financial Exploitation: Illegal or improper use of an elder’s funds, property, or assets. This can include:

Theft of money or belongings.
Unauthorized use of credit cards or bank accounts.
Forging signatures.
Coercing or deceiving an elder into signing documents (wills, deeds, contracts).
Scams targeting seniors.

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Signs of Elder Abuse and Neglect:

Physical Signs: Unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, burns, fractures;
bedsores; poor hygiene; sudden weight loss; signs of dehydration or
malnutrition; medication errors.
Emotional/Behavioral Signs: Withdrawal, depression, anxiety,
fearfulness (especially around certain caregivers); agitation;
confusion; changes in personality; isolation; reluctance to speak
freely.
Signs of Neglect: Unsanitary living conditions; soiled bedding or
clothing; lack of necessary medical aids (glasses, walkers, hearing
aids); unattended medical needs.
Signs of Financial Exploitation: Sudden changes in bank accounts
or banking practices; unexplained withdrawals or transfers; changes
to wills or powers of attorney; unpaid bills despite adequate income; missing valuables; new “best friends” who seem overly interested in finances

Reporting Elder Abuse in Arizona

If you suspect an elder or vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited in Arizona, you are encouraged (and certain professionals are mandated) to report it to:

Adult Protective Services (APS): Call 1-877-SOS-ADULT (1-877-767-2385) or make a report online via the Arizona Department of Economic Security. APS investigates these allegations.
Law Enforcement (911 or local police): If the person is in immediate danger or a crime is actively occurring.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman: For concerns about residents in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

Civil Lawsuits for Elder Abuse (A.R.S. § 46-455, § 46-456)
Arizona law (A.R.S. § 46-455) specifically provides a civil cause of action for vulnerable adults who have been victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This allows the victim (or their representative) to sue the abuser and/or negligent parties for damages, which can include:

Actual damages (medical expenses, lost assets, therapy costs).
Court costs and attorney’s fees.
In some cases, treble damages (three times the actual damages) may be awarded if it’s proven by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with intent to defraud or showed willful misconduct or a reckless disregard of the consequences.
Pain and suffering.
Punitive damages.

Liable parties can include individual abusers, caregivers, family members, financial advisors, or institutions like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or hospitals if their negligence or policies contributed to the harm.

What to Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse

Ensure Immediate Safety:

If the elder is in immediate danger, call 911.

Report to APS and/or Law Enforcement.

Document Your Concerns:

Note specific incidents, dates, times, observations, and any statements made. Take photos of injuries or unsafe conditions if possible and appropriate.

Preserve Evidence:

Keep copies of financial records, medical records, and communications.

Talk to the Elder (If Safe and Appropriate):

Listen to their concerns without judgment.

Contact AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys:

An experienced elder abuse attorney can explain the victim’s rights, navigate the complexities of APS investigations and civil litigation, and fight for their protection and recovery.

AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys: Protecting Arizona's Vulnerable Adults

At AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys, we are passionate about defending the rights and dignity of our elders. Our attorneys:

Offer a Free, Confidential Consultation: We provide a respectful environment to discuss sensitive elder abuse matters.
Understand Arizona’s Elder Abuse Laws: We have in-depth
knowledge of the Adult Protective Services Act and related statutes.
Conduct Thorough Investigations: We work to uncover evidence of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, including financial records and facility practices.
Collaborate with Experts: We may work with geriatric care
specialists, forensic accountants, or medical experts.
Aggressively Pursue Justice: We fight to recover full compensation for our clients, including seeking enhanced damages where appropriate.
Strive to Prevent Future Harm: By holding abusers accountable,
we aim to protect other vulnerable adults.

Statute of Limitations for Elder Abuse Claims in Arizona

Civil claims under the Adult Protective Services Act (A.R.S. § 46-455) generally must be brought within two years after the plaintiff discovers or should have discovered the conduct.
For other personal injury claims related to the abuse, the general two- year statute (A.R.S. § 12-542) from the date of injury or discovery typically applies.
If a government-run facility is involved, the 180-day Notice of
Claim/1-year to sue rules apply.

If You Suspect Elder Abuse, Don't Wait. Contact AZ Law Now

Your vigilance can make a difference. Contact AZ Law Now today for a free consultation to discuss how we can help protect a vulnerable adult and seek
justice for the harm they have suffered.