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Yes. It is unlawful in Georgia to willfully inflict physical pain, physical injury, mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or to deprive an elderly person of essential services.
Under Georgia law, family violence is also a crime. Family violence includes crimes between people who are related through blood or marriage. This includes battery, assault, harrasment, and unlawful restraint of elderly family members.
If found guilty, an abuser faces stiff fines and jail time of up to a year. In fact, a new Georgia law has toughened penalties for abusers and broadens the number of professionals required to report suspected abuse and neglect. In a recent study, the number of reported complaints of elderly abuse in Georgia rose over 65 percent between 2008 and 2012.
Every day, older adults and adults with disabilities are suffering from abuse, neglect, and exploitation; often by people they trust the most. Abusers may be nursing home staff, professionals, and administrators, spouses, family members, personal acquaintances.
If you suspect that your loved one has been abused at a Georgia nursing home, please do not hesitate to call and speak to one of our experienced trial lawyers today.
FAQs
- What are the legal consequences for elder abuse in Georgia?
- The punishment for elder abuse in Georgia can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the severity of the abuse. Perpetrators may face criminal charges, civil lawsuits, fines, and imprisonment if found guilty of abusing or neglecting an elderly individual. Additionally, they may be required to pay restitution to the victim and may face professional consequences, such as losing licensure or certification in healthcare or caregiving professions. Seeking legal guidance from an experienced Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer is crucial in navigating the complexities of elder abuse cases and advocating for justice on behalf of the victim.
- What are the potential consequences of elder abuse?
- The consequences of elder abuse can be devastating for the victim and their family. Elder abuse can result in physical injuries, emotional trauma, financial loss, and a decline in overall health and well-being. Victims may experience feelings of fear, helplessness, and mistrust, while family members may feel guilt, anger, and frustration. Additionally, perpetrators of elder abuse may face legal consequences, including criminal charges and civil lawsuits, as well as damage to their reputation and career prospects.
- Can you provide an example of elder abuse that is most clearly classified as neglect?
- Neglect is a form of elder abuse that involves the failure to provide essential care and support to an elderly individual, resulting in harm or endangerment. An example of elder abuse classified as neglect could be the failure of caregivers in a nursing home to provide adequate nutrition, hydration, or medical attention to residents, leading to the development of pressure ulcers or other preventable health conditions.
- Is elder abuse considered a crime?
- Yes, elder abuse is a real crime that is taken seriously by law enforcement and the legal system. In Georgia, as in many other states, various laws and statutes are in place to protect elderly individuals from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and mistreatment. Perpetrators of elder abuse can face criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and other legal consequences for their actions. If you suspect elder abuse, it’s essential to report it to the appropriate authorities and seek legal assistance from experienced professionals who specialize in elder law.
