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Washington State Strengthens Elder Abuse Laws

Elder abuse is one of the least reported crimes that is on the rise in America. And the senior population is also on the rise, leading some lawmakers to reexamine the penalties for elder abuse. As MYNorthwest.com reports, Washington state passed new laws regarding elder abuse.

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson championed new laws regarding elder abuse. Stealing from or scamming elder adults now is a new category of crime and the statute of limitations on elder abuse has been extended from three to six years. Often, it takes that long to investigate these kinds of issues and many times, it takes that long before the financial abuse is even discovered.

Elder advocate Rick Gregorek says he often sees the implications of elder abuse in his law practice. He also says that the demographic for this kind of abuse is not set – it runs the gamut from someone stealing grandma’s social security check to family members siphoning millions from the accounts of loved ones.

If a loved one appears to be isolating themselves from the family or a caretaker says that they no longer want to see friends and family, that may be a sign of abuse.  Are there unexplained withdrawals from the bank accounts? That may also be a sign of elder financial abuse.  

If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse, contact the law offices of Schenk Law. We can help you to get the compensation that you deserve. Call us today.

FAQs

• What are the key changes in Washington State’s new laws regarding elder abuse?
  • Washington State has made significant changes to its laws regarding elder abuse. Now, stealing from or scamming elder adults is categorized as a distinct crime, with the statute of limitations on elder abuse extended from 3 to 6 years. These changes reflect the acknowledgment that it often takes an extended period to investigate such cases, and many times, financial abuse is not discovered until several years later.
• How can one recognize signs of elder abuse?
  • Recognizing signs of elder abuse is crucial for early intervention. Signs may include a loved one isolating themselves from family, a caretaker preventing them from seeing friends and family, or unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts. If you notice any of these signs, it may indicate elder financial abuse or other forms of mistreatment.
• What are some common indicators of elder abuse?
  • Elder abuse can take various forms and is not limited to a specific demographic. Examples include someone stealing a grandmother’s social security check or family members siphoning millions from the accounts of their loved ones. Recognizing these indicators is essential for early intervention and protection.
• What are the implications of Washington State strengthening elder abuse laws?
  • Washington State’s efforts to strengthen elder abuse laws signify a significant step forward in protecting vulnerable seniors from harm and holding perpetrators accountable. These strengthened laws may include enhanced penalties for perpetrators of elder abuse, increased reporting requirements for caregivers and healthcare professionals, and improved resources for elder abuse prevention and intervention. If you or a loved one has been affected by elder abuse, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance from an experienced Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer who can help you understand your rights and pursue justice.