Originally published by Robert Kraft.
Senior citizens deal with a lot of hardships in their lives, and sometimes they need litigation to balance things out. Senior citizens may need to sue for a myriad of things, but there are certain instances where the court system will see a higher frequency of lawsuits coming from the elderly. Here are four instances that result in a lot of lawsuits filed by the senior demographic.
Financial Exploitation
Financial exploitation of senior citizens leads to a lot of civil suits. Unfortunately, senior citizens are easy prey due to their dependency on others for their care, which often includes financial services. Many senior citizens find their financial situations complicated and overwhelming, and although it is not the only way to exploit them, it is a common way.
A study done by the National Center on Elder Abuse in 2003 revealed two thirds of exploitation is done by family members. Strangers partake in the victimizing too. They usually scam seniors with charities or high pressure sales for things they will never use. A lot of the cases by strangers or family end in civil suits and criminal charges.
Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is a blanket expression to identify wrongdoing and harm done against a senior citizen. The range of abuse classifications it covers is broad and may include the following:
- Sexual abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
- Neglect
- Knowingly allowing a senior to neglect themselves
Senior citizens are a growing demographic, and due to the expansive list falling under the term of elder abuse, it is one of the more common things attorneys with an older clientele represent them for.
There are some attorneys who will only represent seniors, and there are general practice law firms taking elder abuse lawsuit cases frequently under personal injury. Robinson & Henry P.C. Attorneys at Law is one example of a general practice firm willing to represent seniors under personal injury, and there are many other firms willing to do so too.
Discrimination
Senior citizens suing for age discrimination related to employment is not only common, it is increasing. Again, the age group is a growing demographic, and there are many older people wanting and absolutely needing the extra income necessary for them to live. AARP has a fact sheet that explains the rights of older workers and how to go about pursuing a lawsuit.
Senior Slip and Falls
Seniors frequently sue because of premises liability laws. When people get older, they are not as aware of their surroundings, and they slip or lose their balance and fall. Many law firms refer to it as senior slip and falls. These accidents can happen on commercial or residential property, and due to premise liability laws, the injuries often result in personal injury lawsuits against the property owners.
The injuries may end up being very serious, which results in a lawsuit over a lot of money. According to an article on HealthDay News, senior slip and falls are the number one cause of spinal cord injuries in older people.
These four instances, especially the accidental falls, result in a lot of senior citizen plaintiffs. Older members of society have just as much right to seek out justice and compensation as anyone else.
Author information: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
Curated by Texas Bar Today. Follow us on Twitter @texasbartoday.
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