Washington DC Elderly Abuse Lawyer

At Cohen & Cohen, we represent individuals and families affected by elder abuse—whether in private care, assisted living, or nursing home facilities. Our Washington DC elderly abuse lawyer understands the emotional weight these cases carry. When a loved one is mistreated, neglected, or taken advantage of, the sense of betrayal is real. Our firm has worked with families facing difficult questions about their loved one’s care and helps them seek accountability when someone in a trusted position causes harm. Contact our firm today to set up a free consultation and learn how we can make a positive difference.

Elderly Abuse Lawyer Washington DC

Elder abuse refers to any intentional act or failure to act that causes harm or risk to an older adult. It can happen in many forms—physical, emotional, financial, or through neglect. Victims are often vulnerable due to medical conditions, cognitive decline, or dependence on others for daily needs. That vulnerability makes it easier for abusive caretakers to act without being noticed.

Sadly, many victims are unable—or too afraid—to speak up. They may fear retaliation, believe no one will listen, or be physically unable to report the abuse. In some cases, loved ones discover signs long after the harm has occurred. These situations often leave families feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.

Signs of elder abuse may include:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones
• Poor hygiene, weight loss, or untreated medical needs
• Sudden withdrawal from activities or fear around certain staff or visitors
• Unusual financial activity, like missing funds or forged checks

Each of these red flags deserves attention and investigation. When we take on elder abuse cases, we look beyond the surface. Our legal team investigates facility records, interviews caregivers, and reviews whether the staff followed proper procedures. In financial abuse cases, we examine account activity, power of attorney documentation, and whether someone took control of assets under pressure or without consent.

Our Washington DC elderly abuse attorneys can help families gather evidence, report the abuse to the proper authorities, and pursue legal action against those responsible. Whether the harm occurred at home or in a licensed care facility, victims and their families have legal options.

Why Families Choose Our Team for Elder Abuse Claims

At Cohen & Cohen, we bring a personal and results-driven approach to elder abuse cases. We know how to identify patterns of neglect and misconduct and have experience holding care providers accountable for the harm they cause. Whether the abuse is tied to understaffing, poor training, or outright misconduct, our focus is on protecting our clients and restoring dignity to those affected.

Our past results have included compensation for pain and suffering, medical costs, relocation expenses, and punitive damages in cases where conduct was particularly harmful. More importantly, we’ve helped families get answers and stop abuse from continuing.

We take time to listen, explain the process clearly, and make sure our clients feel supported every step of the way.

Our Legal Team Will Stand With You

If you suspect that a loved one has been mistreated or harmed, we’re here to help. Our Washington DC elder abuse lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can review your case and explain the steps you can take. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

Types of Elderly Abuse Cases We Handle

Elderly abuse is a serious issue that affects some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. At Cohen & Cohen, we represent families and individuals who have experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, private residences, or during in-home care. We understand that discovering a loved one has been harmed can be upsetting and confusing. That’s why we’re committed to helping our clients take legal steps to protect those at risk and pursue justice for what’s been lost.

Physical Mistreatment by Caregivers

Physical abuse includes any form of bodily harm, ranging from bruises and cuts to more severe injuries like broken bones or head trauma. In many of the cases we handle, this abuse is inflicted by someone in a position of trust—a nurse, aide, or caregiver responsible for day-to-day support.

We investigate injuries that may have been caused by:

• Hitting, slapping, or pushing
• Improper use of restraints
• Rough handling during bathing, dressing, or mobility assistance

Our team looks at medical records, staff logs, and facility policies to determine whether proper care protocols were followed and whether the injury was reported accurately and promptly.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Harm doesn’t always leave a physical mark. Emotional abuse can be just as damaging and may lead to depression, fear, or withdrawal. It can be harder to detect, especially if the victim is isolated or has difficulty communicating.

We handle cases involving:

• Verbal threats or intimidation
• Humiliation or insults
• Isolation from friends or family

Family members often notice changes in behavior, such as increased anxiety, fearfulness around certain staff, or a sudden reluctance to talk. We take these concerns seriously and investigate any signs of ongoing mistreatment.

Neglect in Medical or Personal Care

Neglect is one of the most common types of abuse we see, and it can have life-threatening consequences. Whether it’s missed medication, poor hygiene, or lack of supervision, the failure to provide basic care can lead to severe physical and emotional harm.

Common neglect-related issues include:

• Bedsores and untreated infections
• Dehydration and malnutrition
• Unsafe living conditions, including unsanitary rooms or lack of assistance with mobility

We look at staffing levels, care plans, and facility records to identify whether the neglect was systemic or the result of individual misconduct.

Financial Exploitation of the Elderly

Financial abuse occurs when someone uses a senior’s money or assets without permission or under pressure. This is especially common when the elderly person depends on the abuser for care or has cognitive decline. Financial abuse often goes unnoticed until major losses occur.

We take on cases involving:

• Theft from bank accounts or misuse of credit cards
• Forged signatures on checks or financial documents
• Pressure to change a will, power of attorney, or deed

In these cases, we work to recover stolen funds and stop further exploitation by pursuing both civil and criminal options where appropriate.

Talk to Our Lawyer About Protecting Your Loved One

If someone you care about has experienced harm, neglect, or financial loss, a Washington DC elderly abuse lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can help. Our team will listen to your concerns, gather the facts, and guide you through your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help your family move forward with confidence.

6 Actions To Take Abuse Is Suspected

Realizing that your elderly loved one may be suffering from abuse or neglect is upsetting and stressful. Whether the harm is physical, emotional, or financial, the instinct to protect your family member is immediate. At Cohen & Cohen, we help families respond quickly and effectively when they discover signs of abuse. If you suspect mistreatment, taking the right steps early on can make a meaningful difference in the outcome for your loved one.

Remove The Individual From Immediate Danger

If the person is at risk of ongoing harm, the first step is to remove them from the environment where the abuse occurred. This may mean transferring them to a different care facility, arranging for a hospital evaluation, or staying with a family member temporarily. Even if the signs of abuse are not fully confirmed yet, safety should be prioritized.

If you’re dealing with a facility or agency, notify the management of your concerns and request a written report. Document all communications in case follow-up is needed later.

Document Visible Signs And Symptoms

Collect and preserve evidence that supports your concerns. This can help protect your loved one and build a stronger legal case if necessary. Write down observations, take photographs (if appropriate), and save records that may point to mistreatment or neglect.

Details worth capturing include:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or pressure sores
• Changes in behavior, such as fearfulness, confusion, or withdrawal
• Signs of poor hygiene, such as soiled clothing or unclean bedding

If the harm is financial, make copies of suspicious bank statements, altered documents, or unusual transaction records.

Seek Medical Evaluation And Documentation

Have the person evaluated by a medical professional who can provide an unbiased assessment of their condition. A doctor or nurse may be able to identify injuries, infections, or health problems that aren’t immediately visible to family members. Medical records created during this visit will also provide valuable evidence if legal action is pursued.

Share any concerns you have about the care they were receiving so that the provider knows to look for possible warning signs of abuse or neglect.

Report The Abuse To The Appropriate Authorities

Once you’ve confirmed or strongly suspect abuse, report it to the proper agencies. In most cases, this includes Adult Protective Services (APS), local law enforcement, or a long-term care ombudsman. These agencies are responsible for investigating elder mistreatment and helping protect those who may be at further risk. Be clear, factual, and include any evidence you’ve gathered. Keep a copy of your report and follow up if needed.

Avoid Confronting The Suspected Abuser Alone

It may be tempting to confront the person responsible, especially if they are a caregiver or someone close to the family. However, doing so can lead to further harm, destruction of evidence, or retaliation against your loved one. It’s best to let law enforcement or a legal team handle that step, once a formal case is underway. Keep all interactions professional and document any communication related to the situation.

Washington Elderly Abuse Infographic

Elder Abuse FAQs

Elder abuse is something no family should ever have to face, but it happens more often than many realize. It can take the form of physical harm, emotional mistreatment, neglect, or financial exploitation—and it often goes unreported. When we place trust in a caregiver, nursing home, or facility, we expect our loved ones to be treated with respect and care. When that trust is broken, the impact can be devastating. If you’re concerned that someone you care about may be suffering abuse, it’s important to take action quickly. Below, we answer key questions to help guide that process.

Who can be held responsible in cases of elder abuse?

Responsibility depends on the setting and the nature of the abuse. In many cases, the abuser may be a caregiver—either someone employed by a nursing home or hired for in-home care.

However, responsibility may also fall on the facility itself for poor supervision, understaffing, or failure to conduct background checks. In some cases, other residents or even family members may be the source of abuse. Anyone who contributed to or failed to prevent the harm may be held accountable under civil law. Legal action may address both individual and institutional negligence.

What qualifies as elder abuse under the law?

Elder abuse includes physical harm, sexual abuse, emotional manipulation, neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation. Signs of abuse may include unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, withdrawn behavior, sudden changes in finances, or fear around caregivers.

In legal terms, abuse doesn’t have to be violent—it can also involve failure to meet basic needs like food, medication, or hygiene. Financial abuse may include forged signatures, pressure to change a will, or theft of funds. Each situation is different, but the key factor is whether the elder’s rights, safety, or well-being were violated.

Why should families consider legal action after discovering abuse?

Legal action can help hold the wrongdoers accountable, protect the victim, and recover compensation for harm suffered. This may include payment for medical expenses, emotional distress, and relocation to a safer environment.

In some cases, it can also prevent future abuse by prompting changes in facility procedures or staffing. Many families take legal action not just for justice, but to stop the abuse from continuing or happening to others. Acting quickly can also help preserve evidence and strengthen the legal case.

How can legal representation help in elder abuse cases?

Legal support helps families investigate the abuse, collect evidence, file claims, and pursue justice in court if necessary. A lawyer can work with medical professionals, social services, and investigators to build a clear case.

At Cohen & Cohen, we work with families who need legal help after learning that a loved one was harmed by someone they trusted. If you’re looking for an elder abuse lawyer in Washington DC, our team can guide you through the process, explain your legal options, and help you take appropriate legal steps on behalf of your loved one.

Who can file a claim in elder abuse situations?

In most cases, the elderly person or their legal representative can file a claim. If the victim is unable to speak for themselves due to mental or physical health issues, a family member or legal guardian can act on their behalf.

In tragic situations where abuse leads to death, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. It’s important to act quickly, as legal deadlines apply. If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, reporting the abuse to authorities should come first—legal claims can follow as the situation is stabilized.

Speak With Our Experienced Attorney

After reporting the abuse and securing safety, it’s important to explore your legal options. Our DC elder abuse lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can help you understand the best way to proceed. Whether the case involves physical harm, financial exploitation, or medical neglect, we can help pursue compensation and accountability. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re ready to support your next steps.