Washington DC Elderly Abuse Lawyer

Serious injuries deserve experienced attorneys

At Cohen & Cohen, we represent individuals and families affected by elder abuse—whether in private care, assisted living, or nursing home facilities. We understand 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.

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 lawyer 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.

Talk to a Legal Team That Will Stand With You

If you suspect that a loved one has been mistreated or harmed, we’re here to help. A Washington DC elderly 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 Our Lawyer May Suggest After Abuse Is Suspected

Realizing that an 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.

Speak With a Legal Advocate Familiar With Elder Abuse Cases

After reporting the abuse and securing safety, it’s important to explore your legal options. A Washington DC elderly 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.