In 2018, a state law was changed to address one of the fastest-growing yet least reported problems across the state of Ohio and Cuyahoga County—elder abuse. This law greatly expands the list of people, professions, and entities that are now required by state law to report the neglect, suspected abuse, or exploitation of senior citizens.
The Cleveland elder abuse attorneys at Paulozzi LPA are committed to pursuing justice for victims of elder abuse. With the knowledge, experience, and resources, we are here to hold abusers accountable for injuries or fatalities that could have been prevented with proper care.
The senior citizen population is expected to rise exponentially across the nation. Nearly a third of Cuyahoga County’s population will be 60 years old or older by 2030. This older demographic will outnumber people under the age of 18. People are living longer and the proper care for these people is essential.
Records indicate more than 4,000 reports of suspected elder abuse were made to the Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services in 2017. Almost half of these reports were deemed valid with the most common allegation being neglect.
These reports are not only a legal obligation but a moral one. These reports show instances of physical and sexual abuse, refusing a victim’s human rights and exploiting a person for financial gain or manipulation of their property,
Under the old laws, the legal term “caregiver” was the only one who could exploit a senior citizen. The new law broadens this definition to include a host of people who have contact with the victim.
Studies show that only one out of every 10 elder abuse cases of neglect or exploitation were reported to the proper authorities. The expansion to the list of mandatory reporters is an attempt to change that trend.
The new law requires more than 30 professions to report when they have reasonable cause to suspect elder abuse. This is an addition of 14 professions to the previous list.
It is important to any society that we take care of our elders, take care of those that have taken care of us, those that have served our community as anchors. We have a clear understanding of state and federal laws regarding elder abuse and prepare every case as if it is going to trial. Over the past 25 years, we have a reputation for garnering significant and well-deserved compensation for our clients.
Contact the Cleveland elder abuse attorneys at Paulozzi LPA for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 888-710-0040.