Elder Abuse Defense Lawyer Tampa
Our Attorneys Defend Individuals And Facilities Facing Florida Elder Abuse Charges
Whether you are a caregiver, family member, or facility owner charged with elder abuse or neglect, the attorneys at Stechschulte Nell are here to protect you from facing serious legal consequences. Florida’s large population of elderly people means that there are a much higher number of elder abuse charges than in other parts of the country. Because of this, our Tampa, FL elder abuse defense lawyer has become quite proficient with effective defenses to even the most serious charges and very familiar with Florida statutes governing these type of crimes.
We work with nursing homes, assisted living communities, and memory care facilities, as well as management companies, individual employees, and families to exonerate them from serious charges of elder abuse. Please contact us today for a complimentary case review.
Elder Neglect And Abuse Charges In Florida
Florida state statutes define elder abuse as the intentional infliction of neglect, physical or emotional harm, or financial exploitation of an individual aged 60 years old or older.
There are several forms of elder abuse in Florida, and our team can help you whether you were charged with:
- Physical abuse: Intentional infliction of physical pain
- Emotional or psychological abuse: Verbal threats, manipulation, insults, or harassment
- Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or interaction with a senior
- Neglect: Failure to meet the needs of the elder
- Financial exploitation: Taking advantage of an elderly person for financial gain or theft of their assets.
These are broad categories of behaviors; almost any negative interaction between a senior and heir caregiver could be misconstrued as elder abuse. That’s why the help and advice of our Tampa elder abuse defense lawyer is so critical.
Defenses We Use In Elder Abuse Cases
If convicted, the penalties for elder abuse in Florida include prison time, hefty fines, and the potential for being sued by the senior or their family. The latter is especially common for senior care facility owners. Our attorneys have successfully used these defenses to exonerate clients like you:
- Lack of intent: The victim misunderstood the situation; the defendant did not mean to harm or neglect the victim. We may demonstrate that any harm that came to the victim was unintentional, such as difficulty with a lift or mobility assistance, or a misunderstanding.
- False allegations: Some elderly people may have trouble with memory, which could lead them to making false allegations. If the senior in question has been diagnosed with dementia or cognitive decline, the accusations may be a manifestation of their mental condition.
- Self-defense: Some seniors, especially those with dementia or cognitive decline, may become more aggressive at certain times of the day. This is a well-documented phenomenon known as “Sundown Syndrome,” and otherwise, gentle seniors may become enraged. Perhaps you were simple defending yourself against an aggressor.
Our dedicated Tampa elder abuse defense lawyer is ready to provide a vigorous defense for your charges, personalized based on the specifics of the allegations. If you have been accused of elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, please contact Stechschulte Nell to schedule a consultation.
