How Does Elder Law Protect Seniors?
Many people hear the term “elder law”, and they wonder if it applies to their situation. Maybe they have an elderly mother or father at the local nursing home, or maybe there are estate issues that need to be addressed in the family. It is basically a broad term that covers any legal issue applicable to person that is elderly in age. Basically, lawyers working in this type of field seek to meet the legal needs of elderly people.
Elder law plays an important role in the functioning of our society. There are many typical issues a lawyer may help elderly people with, in a way that is catered to their needs. Often, children of elderly parents to not have the necessary knowledge to deal with complex estate issues or nursing home care issues.
Lawyers care for elderly people, by helping them to plan for their long-term needs and wishes. A lawyer may also help a person put his or her nursing home care wishes onto paper. A lawyer typically also helps an elderly person with estate planning, wills, and trusts. In addition to health care planning and estate planning, a lawyer practicing elder law will also help defend the rights of elderly people.
Defending the rights of elderly folks is one of the most important parts of elder law. There are many personal injury cases they may easily become involved with. For example, nursing homes often have facilities where negligence may be an issue. Perhaps a person falls in a slippery area within a nursing home, or suffers due to the negligence of a caretaker in the facilities.
All too often, a senior may suffer due to over-sedation, abandonment, or unsanitary conditions. It is important to recognize they have rights and should not be treated in a way that comprises their well-being. In instances like this, lawyers play an incredible role in defending the rights of older people and helping ensure they have access to proper medical care.
Seniors may even be the victim of medical malpractice, which can ultimately compromise their entire well-being for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, medical malpractice can even cause the unforeseen death of even the healthiest elderly person. Sometimes medical professionals are reluctant to admit to medical malpractice and will often blame the death or exaggerated illness on a person’s age. In this case, the help and aid of a lawyer is absolutely critical.
When medical professionals lie or engage in medical malpractice, it is important to hold these individuals accountable for their actions. It is important for seniors to receive compensation for their suffering. Sometimes, in the unfortunate case of a death, compensation is awarded to the family. Without representation, there is no way justice can be achieved in these difficult situations.
