We advocate on behalf of seniors' private rights and remedies in civil matters:

Neglect

1. Failure to Provide Basic Needs:
   • Lack of adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care.
   • Unattended health issues and poor hygiene.
2. Negligent Care in Nursing Homes:
   • Inadequate staffing and training leading to poor care.
   • Unsanitary living conditions and insufficient medical attention.
3. Self-Neglect:
   • Situations where a senior is unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental impairments and lacks external support.

Abuse

1. Physical Abuse:
   • Infliction of physical pain or injury, including hitting, slapping, or restraining.
   • Signs may include unexplained bruises, fractures, or burns.
2. Emotional or Psychological Abuse:
   • Verbal assaults, threats, harassment, or intimidation.
   • Isolation from friends, family, and social activities.
3. Sexual Abuse:
   • Non-consensual sexual contact or activities.
   • Signs include bruises around genital areas, unexplained STDs, or withdrawal from social interactions.
4. Financial Exploitation:
   • Unauthorized use of a senior’s funds, property, or assets.
   • Fraudulent changes to wills, powers of attorney, or financial documents.

Fraud

1. Identity Theft:
   • Unauthorized use of personal information to open accounts, apply for credit, or commit other frauds.
   • Seniors may find unexplained transactions or accounts in their name.
2. Scams and Schemes:
   • Phone scams, lottery scams, and internet fraud targeting seniors.
   • Deceptive practices that pressure seniors into unnecessary purchases or financial investments.
3. Contractor and Home Repair Fraud:
   • Contractors who perform substandard work, overcharge, or take money without completing the job.
   • Signing contracts under false pretenses or without proper understanding.
4. Healthcare Fraud:
   • Billing for services not provided, overcharging for medical services or supplies.
   • Misleading seniors about insurance coverage or benefits.

Navigating the legal system

• Legal Representation:
  • Access to attorneys specializing in elder law to represent seniors in civil cases.
  • Assistance with filing lawsuits, obtaining restraining orders, and addressing violations of rights.
• Legal Documentation:
  • Help with drafting and understanding legal documents such as wills, powers of attorney, and guardianship arrangements.
  • Ensuring legal documents reflect the senior’s wishes and protect their interests.

Other civil matters we advocate for on behalf of seniors

• Contract Disputes: Disagreements over the terms and enforcement of contracts.
• Tort Claims: Cases involving personal injuries or property damage caused by negligence or intentional acts.
• Family Law: Matters such as divorce, child custody, and support.
• Property Disputes: Issues related to property ownership, boundaries, and landlord-tenant conflicts.
• Probate and Estate Planning: Administration of estates, wills, trusts, and guardianships.
• Consumer Protection: Cases involving unfair business practices, fraud, and defective products.
• Employment Disputes: Issues such as wrongful termination, discrimination, and wage disputes.

Legal assistance protects seniors' rights, financial stability, and overall well-being. Without it, several adverse outcomes occur:

• Neglect, Abuse, and Mistreatment: Seniors without legal support are more susceptible to neglect, abuse, and mistreatment, as they may lack the resources to advocate for their protection and justice.
• Unresolved Legal Issues: Seniors may face unresolved legal problems, including disputes over healthcare, housing, or finances, which can significantly impact their quality of life.
• Financial Exploitation: Without legal assistance, seniors are more vulnerable to financial exploitation and fraud, potentially losing significant portions of their savings and assets.
• Inability to Access Benefits: Seniors may struggle to access entitled benefits and services, leading to financial and healthcare difficulties.
• Lack of Legal Representation: Without proper legal representation, seniors may not effectively defend their rights in disputes, resulting in unfavorable outcomes in court or other legal proceedings.
• Increased Stress and Anxiety: The absence of legal support can lead to heightened stress and anxiety for seniors, impacting their overall mental and physical health.

The problem by the numbers

• Legal Representation: Seniors without legal representation are at a higher risk of unfavorable outcomes in legal disputes. For example, seniors in housing disputes without legal assistance are twice as likely to face eviction compared to those with legal support.
• Neglect and Abuse: The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that approximately 1 in 10 seniors experience abuse, neglect, or exploitation, but only a small fraction of these cases are reported and resolved. Legal assistance is essential in addressing and preventing these issues.
• Prevalence of Financial Exploitation: According to the National Council on Aging, financial exploitation costs older Americans at least $2.6 billion annually, with many cases going unreported or unresolved due to lack of legal assistance.
• Underutilization of Legal Services: The Legal Services Corporation reports that low-income seniors receive inadequate legal help for 86% of their civil legal problems, highlighting a significant gap in access to legal assistance.
• Healthcare Disputes: Studies indicate that seniors without legal assistance are more likely to encounter issues with healthcare access and billing disputes, with 40% of seniors experiencing unresolved healthcare legal issues.
• Benefit Access: Research shows that seniors who lack legal help are less likely to receive Social Security, Medicare, and other benefits they are entitled to, impacting their financial stability and healthcare access.

Our 'Legal Assistance' service care for and protect seniors from mistreatment by holding everyone accountable—from relatives and caregivers to medical professionals and nursing homes. We ensure that those responsible for neglect, abuse, or fraud face justice, providing comprehensive support through civil litigation and restraining orders:

• Civil Litigation:
  • Pursuing lawsuits against abusers, negligent caregivers, and fraudsters.
  • Seeking compensation for damages and legal costs.
• Restraining Orders:
  • Obtaining legal orders to keep abusers away from the senior.
  • Protecting seniors from further harm through legal means.

Step 1: Contact the HelpDesk

• Reach Out: Seniors, their families, or caregivers can contact the Helpdesk during normal business hours at (954-391-5676) or report mistreatment using this form.
• Initial Consultation: Our compassionate Advocates will listen to your concerns, gather information about the situation, and help you understand the type of neglect, abuse, or fraud you are experiencing.

Step 2: Clarify and Articulate Your Concerns

• Understanding the Issue: We will help you clearly articulate your concerns and experiences, ensuring that you can accurately describe the issues to a legal professional.
• Documentation: We assist in gathering and organizing any relevant documents, evidence, or information that may be needed for your case.

Step 3: Connect with a Florida Licensed Civil Attorney

• Research and Referral: Our team will research and identify the right attorney or law firm that specializes in elder law and can best address your specific needs.
• Introduction: We facilitate an introduction to the attorney, ensuring that they are fully briefed on your case and understand the specifics of your situation.

Step 4: Ongoing Support and Advocacy

• Advocacy: Our Advocates will stay with you throughout the process, providing continuous support and ensuring that your voice is heard.
• Communication: We maintain open lines of communication between you and the attorney, making sure that your needs and concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Guidance: We guide you through the legal process, helping you understand each step and what to expect, so you never have to navigate it alone.

Step 5: Ensuring Your Needs Are Met

• Follow-Up: We regularly check in with you and the attorney to monitor the progress of your case.
• Adjustments: If necessary, we help make any adjustments to your legal strategy or representation to better meet your needs.
• Support Services: We connect you with additional support services as needed, including social services, healthcare, and financial assistance.

To get the help you need, you have several options. You can reach the Florida Senior Legal Helpline at 1-888-895-7873, or contact us directly at 954-391-5676, option 6, for legal services. Alternatively, you can use our online form to report mistreatment. Whether you go directly to legal services or contact us, we're here to support you every step of the way.