How do lawyers best evaluate an elder abuse case ?
Counsel must obtain as much information as possible before proceeding with a lawsuit . An initial review of the records is critical. Counsel should also interview all available family members, friends and percipient witnesses to determine if there is any additional information regarding the elder’s treatment or documents which will assist in evaluation. This should include inquiries regarding complaints and/or third party investigations by governmental authorities. Because most victims in elder abuse cases are long past the stage of earning wages and often have short life spans, analysis of these cases is different. Important factors include the egregiousness of the conduct and whether a pattern of neglect or abuse can be shown. Public records which are available include inspection records from the local office of the State Department of Health Services, Adult Protective Services and local and state ombudsman’s records. All of these documents are useful in establishing the strength of
