Elder abuse is a problem in Wisconsin and throughout the U.S. Many vulnerable individuals face exploitation from family members, caregivers, nursing home staff, and others in their community. Despite awareness campaigns and legal changes designed to make reporting suspected abuse and neglect easier, elder abuse is still a significant problem.
The attorneys at Boller & Vaughan are dedicated to fighting for elder abuse victims and their families. We have helped many Wisconsin residents seek justice and compensation for the neglect and abuse of a loved one. If you suspect elder abuse or want information about your legal options, schedule a consultation by calling 608-268-0268 or contacting us online.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the number of reported cases of elder abuse has risen drastically since 2001. In that year, there were 3,251 reported cases. By 2018, that number had grown to 8,803. In 2021, there were over 10,000 reported incidents.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services releases an annual report on elder abuse and neglect in the state. This report provides a summary of elder abuse data gathered from county agencies throughout the state.
In 2021, there were 10,712 reported incidents of elder abuse or neglect in Wisconsin. The largest number of these incidents (44.8 percent) involved self-neglect, and a further 9 percent of reports were for neglect by others. Approximately one-fifth of reports (21.6 percent) involved financial exploitation.
Most abuse and neglect incidents occur at the victim’s place of residence, whether that’s their own home or a nursing home or assisted living facility. In 2021, the percentage of incidents that occurred at the victim’s residence was 87.8 percent.
The report provides demographic details on the victims of reported abuse or neglect. Approximately 56 percent of the adults at risk were female and 44 percent were male. Approximately one-third of cases involved an individual between 60 and 69 years old, and a further third involved an adult between 70 and 79 years old. A quarter of reports involved 80 to 89-year-olds, and the remaining reports were for individuals 90 years old or older.
About 90 percent of reported incidents were not life-threatening. However, 34 percent of incidents that involved a death were determined to be related to the reported incident, and in half (50 percent) of those cases, the death was determined to be directly caused by abuse or neglect.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, here are some of the most common signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation:
If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, report it to the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Then, consider contacting an elder abuse attorney to learn about your legal options to seek justice.
Elder abuse is a tragically common problem in Wisconsin. Many individuals experience neglect and abuse at the hands of caregivers and even family members. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities see frequent cases of elder abuse perpetrated by employees and other residents. In many cases, victims are unable or unwilling to report abuse. Family members who suspect abuse often don’t know what to do.At Boller & Vaughan, we are dedicated to helping protect Wisconsin residents from neglect and abuse as much as possible. We have helped many families pursue legal cases against nursing homes, doctors, caregivers, and others who have abused nursing home residents. To schedule a consultation at our Madison office, call 608-268-0268 or fill out our online form.
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
