Elder Abuse Lawyer Atlanta

Old person with walking aid helped by nurse

Elder abuse is a heartbreaking violation of trust, often hidden behind closed doors. Lampariello Law is committed to protecting the rights and dignity of vulnerable seniors throughout Atlanta. If you suspect abuse or neglect in a care facility or at home, our elder abuse lawyer is ready to investigate and take swift legal action. We provide compassionate yet aggressive representation to ensure justice is served. Call Lampariello Law today at 404-609-0597 for a free consultation and speak with an experienced elder abuse lawyer who will stand up for your loved one.

How to Report Suspected Elder Abuse

Elder abuse often hides in plain sight. A bruised arm, a sudden withdrawal from social activities, or unexplained financial transactions can signal something is wrong. If you live or work in Georgia and see warning signs, knowing how to report the situation is critical. Quick reporting can stop further harm, connect the older adult with services, and hold wrongdoers accountable.

Understand What Counts as Elder Abuse

Georgia law defines elder abuse broadly. It includes:

Physical abuse: hitting, pushing, restraining, or overmedicating
Emotional abuse: threats, insults, isolation, or intimidation
Neglect: failing to provide food, hygiene, or medical care
Financial exploitation: stealing money, forging checks, or coercing a senior into changing a will
Sexual abuse: any non-consensual sexual contact

The victim does not need to live in a nursing home. Abuse can occur in private residences, assisted-living facilities, or hospitals.

Recognize Common Warning Signs

Elder abuse rarely looks the same twice, but certain red flags repeat:

Frequent bruises or untreated injuries
Sudden changes in mood, anxiety, or depression
Poor hygiene, weight loss, or bedsores
Missing cash, unusual bank withdrawals, or new “friends” handling finances
Caregivers who block visitors or refuse to let the elder speak alone

One sign alone may not confirm abuse. A pattern—or a gut feeling that something is off—often warrants a closer look.

Check Immediate Safety

If you believe an older adult faces an urgent threat, call 911 first. Police and emergency medical teams can secure the scene, provide medical attention, and create an official incident report. Never delay emergency help while you gather paperwork or photos.

Document What You Observe

When the danger has passed, record as much detail as possible:

Dates, times, and locations of incidents
Descriptions of injuries or neglected conditions
Names of potential witnesses
Photographs of bruises, hazards, or unsanitary rooms (with the elder’s permission if possible)
Copies of suspicious bank statements or receipts

Accurate notes help investigators act quickly and reduce the chance that vital details slip through the cracks.

Know Who to Call in Georgia

Georgia offers several reporting channels, each designed for specific settings.

Adult Protective Services (APS)
- Covers abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults aged 65 or older and disabled adults 18 or older living in the community (private homes, apartments).
- Phone: 1-866-55-AGING (1-866-552-4464) then press “3.”
- Online: aging.georgia.gov/report-elder-abuse.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
- Handles complaints for residents in nursing homes, personal-care homes, and assisted-living facilities.
- Phone: 1-888-454-5826.
- Online: georgiaombudsman.org.
Local Law Enforcement
- Call the non-emergency number for ongoing issues without immediate danger. Officers can start a criminal investigation alongside APS or the Ombudsman.
Professional Licensing Boards
- If a doctor, nurse, or other licensed professional is involved, you can also file a complaint with the respective board.

Making the Report

Be ready to share:

Victim’s name, age, address, and contact information
Your relationship to the victim
Details of the suspected abuse, including types and frequency
Names of suspected abusers or negligent facilities
Any supporting documents or photos

You do not need proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Georgia agencies encourage reports based on reasonable suspicion. The goal is to trigger an investigation, not to act as judge and jury.

What Happens After You Report

Adult Protective Services or the Ombudsman will screen the information to decide if it falls within their authority. If accepted, the agency assigns a caseworker who will:

Visit or interview the elder in person, often within days.
Assess risk and create a safety plan that might include medical care, counseling, or a move to safer housing.
Work with law enforcement if criminal activity is suspected.
Keep the reporter’s identity confidential unless a court orders disclosure.

Caseworkers aim to respect the elder’s autonomy. Adults with decision-making capacity can refuse help, even if that means continuing to live with some risk.

Protections for People Who Report

Georgia law shields reporters from civil or criminal liability as long as the report is made in good faith. Your name remains confidential, and employers cannot retaliate against staff who file reports. These rules encourage healthcare professionals, nurses, social workers, and other mandatory reporters to act without fear.

Special Duties for Mandatory Reporters

Certain professionals—such as nurses, physicians, psychologists, and long-term care employees—must report suspected abuse. Failure to do so can result in misdemeanor charges and disciplinary action. If you work in one of these fields, review O.C.G.A. § 30-5-4 for your specific obligations and timelines.

Supporting the Elder After Reporting

Stay in contact if the elder wants your help. Regular phone calls or visits can deter further abuse.
Encourage medical and emotional care. Trauma counseling may be necessary, and documented treatment supports any legal claim.
Protect finances. Suggest that the elder consult a reputable attorney or financial adviser to secure assets and update powers of attorney.
Consider a civil lawsuit. If abuse caused injury, a personal-injury lawyer can pursue damages for medical costs, pain, and suffering.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Helps

Investigation: Lawyers can subpoena facility records, video footage, and caregiver employment files.
Negotiating with insurers: Many nursing homes carry liability policies that may cover injuries.
Filing suit: If negotiations fail, an attorney can file a civil claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, relocation costs, and emotional distress.
Coordinating with criminal cases: Civil and criminal proceedings can run in parallel. A lawyer ensures evidence gathered by police benefits the civil claim.

Early legal guidance preserves evidence and prevents missteps with insurers eager to settle quickly.

Stand Up for Loved Ones with an Elder Abuse Attorney

Elder abuse should never be tolerated. If your loved one has suffered mistreatment or neglect, Lampariello Law is ready to take action. Our elder abuse attorney in Atlanta has the experience and compassion needed to hold caretakers and facilities accountable. We’re committed to protecting vulnerable seniors and restoring peace of mind for families. Don’t wait to speak up—legal intervention can make a critical difference. Call Lampariello Law at 404-609-0597 for a free consultation with a dedicated elder abuse attorney who will fight for justice and dignity.