Prince George’s County Abuse Lawyer
Many people deal with abuse in their lives but when someone violates your rights of safety or other constitutional freedoms that is not only a crime, it can also be a strong case for a civil liability claim. Abuse comes in many forms and typically involves a person exercising unreasonable power, such as violence or force, in convincing a victim to give them what they want. Many times abusive behavior includes forcing someone to provide sexual favors, but the abuser might also demand money or control of the victim’s finances, or many other things that hold value. If you or someone you know is the victim of abuse, especially if there is a criminal charge or investigation taking place, consulting with an experienced Prince George’s County abuse lawyer is an effective method of exacting valid, personal justice for the emotional, psychological, and – in many cases – physical harm this person has caused.
Physical Abuse in Prince George’s County
Physical abuse occurs when one person initiates physical contact that is intended to cause harm, suffering, or injury to another person. Children are most commonly the victims of abuse, but this type of abuse also occurs between adults. Abusive physical behavior can include:
- Punching
- Kicking
- Pushing or pulling
- Biting
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to extreme heat or cold
Unacceptable in any form, physical abuse causes bodily harm as well as psychological and emotional trauma in victims. When abusers physically attack children, the long-term effects can include emotional development issues as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims of physical abuse may develop aggressive or abusive behavior later in life and become the abuser. They are also at risk of developing substance abuse issues, depression, and even suicidal tendencies. If or a loved one is a victim of physical abuse, you may have a personal injury case. Contact a Prince George’s County abuse lawyer today for a free case analysis at (301) 358-0130.
Sexual Abuse in Prince George’s County
Sexual abuse, also referred to as molestation, occurs when someone forces unwanted sexual behavior upon someone else. Perpetrators of sexual abuse use force or threats to coerce victims into performing sexual acts, or take advantage of victims who have the inability to give consent. Oftentimes this type of abuse occurs between people who already know each other. Sexual assault is a version of sexual abuse. Sexual harassment, which commonly occurs in the workplace, also falls under the umbrella of sexual abuse. Sexual harassment can come in many forms, such as stalking, unwelcome sexual advances, and harassing emails, love letters, or phone calls. Long-term effects of sexual abuse can include anxiety, fear, and post-traumatic stress. There are many factors that go into sexual abuse claims, like the strength of the claim and who will be named defendant. A Prince George’s County abuse attorney can help walk you through your options and explain how the law applies to your potential claim.
Child Sexual Abuse in Prince George’s County
Sexual abuse victims are often children. Child sexual abuse occurs when an abuser subjects a child to direct sexual contact, exposes their genitalia to a child, pressures a child to engage in sexual activities, or either exposes a child to pornography or uses a child to produce pornography. Common situations in which child sexual abuse occurs include:
- Baby sitter, family friend sexual abuse
- Boy or girl scout leader sexual abuse
- Sleepover sexual abuse
- Teacher or coach sexual abuse
- Sports-related sexual abuse
- Sexual abuse by a clergy member
Even if the abuse happened years ago, speak to an abuse lawyer in Prince George’s County at our firm to evaluate your case and to determine whether you can take action against the person that committed the abuse.
No jury award or settlement can compensate a person or child whose life has been scarred by sexual abuse. Children and adult victims often have trust and affection issues that follow them the rest of their lives if left professionally untreated. However, by pursuing a civil claim against your child’s abuser – or your abuser when you were a child – you make it clear where the fault lies. You or your child may also have a valid claim for negligence against a number of other entities who negligently hired or supervised the abuser, which may include: a foster care placement agency, a daycare center, and/or a recreational organization.
Prince George’s County Nursing Home Abuse
Most legal claims against nursing homes commonly fall into one of three categories: abuse, medical malpractice, or neglect. Federal law defines nursing home abuse as, “willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment with resulting physical harm, pain, or mental anguish.” The Office of the Inspector General, under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, compiles an annual report on nursing home abuse cases nationwide. To view a copy of the report, click here.
The abuse detailed in the report includes:
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Medication errors
- Bed sores or decubitus (lying down) ulcers
- Infections
- Falls
- Physical and emotional abuse
- Sexual assault
Our nursing homes are monitored by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and are governed by the Title 10 Subtitle 24, Chapter 8. To view a pdf copy of the state regulation, please click here. The regulations incorporate a set of strict policies and procedures to prevent abuse and neglect of nursing home residents.
If you believe that a loved one at a nursing facility is being neglected or abused, it is likely that the same thing is happening to other residents. An experienced nursing home abuse attorney in Prince George’s County can advise you on the proper steps to take in such cases and he will help you to assist law and health department officials in their investigations.
Fight Back With a Prince George’s County Abuse Attorney
If you or a loved one has been the victim of any form of abuse, the results can be emotionally scarring and life-changing. The physical and mental effects of any form of abuse and/or harassment can run deep. Our personal injury attorneys have a complete and thorough understanding of the legal process that abused victims and their family members must deal with in recovering damages. Our team can conduct its own investigation into your civil case and assist law enforcement in uncovering evidence to support criminal abuse charges. Call a lawyer today for a free, initial consultation and to discuss your options for seeking civil justice.