Law

Importance Of Advocating For Your Loved Ones

Do you feel like one of your family members was treated unfairly in a specific situation or setting? Maybe one of your parents is in a nursing home and you’ve been noticing signs of mistreatment. Or your child is being bullied on the school bus, but after numerous complaints to the bus garage, you’re child is still getting hurt by others. In many cases, complaining doesn’t always resolve an issue completely. Your concerns may be dismissed and the problem continues to go on. Instead of taking matters into your own hands, it’s time to seek help. Here are a few ways to reach out for assistance and be their advocate by helping someone in need.

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Child Endangerment

Child abuse is very prevalent in almost every location throughout the U.S. Childhelp.org reports that a new case of child abuse or neglect is reported every 10 seconds. The problem with cases of neglect or abuse is that children are oftentimes not able to speak for themselves, that is where an advocate comes in. If you feel that a child is being treated badly, you should never ignore it or turn the other cheek. While each case is different, you should handle it quickly and in some cases, anonymously. So what should you do?

  • *Don’t try to resolve an issue of abuse on your own.
  • *Never take a child away from a custodial parent without consent.
  • *Contact your local social service agency or child protective services.
  • *If you feel the child is in immediate danger of any kind—call 911.

Being an advocate means being the voice of the child—especially when they are small and unable to communicate. Take record of everything you see and how the child is acting. Any bit of information can help law enforcement and social workers put missing pieces together to help the child. If you find yourself involved in a child protective services case of abuse, always consult with your attorney before answering questions that you’re unsure of or uncomfortable about. Personal injury & accident attorneyspros like Schwartzapfel Lawyers P.C. suggest seeking a free legal consultation to be directed on how to proceed.

Medical Malpractice

Do you have a loved one that was hurt at the hands of a medical professional? Medical malpractice occurs when a nurse, doctor or other medical specialist performs a procedure, surgery, administers medication or offers advice that leads to permanent injury. Did your loved one suffer irreversible damage? Or physical or mental damage that has severely altered their life? Your first step is to contact a qualified attorney that can help you decide if you have a case or not. Because medical malpractice laws differ from state to state and also have strict time deadlines in which to file, you should act as soon as possible.

Bullying

Having a family member, such as a child who is hurt by others at school or elsewhere can be devastating. Watching them feel intimidated and hurt by others can leave you and them feeling totally helpless. Bullying affects children daily and in some cases can lead to depression or suicide. Standing up to a bully and putting an end to the fear, starts with being a positive advocate for your child. Start by getting the word out. Make a formal complaint with the principal or superintendent of schools. Let your child’s teachers, bus drivers and lunchtime staff know about the bullying. Be proactive with other parents. Contacting a lawyer may be feasible if you’re unable to get the issue resolved. Your lawyer will also be able to personally advise you on what to say and not to say, especially when there are minor children involved.

Elder Abuse

Having a loved one in a nursing facility is hard on family members. It’s even harder if you suspect that your loved one is being taken advantage of, or hurt by staff or even another patient. Your first reaction will be to keep your loved one safe from harm and get to the bottom of the situation by gathering as many facts as possible. If you suspect staff is covering information up or there is foul play, don’t hesitate to contact your local adult protective services hotline to prompt a professional investigation. Consulting with a legal team may also give you peace of mind on how to press charges in an elder abuse case, or how to proceed further to take legal action if needed.

Standing up for someone who is impoverished, sick or frail is always the right thing. It can be hard to know what to do so the outcome is a positive one. If you have questions about sensitive issues, always ask a reputable attorney about what your next steps should be.

If you have any questions, please ask below!