An elder abuse lawsuit says that the caretakers responsible for assisting a dementia patient stole $1.4 million and failed to share news about her death with her family.
The lawsuit points to money being transferred in a scheme that began as soon as the patient in question was diagnosed with dementia and began a mental decline.
The elder abuse lawsuit says that the elderly victim passed away in March 2016, which would have effectively ended the caretaker job for the two defendants accused in the case.
However, as shared by the Fort Lauderdale police, surviving family members may be eligible to file an elder abuse lawsuit because the caretakers failed to notify anyone about the death of the victim suffering from dementia.
The elder abuse lawsuit from a daughter who lived in New Jersey claimed that the caretakers used the opportunity to drain the estate of the mother because they never let the surviving family members know about her death.
Five separate withdrawals were made from the dementia victim’s account, totaling more than $1.4 million. In addition, more than 50 items of jewelry were stolen from the deceased. The elder abuse lawsuit claims that the surviving daughter discovered the death in August 2016, more than five months after her mother passed away, when the condominium company sent an invoice for overdue fees.
The worst nightmare for anyone who has hired personal caretakers for a loved one is to discover that any form of elder abuse has occurred, be it financial, physical, sexual, or emotional. Family members might choose to file a lawsuit after discovering these problems.
Criminal Charges Filed Against Caretakers in Abuse Suit
The women accused in the lawsuit are also facing criminal charges. One of those defendants left jail after posting a $51,000 bond on account of elderly exploitation of more than $100,000, three counts of false ownership and pawning the items, three counts for stolen property dealing, and one count of grand theft.
The other woman accused in the elder abuse lawsuit posted a $34,000 bond for similar charges, although she only had two counts apiece for pawning something, dealing in stolen property and false ownership.
The lawsuit says that the woman suffering from dementia began to experience a mental decline in 2012 after her husband passed away.
The caretakers were ultimately hired by the daughter to assist with daily care.
Neither one of the individuals hired as a caretaker was listed as a licensed professional with the Florida Department of Health. According to the elder abuse lawsuit, the 2013 dementia diagnosis led to both caretakers receiving bonus checks and big pay increases.
The lawsuit alleges that these women were directly taking items and money from the mother.
If you believe you have grounds to file an elder abuse lawsuit, consult with the experienced attorneys at McDonald Worley today to learn more about your next steps.
Disclaimer: McDonald Worley is not representing the plaintiff in this lawsuit.