Many Arizona families face the same difficult realization: their elder loved one isn’t receiving the quality care they deserve, or worse, they’ve been abused.
When something feels off, it’s hard to shake that feeling. You know your loved one, and when something isn’t right, your concern is not only valid. It’s often the first step toward protecting them.
In 2023, Arizona received over 30,000 reports of elder abuse, including cases of physical harm, neglect, and financial exploitation. Many of these victims are unable to speak up or protect themselves.
Seniors living with physical or cognitive challenges need help more than ever. If you believe that your loved one is not receiving quality care or has suffered abuse, or if you’ve witnessed something that doesn’t sit right, your actions can make all the difference.
The best time to take action is now.
This guide was created to help Arizona families understand what elder abuse looks like, what legal options are available, and how to protect those who can’t always protect themselves.
If you need personalized help, Miller Kory Rowe offers free consultations to walk you through your next steps.
How to Identify and Report Elder Abuse in Arizona
1. Study The Warning Signs Of Elder Abuse
If your loved one lives in a nursing home or in an assisted living facility, we recommend studying the warning signs of elder abuse. There are several types of elder abuse. Physical abuse and neglect are the most prevalent.
Notable warning signs for these two types of elder abuse are listed below.
| Physical Elder Abuse Warning Signs: | Elder Neglect Warning Signs: |
| Signs of unexplained injuries. This could include scars, bruises and welts. | Unusual weight loss. This could be a result of malnutrition and dehydration. |
| Broken bones, dislocations or sprains | Untreated physical problems (i.e. bed sores) |
| Broken eyeglasses | Left dirty or unbathed |
| Caregiver refuses to allow you to see your loved one alone | Unsafe living conditions (i.e. no air conditioning, fire hazards) |
| Burns, cuts, scars | Unsanitary living conditions. (i.e. soiled bedding) |
2. Report Neglect Or Elder Abuse In Arizona
Elder abuse is rarely reported to authorities by the victim. Fear, social isolation or the inability to file a report due to physical or mental impairments keep victims from reporting these crimes.
If you or a loved one is a victim of elder abuse, do not hesitate to report the situation. Keep a detailed record and report the incident to the proper authorities.
In Arizona, elder abuse or neglect can be reported to:
| Emergency |
| If the situation is an emergency, call 9-1-1 or the police department immediately. |
| Non-Emergency Physical Abuse |
| If the situation is not an emergency but physical abuse is a factor, call APS, the Area Agency on Aging, or TASA. Adult Protective Services (APS) – (877) 767-2385 Area Agency on Aging 24-Hour Helpline – (602) 264-4357 Task Force Against Senior Abuse (TASA) Helpline – (602) 542-2124 |
3. Consult With An Arizona Elder Abuse Lawyer
After you have reported the incident, consider consulting with an Arizona elder abuse lawyer. Nursing homes have an obligation to their residents to render quality care, a safe environment and trained and qualified employees and staff. While there are government regulations that stipulate what kind of care residents of nursing homes and similar facilities should receive, incidents of abuse and neglect occur.
If a nursing home failed to keep your loved one safe and the staff was unable to keep up with his or her daily needs, you may have a legal case against the facility.
At Miller Kory Rowe LLP we believe that the only way to shine a light on cases of nursing home abuse and neglect is through aggressive litigation. We are proud to say that our attorneys have helped many families seek justice for their loved ones.
Legal Options for Elder Abuse Victims in Arizona
Arizona law provides several legal options to protect their rights and hold the responsible parties accountable. Families may be able to pursue civil, criminal, or administrative actions depending on the circumstances. These options are designed not only to secure justice and compensation, but also to prevent further harm to others in similar situations.
Some of the most common legal paths include:
Arizona generally gives families two years from the date they discover the abuse to take legal action. Acting early not only strengthens the case but also helps protect others who may be at risk.
CONTACT OUR ARIZONA ELDER ABUSE ATTORNEYS
At Miller Kory Rowe LLP, we provide aggressive and principled legal representation to elder abuse victims in Phoenix, Tucson and throughout Arizona. Our Phoenix nursing home abuse lawyers have a deep understanding of state and federal laws and are up to date on nursing home and elder abuse in Arizona.
If you have reason to believe that your senior loved one was abused in a nursing home, contact our team. Our law firm possesses the resources and experience to fight for the compensation and justice your family deserves. Please call us today at (602) 648-4045 for a free legal consultation.
