Phoenix ELDER ABUSE Attorneys
Experienced Edler Abuse Attorneys
At Miller Kory Rowe, we understand the profound impact elder abuse has on Arizona families. For over two decades, our attorneys have dedicated themselves to protecting vulnerable adults and securing justice for those harmed by abuse and neglect in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other care settings.
Arizona-Wide Representation
Offices in Phoenix, Tucson & Globe
AZ Board Certified Specialist*
in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death
No Cost or Fees
Unless We Win
The Reality of Elder Abuse in Arizona
Your loved one trusted their caregivers with their safety, dignity, and well-being. They deserved to be treated with respect and compassion.
When that trust is broken, your family deserves advocates who will fight relentlessly to hold wrongdoers accountable.
Elder abuse isn’t just about physical harm – it encompasses a spectrum of mistreatment that can devastate families. According to the Arizona Adult Protective Services Data Dashboard, over 17,000 allegations of adult abuse were reported in 2023, with nearly 25% involving direct abuse and another 22% related to financial exploitation. The data shows that over 37% of vulnerable adults live with family members, where abuse can go undetected.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office reports an upward trend in elder abuse cases, making it more critical than ever for families to understand the signs and know their rights.
Arizona law provides strong protections for vulnerable adults.
Under ARS § 46-451, which defines key terms and establishes program goals, caregivers have a legal duty to protect those in their care.
According to the Arizona Department of Economic Security’s Adult Protective Services definitions, abuse encompasses:
- Physical abuse and neglect
- Emotional and psychological mistreatment
- Financial exploitation
- Medical negligence
- Sexual abuse
- Isolation and abandonment
When abuse occurs, victims and their families have the right to seek both criminal prosecution and civil damages.
Under ARS § 46-454, Arizona’s mandatory reporting laws require healthcare workers, social workers, and other professionals to report
suspected abuse, providing additional layers of protection.
Signs of Potential Abuse
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office Elder Abuse Training Guide identifies several key indicators of potential abuse:
Physical Signs
- Unexplained bruises or injuries, especially in patterns
- Poor hygiene or unwashed appearance
- Sudden weight loss or malnutrition
- Untreated medical conditions or bed sores
Behavioral Changes
- Withdrawal from regular activities
- Unusual anxiety or fear around certain caregivers
- Depression or sudden mood changes
- Confusion beyond their normal condition
Financial Warning Signs
- Unexpected changes to wills or power of attorney
- Missing cash, jewelry, or valuable items
- Unusual bank withdrawals or credit card charges
- Unpaid bills despite adequate resources
Facility Concerns
- Unsanitary conditions in rooms or common areas
- Inadequate response to calls for assistance
- Restricted visitor access or unusual rules
- Medication errors or inconsistent care
Taking Action Against Elder Abuse
If you suspect your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect, take these essential steps:
- Ensure your loved one’s immediate safety. If they face immediate danger, contact emergency services.
- Document everything. Keep detailed records of:
- Physical signs of abuse or neglect
- Changes in behavior or mental state
- Suspicious financial transactions
- Communication with caregivers
- Facility conditions and staffing issues
- Report the abuse to proper authorities:
- Arizona Adult Protective Services: 1-877-SOS-ADULT (1-877-767-2385)
- Local law enforcement
- The facility’s administrators
- Arizona Department of Health Services for licensed facilities
- Contact our office for a confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your legal options and develop a strategy to protect your loved one while pursuing accountability.
Our Commitment to Your Family
Elder abuse cases require more than just legal expertise – they demand attorneys who understand the profound trust families place in their legal team. At Miller Kory Rowe, we honor that trust by:
Providing direct access to our partners throughout your case Investing time to understand your family’s unique circumstances Leveraging our team’s diverse expertise to build the strongest possible case Maintaining clear communication about case progress and developments Supporting you through both the legal process and emotional challenges
According to Arizona Indicators’ Senior Abuse and Neglect data, the impact of elder abuse extends beyond individual victims to affect entire families and communities. We measure success not just by case outcomes, but by our ability to help families find closure and ensure their loved ones are protected from future harm.
Additional Arizona Resources
- Arizona Adult Protective Services: Report suspected abuse
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Resident advocacy and rights
- Arizona Department of Health Services: Facility licensing and complaints
- Area Agency on Aging: Elder care resources and support
- Arizona Long-Term Care Ombudsman program provides additional oversight and advocacy.
Contact Our Phoenix Elder Abuse Attorneys
If you suspect your loved one has experienced abuse or neglect, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Miller Kory Rowe today for a confidential consultation. Our experienced team will listen to your concerns, explain your options, and help you take the first steps toward protecting your loved one and seeking justice.
What to Expect When Working With Us
We understand that pursuing a claim can feel daunting. Our team will guide you through each step of the process.
1. Initial Consultation
We listen closely to your concerns, explain your rights, and make sure the resident’s immediate safety is addressed from the start. This consultation is free, and there’s no obligation to proceed.
2. Investigation Phase
If we take your case, we’ll gather all necessary medical records and consult with expert witnesses to build a strong foundation for your claim.
3. Claim Development
We’ll calculate the full extent of your damages and prepare comprehensive settlement demands or legal filings.
4. Negotiation or Litigation
We’ll pursue fair compensation through negotiation when possible, but we’re always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
Real Client Testimonials
Our dedication to achieving successful outcomes for our clients is reflected in the authentic stories they share in our testimonials.
Many of these families came to us after discovering neglect in a nursing home or care facility.
“Teri Rowe and the team at MKR are highly recommended. My family and I went to Teri under the worst of circumstances and she was always kind, comforting, and helpful. Our case was complicated, sad, confusing and frustrating. She managed everything wonderfully. Our family lawyer referred us to Teri because Teri has a reputation for being the best. She definitely lives up to her reputation.”
— Michael Stenoien
“My sisters and I couldn’t have made a better choice by choosing Miller Kory Rowe to represent us. From day one to the end, their empathy, their professionalism and their confidence in our case never wavered. We were given the faith and they kept it. Their approach was completely professional but their concern for our case was equally personal. They took into account every little detail. They valued for us, our family values and ensured justice was done. We now have complete closure that this lawsuit is behind us, we can move forward knowing that we got some measure of justice for the harm done to our mother. Thank you so much Liz, Gabe and Stephanie.”
— Sherrie Dudek
“From our initial consultation to our final settlement. Miller, Kory and Rowe was with us every step of the way. Gabe and team kept us abreast of any updates on the case in a timely fashion and were always, often within minutes of an email, to walk us through what was happening in our case or clarify any questions we may have.
MKR’s compassion and thoughtfulness was genuine and was able to ease our minds in what was a difficult time with the passing of our mom. Gabe’s experience with these cases was very evident in our interactions and we had the utmost confidence in his representation. I would highly recommend MKR if you are ever in need of an attorney.”
— Joseph Shown
At Miller Kory Rowe, we are not afraid to take cases to trial. We are Arizona litigators with deep experience handling serious injury and wrongful death claims for families across the state.
Every case is prepared with the courtroom in mind. That level of preparation strengthens our strategy, builds trust with our clients, and puts pressure on the defense. We work with respected experts, craft compelling exhibits, and uncover the details that help juries understand the truth.
Whether your case involves medical negligence, elder abuse, or another form of life-changing harm, our focus stays the same: clear answers and meaningful results.
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