After one woman in the state of Washington discovered that her grandmother had lost her life savings to an acquaintance who needed a series of “loans,” she decided to take action. All told, Mariana Cooper, age 87, gave more than $217,000 to Janet Bauml, a person whom was involved in Cooper’s life and whom she trusted to pay back the money. When Cooper finally admitted her financial losses to her granddaughter, Amy Lecoq, 41, immediately started calling law enforcement officials to ensure that Bauml would be prosecuted for her crimes. Next, Lecoq became an activist, traveling around the state to speak about the dangers of financial abuse for often vulnerable older Americans. Lecoq also became a lobbyist, trying to push state legislation that would provide for harsher penalties for those who took financial advantage of older Americans. In the meantime, Cooper did receive justice for her financial losses; Bauml was sentenced to three and one-half years in prison.
Many states have laws on the books that address the illegal or improper usage of money that belongs to seniors. However, these laws vary widely from state to state, enforcement of the laws is often inconsistent, and penalties may not be very harsh. In response to their growing knowledge of this problem, some states have taken action in recent years to increase the penalties for elder financial abuse, extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting a perpetrator of this type of elder abuse, and expanding legal definitions to include financial exploitation.
The Wisconsin elder financial abuse lawyers of Boller & Vaughan know how devastating it can be when you entrust your loved one to the care of others, only to have that trust completely betrayed when your loved one is subjected to abuse or neglect. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and those of your loved ones in all types of circumstances. We handle nursing home abuse and neglect cases on a daily basis, and we know how to get the relief to which you may be entitled. Don’t hesitate to fight back against a neglectful or abusive nursing care and assistance living facility that has caused harm to your loved one. Call us today and see how we can help.
The state of Wisconsin, like all states nationwide, has rules and laws that govern how motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists properly and legally travel on the roadways. Among these rules are those that govern the right […]
Reuters reported earlier this year about the prevalence of facial injuries among individuals residing in nursing homes. According to a team who published its research in a recent issue of JAMA Otolaryngology – Head and […]
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
