Seattle Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse / Elder Abuse and Vulnerable Adult Abuse

Nursing home negligence and abuse, as well as other forms of elder abuse, are known as Vulnerable Adult Abuse.  The State of Washington developed this term to describe negligent, dangerous and harmful actions inflicted on adults who rely on others for care. 

If someone you love has been the victim of elder abuse or neglect in Seattle or the surrounding communities, contact Kenneth Selander, Jr. immediately by calling 1-866-681-0002 toll-free or submit an online contact form. We handle cases across Washington State, including Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Edmonds, Mercer Island, Sammamish, Renton, Lynnwood, Federal Way, Burien, Everett, Auburn, Kent, Issaquah and Tacoma.

Washington Law – Vulnerable Adults Statute RCW 74.34.020
Residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult boarding homes or even their own homes are protected by the Vulnerable Adults Statute.  This law enables victims of abuse, abandonment, exploitation or neglect to obtain legal assistance – and it gives law enforcement and the DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services) the authority to investigate complaints of such behavior.

Who is considered a Vulnerable Adult?
An individual who meets at least one of the following criteria:

• Is at least 60 years old and lacks the functional, mental, or physical ability to care for himself or herself
• Has a guardian
• Has a developmental disability
• Resides in any facility licensed by DSHS, such as a boarding home, nursing home or residential rehabilitation center
• Receives services from any home health, hospice, or home care agency
• Receives services from a person under contract with DSHS as an individual provider
• Lives at home and receives services from a paid personal aide

What constitutes Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect/Vulnerable Adult Abuse?

• Abandonment – leaving the victim without the means to secure food, clothing, shelter and other basic needs with which he or she needs assistance.
• Abuse – inflicting either physical or mental harm by confinement, intimidation or punishment of the victim; harm can include sexual abuse.
• Neglect – a pattern of conduct or inaction that fails to provide the goods and services that maintain the physical or mental health of a vulnerable adult, or that fails to avoid or prevent physical or mental harm or pain to a vulnerable adult.
• Exploitation – exerting undue influence or compelling the victim to perform services for another’s benefit.

Our Experience
Kenneth Selander, Jr. of Selander O’Brien PLLC has represented elderly victims in Washington for more than two decades – and we believe that our most vulnerable citizens deserve our strongest protection.  If you are a victim of elder or nursing home abuse, or you suspect a loved one is being abused or neglected, we can help.

With more than 20 years of experience in all kinds of injury claims, Kenneth Selander, Jr. has built his reputation aggressively and ethically fighting for the legal rights of victims and their families. In fact, Washington Law & Politics Magazine has named Kenneth Selander, Jr. a SuperLawyer. This award is conferred on only the top 5% of attorneys in Washington State.

Our Commitment
When you contact the law firm of Selander O'Brien PLLC, you ensure that your case receives the full commitment of a skilled legal team.  We handle each case on an individual basis, and we treat you and your family with the respect and compassion you deserve.

Here's what one client said about our legal help: "I have used Ken Selander when I needed the support of a personal injury attorney.  I would use him again.  I thought that Ken's manner was very professional and confident.  He became a friend in the process of my case and is someone I trust.  He has proven to me that he is very trustworthy and ethical.  He was always willing to tell me the truth and let me know what my risks were.  Every decision we made on my case was done in partnership and I felt a sense that he was not just an attorney in it for the money."

For help with your elder abuse or neglect claim, contact Kenneth Selander, Jr. by calling 1-866-681-0002 toll-free or submit an online contact form. We do not charge attorney fees unless we recover damages for your case.