Mickey Rooney's Stand Against Elder Abuse Can Help Other Victims, Says New York Elder Abuse Lawyer, David Perecman

March 06, 2011 (Press-News.org) New York elder abuse lawyer David Perecman commends actor Mickey Rooney for speaking out about elder abuse.

"Elder abuse is a genuine problem. The elderly are a particularly vulnerable group and putting a spotlight on this issue, and giving it a human face, may make a real difference in the daily lives of a very vulnerable population," said Perecman.

Mickey Rooney was at one time the biggest box-office name in the United States. Two weeks ago he was granted a restraining order against his stepson after accusing him of abuse. This week, the 90-year-old spoke out against elder abuse before the Senate Special Committee on Aging. Legislation that would help curb abuses of senior citizens is currently before the committee, according to the Washington Examiner.

Rooney spoke at the senate hearing, entitled "Justice for All: Ending Elder Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation," to draw attention to the widely underreported problem of elder abuse."

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), research indicates that more than one in ten elderly people may experience some type of abuse, but only one in five cases or fewer are reported. Most often family members or close friends of the senior are the culprits of elder abuse.

"Elder abuse can happen in all kinds of households, poor, middle class, and upper-income; it crosses ethnic lines and demographics. Now we can see it can happen to celebrities," said the New York civil rights violation lawyer.

Like many victims of elder abuse, Rooney described himself as scared, disappointed, overwhelmed, and angry. He accused his stepson of denying him such basic necessities as food and medicine.

"These are serious forms of neglect which can be life-threatening to seniors," explained Perecman, a New York elder abuse lawyer for over 30 years.

Rooney said he hopes his testimony will encourage other victims to stand up for themselves. This is a statement New York elder abuse lawyer Perecman agrees with wholeheartedly and unconditionally.

"Elder abuse can be especially humiliating and painful for a victim and this makes them reluctant to speak out or contact a New York elder abuse lawyer. This is especially true when the abuser is a family member. My belief is that Rooney can give victims the strength and confidence to speak out. Elder abuse is a crime," said Perecman.

Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical and emotional abuse, financial exploitation, abandonment and neglect. Elder abuse refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an elderly person. Elder abuse also can be defined as failure by a caregiver to satisfy the elder's basic needs or to protect the elder from harm. The abuse can take place anywhere including nursing homes and other institutions.

Victims of elder abuse or people who suspect elder abuse in New York should contact an expert New York elder abuse lawyer at The Perecman Firm for legal information regarding elder abuse.

About David Perecman and The Perecman Firm, PLLC:
For the past 30 years, the New York civil rights violation, gender discrimination, age discrimination, and elder abuse lawyers at The Perecman Firm, PLLC have handled all types of cases including elder abuse. David Perecman, founder of the Firm, is a Board Director and the past Secretary and Treasurer of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA) and a chair of its Labor Law Committee. Mr. Perecman's achievements have brought him recognition as an Honoree in the National Law Journal's Hall of Fame, in New York Magazine's "The Best Lawyers in America" and The New York Times Magazine "New York Super Lawyers, Metro Edition" for the years 2007-2010.

The Firm has recovered millions of dollars for its clients. Among the more recent victories, Mr. Perecman won a $15 million verdict* for a construction accident, a $5.35 million dollar verdict** for an automobile accident, and a $40 million dollar structured settlement for medical malpractice****.

*later settled while on appeal for $7.940 million
** later settled for $3.5 million
*** later settled for $90,000.00
**** total potential payout

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Website: http://www.perecman.com