Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Houston, Texas
Williford Law, PLLC – Holding Facilities Accountable for Financial Abuse
Exploiting the Vulnerable: Financial Abuse in Long-Term Care
Financial exploitation of nursing home residents is a hidden but devastating form of elder abuse. While physical injuries may be visible, the theft or manipulation of a resident’s assets can go undetected for months, often until it’s too late.
At Williford Law, PLLC, we protect vulnerable adults from predatory caregivers, staff, and facility administrators who take advantage of diminished capacity or isolation. If your loved one has suffered financial abuse while in a nursing facility, we can help you investigate and hold the responsible parties accountable.
What Is Financial Exploitation?
Financial exploitation involves the unauthorized or improper use of a resident’s assets, benefits, or legal authority for someone else’s gain. This abuse may include:
- Forging checks or signatures
- Coercing changes to wills, trusts, or beneficiary designations
- Misusing the power of attorney
- Stealing money, credit cards, or personal property
- Charging unauthorized facility fees
- Diverting Social Security or pension payments
- Pressuring residents to buy items or “donate” to staff
Common Warning Signs of Financial Abuse
Family members should stay alert for the following red flags:
| Financial Clues | Behavioral Clues |
| Unexplained withdrawals or charges | Sudden fear or confusion around finances |
| Missing cash, valuables, or financial records | Reluctance to talk about money |
| Changes to legal documents or account access | New “friendships” with facility staff |
| Unpaid bills despite adequate funds | Being rushed into financial decisions |
| Bank statements sent to new addresses | Isolation from family or advisors |
Who Commits Financial Exploitation?
Perpetrators can include:
- Nursing home staff or administrators
- Other residents
- Facility-hired financial managers
- Visiting family or friends
- Outside caregivers or vendors
- Individuals with power of attorney
Facilities may be liable when they:
- Fail to screen or monitor employees
- Allow staff unsupervised access to residents’ rooms or accounts
- Ignore suspicious activity or complaints
- Facilitate or profit from exploitation
Legal Rights and Remedies
Texas law and federal regulations grant nursing home residents the right to:
- Secure management of their finances
- Privacy over account information
- Protection from coercion and undue influence
- Legal remedies when abuse or theft occurs
If your loved one has been financially exploited, legal claims may include:
- Civil recovery of stolen assets
- Fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, or conversion
- Punitive damages for willful misconduct
- Breach of contract or negligence claims against the facility
- Potential criminal referrals for theft or exploitation
Steps to Take If You Suspect Financial Abuse
- Secure your loved one’s finances immediately
- Notify the nursing home administrator in writing
- Report the abuse to Texas Adult Protective Services (APS)
- Request a full accounting of charges and financial documents
- Contact an elder abuse attorney with experience in financial exploitation cases
Why Choose Williford Law, PLLC
- We are aggressive advocates for vulnerable adults and their families
- We have experience handling complex financial abuse and fraud cases
- We pursue every avenue of recovery, including third-party liability
- We serve clients across Houston, Texas, and beyond
- We offer free consultations and work on contingency—no fees unless we win
Get Justice for Financial Abuse in Nursing Homes
When someone violates the trust of an elderly resident for personal gain, they must be held accountable. If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of financial exploitation in a nursing home, don’t wait.
Call Williford Law, PLLC today at (713) 837-7600 or visit www.WillifordLaw.com to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
