Protect Your Family From Harm: 4 Cases When You Need to Call a Lawyer

Taking care of your loved ones usually means being there for them emotionally, listening to their problems, and offering advice when needed. Sometimes it even means helping them out financially when they’re in a tough spot. However, there are times when taking care of your family also means taking legal action against those who’ve wronged them. While these can vary, there are 4 distinct cases when you’ll need to call a lawyer in order to ensure that your family is safe from harm.

1. If You Suspect Elder Abuse Or Neglect

If you have an elderly loved one in a nursing home, it’s important to visit them often and pay attention to any changes in their appearance or behavior. Unfortunately, many elderly people have suffered abuse in a nursing home with no way to get out of the situation. The abuse can differ. Sometimes it’s verbal abuse, sometimes it’s physical abuse, and sometimes it’s neglect. If you see any signs of elder abuse or neglect, such as bruises, bedsores, weight loss, or sudden changes in mood or behavior, it’s important to call a lawyer right away. They can help investigate the situation and take legal action against those responsible for the abuse. This can ensure that not only your loved one is safe, but also that other patients in the nursing home are protected from suffering the same fate.

2. Child Custody And Abuse Cases

If you’re going through a divorce or are in a situation where child custody is being contested, it’s important to have a lawyer by your side. This is especially true if there are allegations of abuse involved. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and make sure that your rights, and your child’s rights, are protected. They can also help you get the best possible outcome in your case, whether that’s joint custody, full custody, or supervised visitation. If there is abuse going on, or you at least expect it, it’s also important to show your child that you’re taking action to protect them. This can help reduce any trauma they may experience and let them know that they’re not alone. While doing this, it’s also advisable to get your child into therapy so that they can talk about their experiences with someone who’s trained to help.

3. Domestic Violence

It’s hard to imagine that anyone could be violent towards the ones they love, but sadly, it happens more often than most people realize. If a family member is a victim of domestic violence, it’s important to get them out of the situation as soon as possible. This usually means calling the police and getting a restraining order. However, it’s also important to have a domestic violence lawyer by your side who can help you navigate the legal system and make sure that your rights are protected.

They can also help them get full custody of children if they have any, as well as help them get a restraining order. While a restraining order might seem like a bit much if the abuser wasn’t physically or sexually violent, it’s often one of the best ways to ensure the victim’s safety and protect them from future harm. Unfortunately, many abusers tend to escalate when they realize their victim is trying to leave, which is why it’s so important to take all the necessary precautions to ensure they can’t get near them.

4. Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a serious crime that can have a lasting effect on the victim. Oftentimes victims hesitate to come forth because they’re afraid of how it will affect their life. They might be worried about going through a trial, or they might be worried that no one will believe them. The way police officers may react during an investigation can also be very traumatizing. However, working with a lawyer that has experience representing victims of sexual assault can help them through every step of the way. For starters, they can talk with you, or the victim, to advise you on how to handle the situation so that the process isn’t as traumatizing. They can also ensure that the police are properly investigating the case and that the victim’s rights are protected. If the case goes to trial, they can help prepare them for what to expect and be by their side every step of the way. While a trial is never easy for the victim, being prepared and having someone who believes in them can make all the difference.

No one should have to suffer through abuse, whether it’s mental, physical, sexual, or emotional. If you or a loved one are being abused, it’s important to call a lawyer so that they can help you protect your family and get the justice you deserve.