A developmental disability is a "severe, chronic disability attributable to a mental and/or physical impairment, which manifests before age 22 and is likely to continue indefinitely." Developmental disabilities result in substantial limitations in 3 or more of the following areas: self-care, language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living and economic self-sufficiency. Specific disabilities can include but are not limited to cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, Down syndrome and other neurological conditions.

Each year, millions of Americans with developmental disabilities do not receive the care and support required to meet their daily needs; even worse, thousands are subjected to illegal abuse and neglect. For a variety of reasons incidents of abuse and neglect are often unreported. Lack of information about one's rights, communication difficulties and fear of caretaker retaliation are among the principle causes of this chronic underreporting.

Some examples of abuse and neglect include:

• Neglect leading to skin breakdown
• Punching, hitting, burning, etc.
  
• Sexual assault
• Threats and/or harassment
• Failure to provide appropriate medical treatment
• Failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing or equipment
  

For many years, Anderson Pangia & Associates has proudly represented persons with developmental disabilities who have been victimized. We are passionately dedicated to remedying these injustices. We concentrate on matters involving abuse and neglect of individuals living in residential facilities such as ICF/MRs, group homes and long-term nursing facilities, and we have the experience and resources necessary to effectively litigate these tragic cases

Please contact us to learn more about our practice.