Senior abuse victims may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against their abuser and recover compensation for damages associated with the abuse. These damages can be a combination of “pecuniary” and “non-pecuniary” damages. Pecuniary damages are those for which money is a direct substitute, such as medical bills and lost wages. Pecuniary damages could also potentially cover any money that was lost as a result of financial abuse.
Non-pecuniary damages are not directly monetarily quantifiable, such as emotional or physical suffering and diminished enjoyment of life. The amount of compensation will vary depending on the individual situation, although Canadian law caps non-pecuniary damages at $340,000.
Family members can also sue for both pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages if their relative’s death was caused by senior abuse.