Legal Question in Personal Injury in Maryland

adult abuse

6 months ago my husband and I brought his mentally limited adult sister (57 yrs old) to our house to live. She was previously living with his ex-wife after thier divorce a couple years previously. She was her PAID caregiver by the sisters trust fund. We found out that his sister was being abused by the ex-wife and removed her from the home. She was verbally abused, called names, yelled at, and told she was worthless. She was also humiliated by having to shower in front of the ex, take care of bathroom needs, etc. She was locked in her room for long periods of time, a lock was on the outside of the door. She was kicked and slapped and pushed as well. There were no visible bruises though. The sister is 57 and a highschool graduate with some college, just has many mental limitations. She had to stay in her room all day sitting on a mat in the floor and color for hours. Adult protective services was called out many times, but not found guilty and the sister wouldn't tell. We removed her when we found out. Knowing this abuse went on infuriates me and I believe the ex-wife should be punished or something. She now runs a daycare in her home. My question is what can be done to her, can we sue and on what grounds.


Asked on 8/01/07, 12:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: adult abuse

First, you would have to be appointed by the court as legal guardians for your husband's sister. Then you could bring suit against the ex-wife on her behalf. I assume all the information you related about the horrific conditions come from the sister. Your suit will be hard to

prove unless you can come up with some independent evidence of abuse. I suggest you have her seen by a therapist who might be able to express an opinion as to the validity of the claims your sister-in-law is making, and also as to any long-term effects she may have from this experience. If there were others who witnessed this treatment, you should enlist their support.

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Answered on 8/01/07, 2:05 pm


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