Section 35-20-117 - [Effective 7/1/2024] Civil cause of action for exploitation of vulnerable adults(a) A vulnerable adult shall have a cause of action against any person who has exploited the vulnerable adult. The vulnerable adult may recover actual damages, punitive damages and reasonable attorney's fees for the exploitation of the vulnerable adult. The action may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction. The action may be brought by the vulnerable adult or any of the following:(i) The vulnerable adult's guardian, conservator or other fiduciary acting for the vulnerable adult;(ii) The personal representative of the estate of a deceased vulnerable adult;(iii) The vulnerable adult's agent as defined by W.S. 3-9-102(a)(i);(iv) The vulnerable adult's spouse, parent or descendant;(v) A person authorized to make health care decisions for the vulnerable adult;(vi) A person who would qualify as a presumptive heir of the vulnerable adult;(vii) A person named as a beneficiary to receive any property, benefit or contractual right on the vulnerable adult's death or as a beneficiary of a trust created by or for the vulnerable adult that has a financial interest in the vulnerable adult's estate;(viii) The vulnerable adult's caregiver or another person that demonstrates sufficient interest in the vulnerable adult's welfare;(ix) A person asked to accept the vulnerable adult's power of attorney;(x) The nursing care facility where the vulnerable adult resides.Added by Laws 2024, ch. 53,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.