Queens Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Key Takeaways

Nursing home abuse and neglect include physical abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect that results in injury or harm.

Common signs include unexplained injuries, bedsores, dehydration/malnutrition, sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, withdrawal, fearfulness, and untreated medical conditions.

Liability may involve nursing home staff, administrators, owners, medical personnel, or others responsible for resident safety and care.

Compensation available may include medical and rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost income/support, and long-term care expenses.

Documentation of the abuse (photos, medical records, witness accounts), prompt reporting to authorities, and understanding legal deadlines are critical for pursuing justice and compensation.

We all want our cherished loved ones to spend their autumn years in peace and tranquility. A comfortable retirement should be a reward for a life well-lived. As some people age, medical conditions make it impossible to remain at home or live with family. Sometimes entrusting a loved one’s care to a skilled nursing home or long-term care facility is the best way to maintain their health and ensure a safe standard of living.

But when these nursing homes and facilities do not follow rigorous care and safety standards, the physical and mental health of their elderly residents is jeopardized. Some facilities and caregivers fall into a systematic pattern of abuse or neglect, harming the residents they are supposed to protect.

At Finz & Finz, P.C., our Queens nursing home abuse lawyers have the resources and experience to help you seek justice for your loved one. Our compassionate legal team can offer you the support and advice you need to navigate this challenging situation. Contact our office today to discuss your case with our compassionate Queens personal injury lawyers during a free case review.

Queens Nursing Home Abuse Statistics and Data

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that at least one in six people over the age of 60 will experience some form of abuse in a community setting in their lifetime. This data aligns closely with recent statistics that suggest one in five elderly residents is mistreated in New York nursing homes.

According to statistics from the New York Department of Health compiled over four years, complaints of abuse and neglect in New York nursing homes are steadily rising. Complaints of neglect also increased significantly as the COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed nursing home facilities throughout the state.

Unsure If Your Loved One Is Being Abused or Neglected? Watch for These Signs of Neglect or Abuse

The signs of neglect and abuse are not always obvious. Abuse can take many forms, including emotional, psychological, financial, physical, and sexual.

Sometimes, unexplained bruises are a sign that physical abuse is happening. In cases of emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, the symptoms can be more subtle and challenging to uncover. Many victims do not report the abuse to family members or nursing home staff because they feel it would burden their families. Other victims may feel shame or guilt and refuse to speak up because of embarrassment. Often, abusive caregivers threaten elderly residents with violence or harm if they report the abuse. And some caregivers target elderly residents who can’t advocate for themselves. Residents with cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s are particularly at risk.

Because of all these factors, it’s crucial to recognize some of the potential signs of abuse and neglect:

Anxiety
Bedsores
Broken Bones
Changes in mood, behavior, sleeping, or eating patterns
Dehydration and malnutrition
Depression
Frequent illnesses or infections
Frequent trips to the ER or medical clinic
Lack of hygiene
Missing items of value
Multiple or unexplained falls
Refusing to cooperate with specific caregivers
Sudden change in their financial situation
Sudden onset of a sexually transmitted infection
Suicidal thoughts or actions
Unexplained marks, bruises, or burns
Weight loss
Withdrawing from favorite activities or pastimes
Withdrawing from family or friends

How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Queens, NY

If you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, document any evidence and contact the proper authorities. Your report may result in fines for the facility and hopefully improve conditions for future nursing home residents.

The New York State Department of Health, Division of Nursing Homes, and ICF/IID Surveillance handles violations of state and federal regulations for nursing facilities. You can contact their Nursing Home Complaint Hotline at 1-888-201-4563 or fill out an online complaint here.

To ensure your loved one is protected, you should also contact a nursing home abuse lawyer right away. They will advise you and your loved one on your legal rights and remedies.

Legal Options If Your Loved One Died Due to Neglect or Abuse in a Facility

Many elderly individuals live in nursing home facilities because they require specialized care. These individuals may already be in a fragile physical state. Abuse and neglect can worsen their health, leading to death.

If your family member passed away while under the care of a nursing home and you suspect neglect or abuse, contact an experienced Queens nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible. You may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the facility to seek compensation on behalf of your loved one.

Under New York law, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the “personal representative” of the decedent — typically the administrator or executor of the decedent’s estate. The case must be filed within two years of the decedent’s death. Contact our attorneys immediately if you believe abuse or neglect in a nursing home caused your loved one’s death.

How an Elder Abuse Attorney Will Assist You with Your Claim

If your loved one was abused or neglected in a nursing home or another facility, taking legal action might feel overwhelming. An elder abuse attorney will help you with your claim by: