Protect Your Loved Ones Today!
Nursing homes provide around-the-clock skilled nursing care for the elderly and other vulnerable adults. Sadly, New York has many dangerous nursing homes which the state refuses to shut down. Residents suffer abuse or neglect and have no way of breaking free, while many family members feel powerless.
Poltielov Law Firm P.C. is committed to helping New York’s most vulnerable people hold nursing homes accountable for this egregious conduct. No one should suffer abuse or neglect silently. Contact us today, and we’ll get started reviewing your case and protecting your loved one.
Many Queens nursing home residents depend on staff for nearly every part of daily life. That dependence places vulnerable residents at risk when a care facility fails to follow state and federal regulations. Abuse often stays hidden because residents fear retaliation or believe no one will listen.
A Queens nursing home abuse lawyer can help expose what is happening behind closed doors. Our firm takes a compassionate approach while still pushing hard to seek justice for people who cannot protect themselves.
Signs of Abuse or Neglect
Many residents suffer abuse in silence. They are terrified that staff will retaliate if they complain, so they keep quiet. However, there are some obvious signs of abuse to look for when you next visit:
- Bruises
- Cuts or lacerations
- Broken bones
- Unexplained trips to the hospital
- Withdrawn behavior
- Fear of specific staff
Additional warning signs may include poor hygiene, sudden weight loss, emotional withdrawal, or unexplained injuries. These changes often signal home abuse and neglect that should never be ignored.
Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Physical abuse may involve hitting, pushing, or improper restraints. Emotional abuse includes threats, yelling, or humiliation that causes lasting harm. Sexual abuse, including non-consensual sexual contact or sexual assault, is a serious crime.
Unlike abuse, neglect is unintentional, but the consequences are just as severe. Nursing home neglect can lead to infections, dehydration, bed sores, or residents wandering away from the property. Neglect also increases the risk of attacks by other residents.
If your loved one appears unkempt or their room is dirty, the nursing home facilities may be failing to meet basic standards of residents’ care.
How Nursing Home Negligence Happens
Abuse or neglect often stems from nursing home negligence, including poor supervision, lack of training, and chronic understaffing. Some nursing home operators hire unqualified workers or fail to monitor individual caregivers.
In other situations, staff members are overwhelmed and unable to provide safe care. Cost-cutting decisions often put profits over safety. These choices create serious issues for nursing home residents who rely on consistent care.
A home abuse lawyer can identify when failures by management, workers, or ownership cross the line into abuse. In many nursing home abuse cases, responsibility may fall on multiple parties, including administrators, outside contractors, or parent companies.
Holding Nursing Homes Accountable
Abuse or neglect often stems from poor nursing home management, including negligent hiring or supervision, as well as chronic understaffing. A nursing home might be so desperate for staff they hire someone with a dangerous record or no references. Some nursing homes cut corners to inflate profits, and your loved one is injured in the process.
We can seek compensation for:
- Medical care to treat your loved one’s injuries
- Emotional distress
- Physical pain
- Costs of transferring a resident
We can also work with you to find a safe new home for your parent or elderly relative so that they never suffer this kind of abuse again.
Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
Some concerned family members are afraid to speak up because they don’t want to accuse anyone of neglect or abuse. Still, nursing homes should have an ombudsman on the staff who should investigate any concerns. Schedule a meeting.
You can also try to visit off-hours. You might run into a staff member abusing your loved one, or you could see that there are too few staff members on duty at that hour. This information can support your claim that something is wrong.
An attorney is also your advocate. We can jog nursing homes to take your concerns seriously, and we will notify the state when the nursing home tries to brush your allegations under the rug.
Steps Families Can Take to Report Abuse
Some concerned family members hesitate because they do not want to accuse anyone unfairly. Still, speaking up can stop harm and protect others. Start by documenting what you see and asking questions.
You can also report nursing home abuse to adult protective services or state agencies that enforce federal regulations. These reports often trigger inspections and corrective actions.
Visiting at unexpected times can reveal staffing problems or unsafe behavior. This information often becomes necessary evidence during the legal process.
A nursing home abuse attorney can guide families through these steps and handle communication with regulators. We provide legal assistance so families do not feel alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Abuse
What qualifies as nursing home abuse in New York state?
Nursing home abuse includes physical harm, emotional mistreatment, neglect, and financial exploitation. It can involve financial abuse, unsafe care, or failure to protect residents from harm. Abuse violates New York state law and often breaks state and federal regulations.
How do I know if my loved one is being abused?
Signs include unexplained injuries, fear of caregivers, poor cleanliness, or changes in behavior. Emotional distress and withdrawal may also appear. Trust your instincts if something feels wrong.
Who can be held responsible for nursing home abuse?
Liability may fall on caregivers, administrators, ownership groups, or contractors. In many nursing home abuse cases, responsibility extends to multiple parties who failed to protect residents.
What compensation is available in a nursing home abuse lawsuit?
Compensation may cover medical care, pain, emotional harm, and relocation costs. Some cases also allow recovery for long-term care needs and added suffering.
How long do I have to take legal action?
Time limits depend on the facts of the case. Speaking with a nursing home abuse lawyer early helps preserve evidence and protects your rights.
Speak with an Experienced New York Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
We know families face fear, anger, and confusion when abuse is discovered. Many people realize too late that warning signs were present all along. Acting now can prevent further harm.
Our law firm offers a free consultation and free case evaluation to discuss your concerns. You can speak with an experienced lawyer who understands nursing home abuse in the New York area, including Queens nursing home abuse, Forest Hills, and Staten Island.
We bring a proven track record, work toward maximum compensation, and hold responsible parties accountable. Call 718-880-2911 to speak with a skilled lawyer today.