NURSING HOME ABUSE & NEGLECT ATTORNEYS

Top-Ranked Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New York - We Treat our Clients with Compassion

When you take action to protect yourself or a vulnerable loved one, you may also prevent others from suffering the same type of abuse in the future. Your advocacy can make a difference.

Signs of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse

No one wants to imagine that someone could hurt their elderly parent, or allow them to be hurt, but it does happen. The U.S. Administration on Aging lists the following as potential warning signs of elder abuse:

• Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions or burns.
• Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness or unusual depression.
• Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene or weight loss.
• Strained or tense relationships, frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly person.
• Medication errors

The Administration on Aging advises that the most important thing you can do for your elderly loved one is to be alert and start asking questions if you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect.

Contact the New York injury lawyers at Belluck & Fox, LLP today if you are concerned for the health and safety of your loved one. We stand up for nursing home abuse victims and have a reputation of advocating for those who are not able to advocate for themselves.

How to Report NYS Nursing Home Complaints

If you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected in a New York care facility, take action immediately.

There are two ways to report nursing home abuse or neglect in New York:

• Online: You can submit your complaint online to the New York State Department of Health. You will need to have the facility’s address and your loved one’s room number handy.
• By Phone: You can also call the Nursing Home Complaint hotline at 1-888-201-4563 to report abuse or neglect. The hotline is answered from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, but you can call anytime to leave a voicemail message reporting abuse.

What to expect after you file a report

After filing a report regarding nursing home abuse, you can expect the New York State Department of Health to review the matter and determine the appropriate course of action. At this stage, investigators may conduct interviews, scrutinize medical records, and assess other relevant documents from the nursing home, while also conducting on-site visits to the facility. These actions aim to uncover any factors contributing to the abuse or neglect.

If the investigation uncovers violations of federal and/or state regulations by the nursing home, the Department of Health will issue a citation. Subsequently, the nursing home is mandated to devise and submit a plan of corrective action that satisfies the Department’s standards. This plan must address the nature of the violations and propose measures for rectification.

The nursing home then must act on the plan and correct whatever problem led to the violation.

This process can seem painfully slow, especially when the well-being of you or your loved one hangs in the balance. This is where seeking the guidance of a seasoned New York nursing home abuse lawyer at Belluck & Fox, LLP becomes crucial. Our experts understand the intricacies of these lawsuits and the stress they can impose. We provide compassionate support and strategic legal counsel to navigate through these challenging times, ensuring that nothing is overlooked in advocating for your loved one’s rights and well-being.

Legal Options for New York Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Victims

If you are fighting to protect the rights and safety of your elderly parent or loved one, please know that you do not have to go it alone. The New York nursing home abuse attorneys at Belluck & Fox, LLP will support you and your family through this difficult time. We can help you file the complaint with the state and advocate for your loved one’s rights during the investigation.

Common types of Nursing Home abuse complaints from people include:

• Accidents causing injuries, such as falls.
• Unaddressed changes in a resident’s health.
• Inadequate supervision of nursing home staff.
• Issues related to admission or discharge.
• Housekeeping and maintenance issues.
• Improper supervision of staff members.
• Incorrect administration of medicine.
• Dehydration and malnutrition.
• Violent behavior among residents.
• Bedsores, pressure ulcers, and infections.
• Choking incidents.
• Legionnaires’ disease outbreak (also known as legionella pneumonia).

In addition to helping with your state claim, our attorneys can pursue justice for your loved one by filing a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for pain and suffering as well as medical expenses that resulted from nursing home abuse or neglect. We understand the gravity of your situation and the importance of obtaining a fair settlement amount to address the harm inflicted upon your loved one.

If you have experienced the most tragic of cases, where your parent or loved one has died due to nursing home abuse or neglect, our hearts are with you in this extremely difficult and stressful time. The compassionate New York attorneys at Belluck & Fox, LLP will do anything we can to take the burden off of you, including filing a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses. We recognize our duty to support you through this painful period and to pursue justice on behalf of your loved one.

At Belluck & Fox, LLP, our New York nursing home abuse attorneys are dedicated to fighting for families who are trying to protect their most vulnerable relatives. We will go over all your options for pursuing justice, including identifying any parties who could be at fault for your loved one’s abuse — this could be a nurse, staff member, administrator, the nursing home facility itself, or even the company that owns it. Our team will diligently gather evidence and witnesses, assess the laws applicable to your situation, and ensure you have all the information necessary to make informed decisions about your case.

Issues Related to Untimely Hospital Transfers:

Untimely hospital transfers for nursing home residents can have serious consequences. Some of the potential examples include:

• Delay in Medical Treatment: Untimely transfers may lead to delays in receiving necessary medical treatment. Timely intervention is crucial for addressing health issues, and delays can result in worsened conditions.
• Complications and Progression of Illness: Conditions that require prompt medical attention may worsen during delays in hospital transfers. Serious illnesses, infections, or injuries may progress, leading to complications that could have been prevented with timely medical intervention.
• Increased Pain and Suffering: Residents may experience increased pain and suffering due to delays in receiving appropriate medical care. Pain management and symptom relief may be compromised, impacting the resident’s quality of life.
• Risk of Permanent Damage: In some cases, the delay in hospital transfers may contribute to irreversible damages or long-term consequences. Certain medical conditions or injuries may become more difficult to treat effectively as time passes.
• Reduced Chance of Recovery: Timely medical care is often crucial for maximizing the chances of recovery. Delays in hospital transfers may diminish the resident’s ability to recover fully from an illness or injury.
• Emotional Distress: Residents and their families may experience heightened emotional distress when faced with delays in medical care. Anxiety and uncertainty about the resident’s well-being can significantly impact the mental and emotional health of both the resident and their loved ones.
• Violation of Standards of Care: Untimely hospital transfers may be considered a violation of the standard of care expected in nursing homes.
• Increased Financial Burden: Delayed transfers may result in increased medical bills for the resident and their family. The costs associated with treating advanced or complicated conditions can be higher than those for conditions addressed in a timely manner.

Why Choose The Belluck & Fox Team For Your NYC Nursing Home Abuse Case

When you or your elderly loved one moves into a nursing home, you trust that they will receive compassionate care. Unfortunately, cases of neglect and abuse are prevalent, making it crucial to choose attorneys who understand the complexities of these situations.

• Decades of Experience: With over two decades of successfully handling nursing home abuse and neglect claims, our top-rated NYC personal injury law firm is well-equipped to fight on your behalf for justice.
• Resourceful Investigations: We possess the resources to thoroughly investigate large NYC nursing home facilities, ensuring comprehensive documentation of abuses.
• Dedication to Victims: Our compassionate attorneys are committed to fighting for the best interests of nursing home neglect and abuse victims, advocating for their rights throughout the legal process. Have an experienced attorney with you every step of the way.
• Client Recommendations: Highly recommended by former clients and trusted legal professionals, our top-ranked lawyers prioritize providing top-quality representation and compassionate customer service.
• Transparent Communication: We maintain open communication with our clients throughout the legal process, ensuring families are informed about the progress of their case.

Nursing Home Regulations in New York

In New York, the Department of Health oversees and investigates reports of nursing home abuse and neglect, particularly concerning our senior citizens. The Patient Abuse Reporting Law, which aims to protect those living in nursing homes, requires every nursing home employee and all licensed professionals, even those who are not employed by the nursing home, to report alleged abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. The Department of Health is required to investigate these allegations and administer sanctions against those found guilty and those who fail to report abuse, neglect, or mistreatment, ensuring the safety and well-being of our senior population.

Nursing Home Residents’ Rights

In New York state, the Department of Health clearly outlines the rights of nursing home residents. Your loved one has the right to:

• Dignity, respect and a comfortable living environment.
• Quality care and treatment without discrimination.
• Freedom to make independent decisions.
• The safeguard of property and money.
• Safeguards in admission, transfer and discharge.
• Privacy in communications.
• Participation in organizations and activities of their choosing.
• An easy-to-use and responsive complaint procedure.
• Exercise all of their rights without fear of reprisals.

Unfortunately, in many cases, your loved one may not be able to express to you that his or her rights have been violated in the nursing home. That’s why you have to be vigilant in looking for signs of abuse or neglect and be proactive in reporting anything suspicious. In the end, your willingness to take action may save not only your loved one’s life, but the lives of others who may be suffering from the same type of abuse or neglect.

Our Promise to You

We will provide a strong voice for anyone who has suffered abuse or neglect at the hands of a nursing home. We are just as outraged and disgusted as you are when we learn about the atrocities committed against vulnerable nursing home victims. Our services include taking swift action to advocate for the safety of the victim and to fight for compensation for what you and your family have gone through. We understand the harm caused by such actions and are committed to ensuring accountability and justice.

Contact the New York nursing home abuse attorneys at Belluck & Fox, LLP today for a free consultation on your case. We will provide you with fast, personalized, and professional legal representation, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way. Fill out our online contact form now or give us a call to access our services and take action against any harm inflicted upon you or your loved ones.

Call Belluck & Fox For Help With Your New York Nursing Home Abuse Case

• Top-ranked New York law firm with more than 20 years of experience successfully handling nursing home abuse claims, offering comprehensive services that include guiding clients through the complexities of the court system and navigating the legal office procedures efficiently.
• Highly skilled team of lawyers that has secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and their families.
• Resources to investigate large nursing homes and thoroughly document abuses, ensuring that all pertinent facts are uncovered and presented effectively in court.
• Committed to fighting for the best interests of abuse victims and their families, providing expert advice on the best course of action, whether pursuing settlements or taking cases to trial.
• Highly recommended by former clients and legal peers for our exceptional track record of securing favorable verdicts and settlements in nursing home abuse cases, reflecting our knowledge and expertise in this area of law.
• Top-rated lawyers focused on providing high-quality and compassionate representation, advocating tirelessly on behalf of our clients while also offering guidance on the steps involved in pursuing justice.
• Dedicated to maintaining good communication with clients throughout the entire legal process, always providing updates as claims progress and ensuring transparency regarding fees and the percentage of settlements or verdicts obtained, whether achieved through negotiation or presented before a jury or judge.

Sources:

• Administration of Aging: What Is Elder Abuse?
• New York Department of Health: Your Rights as a Nursing Home Resident in New York State and Nursing Home Responsibilities
  https://www.health.ny.gov/facilities/nursing/rights/
• New York Department of Health: Nursing Home Complaint Forms
  https://apps.health.ny.gov/nursing_homes/complaint_form/complain.action
• New York Department of Health: Complaints About Nursing Home Care
  https://www.health.ny.gov/facilities/nursing/complaints.htm
  https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/nursing_home_administrator/report_requirements.htm