Nursing Homes Must Be Held Accountable For Neglect
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The coronavirus has impacted almost everyone in the United States. Tens of thousands of people have died. Many of the coronavirus deaths occurred in nursing homes. New York has been the epicenter of the pandemic and thousands of New Yorkers have died in nursing homes.
Nursing homes have become a war zone for our most at-risk populations. Infections and resulting death rates have been concentrated in these healthcare facilities meant to keep our loved ones safe.
It is becoming more and more clear that the very nursing homes that were supposed to look after our parents and grandparents were negligent in their staffing, preparedness, response, and advertised level of care. Nursing homes should have at least been prepared to keep people safe if they sheltered in place at their residence, not increase the likelihood of their death.
For this highly contagious virus, nursing homes became a breeding ground.
Why act now?
The New York Times reports that as of May, nearly 30,000 nursing home residents and staffers nationwide, including around 5,000 residents in New York State alone, have died from COVID-19. The NY Daily News identified about 100 deaths at just a single facility in Manhattan. The NY Post has written about too-high death rates not only in private nursing homes, but facilities meant for veterans as well.
With at least 1 million people living in nursing homes across the country, we may only be seeing the start of these wrongful deaths. That is why it is so important to act now. You may not only be standing up for yourself or your loved ones, but for countless other victims.
How is this happening?
Nursing home neglect is unfortunately not new. For decades we have been helping people file cases and complaints, advocating for their loved one’s rights during investigations of abuse. We’ve also filed countless personal injury lawsuits seeking compensation for pain and suffering as well as medical expenses that resulted from nursing home abuse or neglect.
We believe nursing homes should have been more prepared for this pandemic given their population’s high-risk for other viral threats like the flu. While neglect is always a problem, it was exacerbated by the added risks and symptoms brought on by the coronavirus.
What can you do?
Belluck & Fox can help you and your loved ones find justice. If your loved one has suffered or died as a result of COVID-19 in a nursing home, please reach out today for a free consultation. Our top New York attorneys will work with you every step of the way. We’re all in this together.