NYC Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Fight for Victims
Seeking justice for residents injured at facilities in the five boroughs and Long Island
It is an unfortunate fact that the nursing homes we entrust with our elder loved ones’ care might become agents of harm to them. Physical abuse doesn’t happen in every nursing home, but it does occur in many. The attorneys at Rich & Rich, P.C. have decades of experience handling nursing home abuse and negligence claims throughout New York City and Long Island. We fight fiercely to protect the safety of residents and to win them monetary compensation for the injuries they have suffered.
What types of physical abuse can occur in long-term care facilities?
Residents at nursing homes and other care facilities might be subjected to intentional hitting, slapping, cutting, scratching, shoving, burning or improper restraint. In some cases, they might suffer sexual abuse. Residents are often not able to speak for themselves due to age, infirmity or fear of reprisals, which may cause abuse to stay hidden. Family members can help protect their elder loved ones by looking out for possible signs of mistreatment. If you suspect abuse, our diligent lawyers will investigate to discover the truth.
Warning signs of physical abuse
Signs that a person in a nursing home is being subjected to abuse can consist of any of the following:
- Physical injuries such as bruises, welts, burns, scratches, restraint marks, sprains or broken bones
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration
- Development of new physical disabilities
- Torn clothing and broken or missing personal items
Symptoms of abuse can also be behavioral. Victims may react fearfully toward specific staff members, hesitate to speak in front of staff, seem withdrawn and depressed or show unusual behaviors such as rocking, biting or sucking.
Immediate steps should be taken if you notice unexplained injuries or other signs of possible abuse, especially if staff respond evasively, defensively or angrily when questioned. We can help you gather evidence of abuse and counsel you about how to hold abusers accountable.
How to report nursing home physical abuse
If you suspect abuse, you should start putting together an evidence file. Make written notes of possibly abusive incidents with dates and times; take photographs of bruises or other signs of injury and keep torn clothing or broken belongings of the victim. You should report the abuse to the facility’s administrator, unless you believe they may be complicit in the abuse or may be hiding it.
You can report abuse to government authorities as follows:
- File a complaint with the New York State Department of Health online or call the complaint hotline at 1-888-201-4563.
- Make a report to the New York Office for the Aging’s Ombudsman Program at 1-855-582-6769.
- Call 911 if you think your loved one is in immediate physical danger.
You can also contact our firm for help. Reach out to us as soon as you suspect abuse. We can help you gather evidence, report the abuse to the appropriate party and pursue legal action.
Financial compensation in physical abuse cases
Establishing physical abuse has occurred may entitle you to win financial compensation for the following:
- Current and future medical and rehabilitation costs
- Your loved one’s pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological trauma suffered
- Costs to move to another nursing facility
- Possible punitive damages if abuse was egregious
- Wrongful death resulting from the abuse
Our lawyers will evaluate the facts and damages to determine the value of your claim. We will seek maximum compensation through an insurance settlement or by taking the case to trial.
Contact us for responsive assistance with your nursing facility abuse case
At Rich & Rich, P.C., with offices in Manhattan and Roslyn Heights, our lawyers are staunch advocates for victims of nursing home abuse. To schedule a free initial consultation, call us at 917-746-3358 or contact us online.
