Queens Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

When Elder Care Facilities Fail, We Make Them Pay

Abuse and neglect within nursing homes are more prevalent than many people realize. Recent studies indicate that 1 in 10 senior citizens is abused in elder care facilities. If that is not alarming enough, some reports show that only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse is actually reported.

If you are the victim of nursing home abuse in Queens, the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C. is here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Do not wait another minute to contact our reputable personal injury lawyer. We have effectively handled hundreds of cases, and we have the knowledge and tenacity to represent you.

Dial (718) 340-3385 now to set up a complimentary consultation with our caring legal team of Queens nursing home abuse attorneys at Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C.. 

What Exactly Is Nursing Home Abuse or Negligence?

Nursing home negligence is a form of abuse against residents in care facilities. It presents as physical, financial, emotional abuse, or neglect. Negligence can result from a lack of proper care, attention, or failure to fulfill obligations towards the residents.

Can You Sue a Nursing Home?

Nursing homes, rest homes, convalescent homes, and elder care facilities can be held legally responsible for any acts of negligence that result in injuries to their patients or residents. These facilities are to ensure that the residence remains free of hazards and must provide the necessary supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents.

The New York court system takes elder abuse seriously and punishes it severely. Sometimes the awards against nursing homes are in the millions. If you think you or your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse, our experienced personal injury attorney can help you file a lawsuit.

Nursing homes can be sued on a number of grounds, including:

• General neglect
• Negligent supervision
• Improper hiring
• Assault
• Fraud
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Financial abuse
• Failure to comply with nursing home statutes
• Breach of contract
• Failure to keep the facility free of hazards
• Failure to provide adequate medical treatment

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Not all nursing home abuse situations are the same, but there are a few things to watch out for if your loved one resides in a nursing home.

Below are common signs of elder or nursing home abuse and neglect:

• Abandonment - unsanitary living conditions; dirty clothes or bedding; lack of medical treatment.
• Emotional Abuse - unexplained changes in personality or mood; refusing to see family or friends; fearful behavior; fear of interacting with staff; hesitation to speak openly.
• Financial Exploitation - missing items; unexplained changes in living arrangements (new location, new roommate, etc.); unexplained change in spending habits; unexplained financial transactions; discrepancy between your loved one’s standard of living and assets.
• Neglect - bedsores; unpaid bills; lacking basic necessities (food, water, shelter); poor hygiene; malnourishment
• Physical Abuse - unexplained injuries such as bruises, burns, and broken bones; more frequent use of medical providers
• Sexual Abuse - unexplained genital pain or injury; development of STDs

If you suspect that your loved one is being abused, do not hesitate to reach out to our Queens nursing home abuse lawyer at Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C.. Attorney Seni is backed by years of experience and he is prepared to answer all of your questions about how to protect your loved one. Complete an online form or call (718) 340-3385 as soon as possible.

How to Report Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected in their nursing home in New York, call the police or Adult Protective Services (APS). To report adult abuse within New York State with APS, call 1-844-697-3505 between 8:30 AM and 8:00 PM. Visit the site for more information.

Should I Call the Police or Adult Protective Services for Elder Abuse?

If your loved one is in imminent physical danger or immediate health risk, contact the police. They may remove your loved one from the scene and relocate them to a safe location such as another care facility. If a crime was committed, the authorities will conduct an investigation.

If the abuse is less urgent, contacting Adult Protective Services (APS) is an option. With APS, you do not need to prove the abuse in order to make a report. APS investigates and assesses reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults within the community. They typically work with social services to address the health and safety of the elder abuse victim.

How Is Liability Determined in Nursing Home Abuse Cases?

Determining liability for nursing home negligence involves identifying which parties failed to meet the standard of care. This can be a complex process, as multiple parties could potentially share responsibility.

The nursing home itself can be held liable if institutional policies, staffing issues, or training deficiencies contribute to the neglect. The management is responsible for ensuring adequate staffing levels and properly training their employees to provide appropriate care.

Individual caregivers can also be held liable if their actions, or lack thereof, directly led to the neglect. This can include nurses, doctors, or other health professionals involved in the resident's care.

External contractors, like food service providers or cleaning companies, can also be held accountable if their negligence contributed to the harm.

Finally, manufacturers of faulty equipment used in the care of residents may also bear some liability.

An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer in Queens can help determine all potential parties at fault by conducting a thorough investigation.

Why Should I Reach Out To a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?

A nursing home abuse lawyer is a crucial ally when you suspect that your loved one has been subjected to mistreatment in a care facility. They are specialists in this area of law and understand the complexities involved, ensuring that your case is handled correctly and efficiently.

Having a thorough knowledge of the laws and regulations that govern nursing homes, they can recognize instances where these have been breached. They are also well-versed in identifying what constitutes abuse and neglect and can assist in collecting the required evidence to substantiate your claim.

Secondly, they can navigate the legal process on your behalf. Filing a lawsuit involves many steps, from gathering evidence, filling out paperwork, negotiating with insurance companies, and possibly going to trial. A nursing home abuse lawyer can manage all these aspects, allowing you to focus on the well-being of your loved one.

Third, an experienced lawyer can accurately assess the damages suffered by your loved one. This includes not only physical harm, but also mental anguish, medical expenses, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Calculating these amounts can be difficult, but a skilled lawyer will know how to get you a fair settlement.

Lastly, they can provide emotional support during a challenging time. Dealing with the knowledge that a loved one has been abused can be emotionally draining. A compassionate lawyer can provide reassurance and guidance, helping to ease some of the stress.

If you suspect nursing home abuse, it's crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. They have the expertise to protect your loved one's rights and secure the compensation they deserve.

Speak to a Reliable Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Queens

When you turn to the Law Office of Seni Popat, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. Our Queens nursing home abuse lawyer offers the personalized legal assistance clients deserve.

Reliable legal advice from our Queens nursing home abuse lawyer is a phone call away. Contact (718) 340-3385 or contact us online to discuss your case with Seni Popat directly.