Westchester County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Although nursing homes are designed to provide the elderly with a high level of care, abuse takes place in these settings more often than it ever should.  If you are a victim or believe that your loved one is suffering abuse in a Westchester County nursing home, contact Fiedler Deutsch, LLP. We can advise you on next steps and discuss your legal options in a free consultation. Message us online or call (914) 993-0393 today. 

Why Choose Our Westchester County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer? 

• We have over 50 years of combined experience protecting the rights of elderly abused victims.
• Our firm possesses the resources and relentless work ethic to obtain the results you need in this devastating situation.
• We have successfully recovered millions in compensation for our West Chester personal injury clients.

How a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help 

Being abused or finding out that a loved one is suffering from abuse is devastating. A Westchester County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer understands the importance of finding answers and pursuing accountability. They have a thorough understanding of the relevant laws, as well as the resources to investigate the abuse and gather the evidence needed to prove your claim. An attorney will help ensure your claim is handled fairly and that you or your loved one obtain the compensation you are warranted. 

Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Warning Signs

Nursing home abuse can come in the following various forms: 

Physical Abuse 

Physical abuse is the most apparent form of nursing home abuse and the easiest to identify. It can involve hitting, kicking, biting, punching, pinching, improperly restraining, burning, or any other kind of intentionally inflicted harm. A resident may also be deprived of food or drink, their medication, or be over medicated. 

• Warning signs: unexplained cuts, bruises, marks on wrists or any signs of being restrained, fractures, sprains, an over-medicated state, or appearing under-medicated.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is an especially heinous act that involves any non-consensual sexual contact between a nursing home staff member and a resident. 

• Warning signs: bruising, bleeding from the genital area, torn or bloody clothing or undergarments, unexplained genital infections or sexually transmitted diseases, withdrawn, angry, or have other emotional changes. 

Emotional Abuse 

Emotional or psychological abuse is prevalent in nursing homes. This form of abuse involves tactics such as bullying or harassing residents, prohibiting social activities, teasing or humiliating, not allowing visitors or time with family, and any use of words or actions to threaten or intimidate a resident. 

• You may notice a change in personality or behavior, withdrawal, depression, nervousness, anxiety, or frequent arguments between the resident and the staff.

Neglect 

Neglect is less obvious and often harder to prove. The caretaker may be intentionally harming the patient, or it may be unintentional, for instance, as a result of understaffing. 

• Warning signs: deteriorating health, bedsores, drastic weight loss, poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, unexplained injuries, or staff prohibiting visitors. 

Financial Exploitation

When nursing home employees manipulate elderly residents for financial gain. For instance, convincing a resident to open a new credit card, add the staff member’s name to a banking card, change their will, etc. 

• Warning signs: changes in regular banking habits, sudden and large withdrawals, abrupt changes to a will or estate plan, or personal possessions disappearing without explanation. 

What To Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Westchester County

If you are or believe a loved one is in imminent danger, immediately call 911. Otherwise, report nursing home abuse to the New York State Health Department. This can be done by: 

• Calling the Nursing Home Complaint Hotline at 1-888-201-4563
• Filling out the Nursing Home Complaint Form then:
  • Email to: nhintake@health.ny.gov
  • Fax to: 518-408-1157
  • Mail to:

NYSDOH DRS/SNHCP

MAILSTOP: CA/LTC

EMPIRE STATE PLAZA

ALBANY, NEW YORK 12237

The complaint must be about abuse that has occurred within the past year from the date of your submission. If you provided your contact information, the Centralized Complaint Intake Unit will send you a letter acknowledging they have received your complaint, as well as how it will be handled. In the meantime, document any signs and incidents of abuse. Take photos of injuries or tangible warning signs and gather any records that indicate abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Any information you can provide the health department will help further their potential investigation. 

Contact Us For Help

We will passionately advocate for you or your loved one until there is justice. Contact Fiedler Deutsch, LLP today at (914) 993-0393 or online for a free case evaluation.