FAQ

No, the initial consultation is at no charge.

No, as our firm works on a contingency fee basis, there are no upfront costs to clients (in most cases).

No, our firm will obtain all necessary medical records.

If a resident suffers from an injury (such as a bed sore), under the New York State Public Health Law, Section 2801-d, the burden is then on the nursing home to show that they cared for the resident properly.

No, our law firm does not need a determination by the Department of Health to pursue a case.

Yes, we can bring a case even if the Department of Health does not find neglect or abuse.

Yes, and keep in mind that the role of the ombudsman and the role of a law firm are different. The ombudsman’s role is to intervene on the resident’s and/or family’s behalf to resolve problems with the nursing home. In contrast, the role of a law firm is specifically to obtain compensation for residents for the injuries they have suffered.

Yes, and the NYS Public Health Law, Section 2801-d has a provision that prohibits a nursing home from retaliating against a resident who brings a lawsuit against them. However, we might recommend that you find another facility for your loved one.

Yes, but only in a limited situation. Specifically, if a lawsuit is brought against a nursing home, under the NYS Public Health Law Section 2801-d, there is a provision that monies recovered under this statute will not be counted for future eligibility.

Yes, even if an autopsy was not performed, you can still bring a case. Our experts will review your family member’s medical records to determine what occurred.

It varies depending upon the type of claim or action and who or what entity is being sued. It is therefore imperative to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

Nursing home neglect and abuse is the violation of a person’s rights while under the care of a facility or caregiver. Residents/patients have legal rights to quality care, being treated with dignity, and the safeguarding of their well-being. When neglect or abuse occurs, a resident/patient may be mistreated, physically or sexually abused, emotionally traumatized, injured, or even die. Nursing home neglect & abuse can be caused by the intentional or negligent actions of care givers, such as: pressure sores resulting from lying for hours in the same position, fractures due to the failure to implement fall risk procedures, such as toilet schedules or bed alarms, infections and disease resulting from dehydration, staff roughly transferring a resident Illnesses that are not diagnosed or treated

Sadly, the elderly are often unable to communicate the circumstances of their neglect and abuse to family members or other concerned parties. In addition, nursing home neglect & abuse may be difficult to identify without paying attention to key indicators. Family members should learn to recognize the following possible symptoms of neglect and abuse and take immediate corrective action: Neglect: malnutrition, dehydration, pressure sores (also known as bed sores or pressure ulcers), poor personal hygiene, neglected injuries, falls, accidents. Medical mistakes: wrong medication, incorrect dosage, unnecessary medical procedures, delays in treatment. Physical abuse: bruises, burns, welts, restraint marks, broken bones, wounds/cuts, scratches, sprains, puffiness on the face or elsewhere, damaged possessions, visitors not being allowed to spend time alone with the resident. Emotional abuse: withdrawal, refusal to communicate, anxiety, agitation, emotional trauma, sudden change in behavior. Sexual abuse: bleeding, appearing withdrawn or traumatized, evidence of severe physical restraint, torn or stained bed clothing, bruises, scratches or welts near genitals or on chest.

If you believe the nursing home neglect and abuse is life threatening, call the police or 911 immediately. If you believe the resident/patient is not in immediate danger but suspect that neglect and abuse has occurred, contact your local long-term care ombudsman and the New York State Department of Health. Our law firm can help you take appropriate action, as well, if injuries or death have occurred. For the types of complaints listed below, call the New York State Department of Health: Nursing Homes – 888-201-4563 Hospitals – 800-804-5447 Assisted Living and Adult Homes – 866-893-6772 The New York State Ombudsman can be reached at 866-893-6772 for help in finding your local long-term care ombudsman. Be prepared to provide as much information as possible about the suspected neglect and abuse including: Victim’s name, age, and address Name of the facility/health care provider Specific details about the neglect and abuse, why you suspect it, and what may have occurred Evidence of abuse such as photos of physical injury, statements by the victim, eyewitness accounts, etc. The person(s) responsible for the neglect and abuse, if known Copies of any medical records that you have in your possession.

Yes, generally these steps involve planning, paying attention, and listening: Planning: This is the first vital step to limit nursing home neglect and abuse. Thoroughly investigate potential long-term care facilities and out-sourced caregivers before you choose a facility or caregiver agency. Confirm the elderly person’s legal affairs are in order, such as the designation of a health care agent, the completion of a power of attorney, and last will and testament. Make sure that there has been a proper assessment regarding the person’s medical and other personal needs. Paying attention: Once placed in a facility, be sure to monitor the resident and make continual observations about the care received, medications prescribed, and the resident’s condition. Insist on seeing the resident’s room, and don’t just meet them in common public areas. Similarly, with caregiver agencies, visit the person at their home/apartment as often as possible. Get to know the staff, let them know that you intend to be involved with the person’s care, and that you will be checking in on a frequent basis. Elder neglect and abuse is more likely if a person does not have regular visitors or if family members do not regularly communicate with the staff. Listening: Even if the resident has dementia, is difficult to understand, or often makes untrue statements, listen for repeated complaints — especially if the person seems traumatized. Also observe changes in behavior such as complaints of pain, withdrawal, refusal to communicate, or sudden hostility with no apparent cause. Be a constant and active listener.

NYS Public Health Law Section 2801-d, a statute enacted in 1975, basically defines the legal rights of nursing home residents and allows for nursing home residents to be financially compensated if their rights have been violated. It holds nursing homes accountable for their treatment of residents and provides residents with the ability to sue for injuries sustained while in the nursing home’s care. As many nursing home residents are incapacitated by illness and cannot speak for themselves, the NYS Public Health Law shifts the burden to the facility once an injury has occurred, such as painful bed sores, fractures, malnutrition, or dehydration, to prove that they exercised all care reasonably necessary to prevent the injuries from happening.

Wrongful death is when a person dies as the result of negligence or misconduct by an individual, company, or facility.

A representative of the estate of the person who died can sue for the person’s pain and suffering, as well as for those who were being supported by that person and who suffered economic loss, or loss of guidance, care, and parental support due to the person’s death; i.e., children or a spouse.

It varies depending upon the type of claim or action and who or what entity is being sued. It is therefore imperative to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

Although they vary for each case, damage awards can include financial compensation for lost wages, loss of future income, other monetary losses suffered as a result of the injury/death (i.e., medical bills, burial expenses), loss of guidance, care and parental support, and the pain and suffering of the deceased person during their life.

Negligence or misconduct can include: motor vehicle accidents caused by the negligence or deliberate misconduct of other drivers, defective/hazardous products, unmarked hazards around businesses or in public areas, medical malpractice by a facility or medical provider, neglect and abuse by a facility or caregiver.

Personal injury claims can include: auto, motorcycle and truck accidents, slips, trips, and falls, construction accidents, defective products, premises liability.

It varies depending upon the type of claim or action and who or what entity is being sued. It is therefore imperative to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

Detailed information about the location, time, and cause of the accident, as well as any accident or incident reports that may exist and documentation about your injuries and medical treatment, will be needed. Accurate, detailed medical records are key evidence to show the pain and suffering endured as a result of the defendant’s negligence.

Medical malpractice occurs when the treatment rendered by a medical professional falls below the accepted standard of practice in the medical community and causes harm, injury, or death to a patient.

Yes, medical malpractice can apply to nurses and medical technicians, as well as doctors.

It varies depending upon the type of claim or action and who or what entity is being sued. It is therefore imperative to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

Medical malpractice can include a mistake or omission that occurred at any time during your medical treatment, such as: misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis of an illness, improper treatment or delay in treatment, incorrect medication or dosage, amputation of a wrong limb, brain damage after an operation, worsening of a medical condition after treatment.