Recognizing the Warning Signs
Signs of nursing home abuse or neglect include unexplained injuries, sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, bedsores, withdrawal or fearfulness, and unexplained financial changes. If you notice these signs in a loved one, contact an attorney immediately.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse takes many forms. Our attorneys handle cases involving:
- Physical abuse: Hitting, restraining, or physically harming a resident
- Emotional abuse: Verbal threats, humiliation, or psychological manipulation
- Sexual abuse: Any unwanted sexual contact or exploitation
- Neglect: Failure to provide adequate food, water, hygiene, medical care, or safe living conditions — including bedsores, malnutrition, and dehydration
- Financial exploitation: Theft, fraud, or unauthorized use of a resident’s assets
Warning Signs of Abuse or Neglect
Loved ones and family members should watch for these warning signs during visits:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
- Sudden unexplained weight loss or signs of malnutrition
- Poor hygiene, soiled clothing, or unclean living conditions
- Bedsores (pressure ulcers), which are preventable with proper care
- Withdrawal, fearfulness, or unusual changes in behavior
- Unexplained changes in financial accounts or missing belongings
- Staff reluctance to allow private visits with the resident
How We Help
Our nursing home abuse attorneys fight for residents and their families by:
- Investigating abuse and neglect, including reviewing facility records and regulatory violations
- Working with medical experts to document injuries and establish the standard of care
- Taking steps to protect the affected resident from further harm
- Managing communications and paperwork so families can focus on their loved ones
- Aggressively negotiating settlements with nursing facilities and their insurers
- Representing families at trial when necessary
Compensation Available
Families of nursing home abuse victims may recover:
- Medical bills related to the abuse or neglect
- Pain and suffering — physical and emotional
- Wrongful death damages in fatal cases
- Punitive damages in cases involving willful or reckless misconduct by the facility
Filing Deadlines
New York’s statute of limitations for nursing home abuse claims varies by claim type:
- Personal injury claims: Three years from the date of the injury
- Medical malpractice claims: Two years and six months from the date of malpractice
- Wrongful death claims: Two years from the date of death
Contact our attorneys as soon as you suspect abuse or neglect — early action helps preserve evidence and protect your loved one.