Bronx Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Helping You Hold Nursing Homes Accountable for Abuse and Recover the Compensation You Deserve

Serving the People of the Bronx Since 1995

Nursing home abuse is widely underreported, often due to the victims’ fear of retaliation, lack of cognitive ability to report, or the belief that their claims will not be taken seriously. This silence around the abuse exacerbates the problem, allowing it to continue unchecked in too many instances. This is why identifying and addressing nursing home abuse is crucial to protect our most vulnerable citizens and prioritize their well-being.

The Bronx nursing home abuse attorneys at Dalli & Marino, LLP protect people’s rights, serving the Bronx and the greater New York Metropolitan Area, including Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Manhattan. Our staff of attorneys in the Bronx focuses on cases involving physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse, with a strong track record of successful verdicts and settlements that serve as a testament to our unwavering dedication. If your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse in the Bronx, we can help.

What is Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse refers to intentional actions that cause harm or distress to residents. This abuse can be perpetrated by caregivers, staff, or even other residents, and may include physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm. In contrast, nursing home neglect involves the failure to provide necessary care, leading to injury or suffering. Both abuse and neglect can result in criminal charges and civil liabilities.

Common Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes in the Bronx

Abuse in a Bronx nursing home can take several forms, each posing serious risks to a resident’s health, safety, and dignity. The following are the most common types of abuse encountered in long-term care facilities:

• Physical Abuse: This involves the use of force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. Examples include hitting, slapping, pushing, or the inappropriate use of restraints. Physical abuse may leave visible injuries such as bruises, cuts, or fractures.
• Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact or interaction with a resident constitutes sexual abuse. This can include unwanted touching, sexual assault, or exposing a resident to explicit material. Residents with cognitive impairments may be especially vulnerable.
• Emotional Abuse: Also known as psychological abuse, this form of mistreatment includes verbal assaults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, or isolation. Emotional abuse can be subtle but often causes significant mental and emotional distress over time.
• Financial Abuse: Financial exploitation occurs when someone unlawfully or improperly uses a resident’s money, property, or assets. This can involve stealing personal belongings, coercing financial decisions, or misusing power of attorney for personal gain.

Each form of abuse is harmful and may warrant both legal action and regulatory intervention. Recognizing the signs of each type of abuse is a critical step toward protecting vulnerable residents and holding facilities accountable.

What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in the Bronx?

When visiting your loved one at a nursing home in the Bronx, be sure to look for the following signs that may indicate abuse. Keep in mind that not all of these signs are grounds for legal action, especially on their own, but they may be a sign of a deeper problem.

Physical Abuse Signs

• Broken bones: Fractures, especially hip fractures, can be a sign of falls or rough treatment. Repeated breaks may indicate a pattern of abuse.
• Burns: Unexplained burns might suggest deliberate harm, including cigarette burns or scalds from hot liquids.
• Unusual hair or tooth loss: This could be indicative of rough treatment, such as hair being pulled or violent physical confrontations resulting in dental damage.
• Signs of restraint: Marks on the wrists or ankles suggest the resident has been tied or forcibly restrained.
• Fearfulness or flinching: Residents may show signs of fear around certain staff members, flinching at touches or sudden movements, indicating long-term effects of physical violence.
• Cuts, scrapes, or bruises: These may appear in patterns that suggest restraint or rough handling, and often, the explanations provided by staff do not match the injury’s location or severity.

Sexual Abuse Signs

• Bruises or injuries around the breasts or genital area: These may indicate forced sexual contact or assault.
• Unexplained sexually transmitted infections (STIs): The presence of STIs in an elderly person who is not sexually active or whose sexual activity with another adult is consensual can be an indicator of sexual abuse.
• Sudden changes in behavior or mood: Sexual abuse survivors may exhibit symptoms such as fear, anxiety, withdrawal, or aggression, especially in the presence of the abuser.
• Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing: This could be a physical sign of sexual assault or abuse in a Bronx nursing home.
• Bleeding from the genital or anal area not attributable to medical conditions: Such bleeding may suggest trauma resulting from nonconsensual physical sexual activity.
• Emotional withdrawal or depression: Your loved one might become suddenly withdrawn, show signs of depression or addiction, or exhibit regressive behaviors as a coping mechanism.

Emotional Abuse Signs

• Sudden changes in personality or behavior: A resident who was previously sociable may become withdrawn, anxious, or uncharacteristically aggressive. These shifts can be a response to verbal threats, intimidation, or humiliation by staff.
• Unexplained fearfulness or nervousness: Residents may appear visibly distressed or fearful around certain caregivers, especially if emotional abuse has been ongoing. They may flinch at raised voices or avoid eye contact.
• Refusal to communicate or engage: A resident may stop speaking, participating in activities, or showing interest in visitors. This withdrawal can indicate prolonged emotional mistreatment.
• Verbal expressions of worthlessness or hopelessness: Phrases like “I am a burden” or “they do not want me here” may signal internalized emotional abuse.
• Sleep disturbances or eating habit changes: Emotional abuse can manifest in disrupted sleep, loss of appetite, or sudden weight loss due to psychological stress.
• Hesitation to speak freely around staff: Residents may only express concerns when staff are absent, which can indicate they feel unsafe or intimidated.

Financial Abuse Signs

• Unexplained bank withdrawals or account activity: Unfamiliar transactions, frequent ATM use, or newly opened credit lines may signal unauthorized access to a resident’s funds.
• Missing belongings or cash: Jewelry, electronics, or other valuables may go missing without explanation. Cash allowances may deplete faster than expected.
• Changes to legal or financial documents: Sudden revisions to a will, power of attorney, or beneficiary designations without a clear rationale may suggest coercion or manipulation.
• Bills going unpaid despite available resources: Utility shut-offs, overdue facility charges, or lapsed insurance premiums can signal that someone is diverting funds.
• New “friends” or caregivers with financial control: The presence of a staff member or outside individual who suddenly becomes involved in the resident’s financial matters should raise concern.
• Forged signatures or suspicious authorizations: Financial documents bearing unfamiliar handwriting or authorizations that the resident cannot explain may indicate fraud.

Prompt attention to these indicators can help protect the resident and support potential legal action. If any of these signs are present, it is important to investigate further and consider reporting the situation to the appropriate authorities.

Can You Sue a Bronx Nursing Home for Abuse?

Yes, it is possible to pursue legal action against a Bronx nursing home for abuse. However, the decision to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit depends on the specific facts of the case. A single bruise or minor injury may not, on its own, be sufficient to support a claim unless it is part of a broader pattern of mistreatment. Successful cases typically involve clear evidence of ongoing or severe harm. Factors that can affect the viability of a nursing home abuse case include:

• Strength of Evidence: Documentation is essential. Medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, staff reports, and any written complaints can help demonstrate that abuse occurred. Facilities may also have internal logs or surveillance footage that could be relevant.
• Type of Abuse: Some forms of abuse, such as physical or sexual abuse, may be easier to identify and prove due to visible injuries or forensic evidence. Other forms, like emotional abuse, may lack physical signs and require testimony, behavioral changes, or corroborating records to substantiate the claim.
• Severity and Frequency of Incidents: Courts will consider whether the abuse was an isolated event or part of a recurring issue. Repeated incidents, especially those involving serious harm or clear violations of care standards, strengthen a case.
• Credibility and Consistency: The statements of the resident, family members, and facility staff play a significant role. Consistent and credible accounts of abuse, particularly when supported by documentation, can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit is a serious decision that should be guided by experienced legal counsel. An attorney at Dalli & Marino can evaluate the circumstances, help preserve key evidence, and determine whether the facility or staff may be liable under New York law.

What Damages Can I Recover for Nursing Home Abuse in the Bronx?

Victims of Bronx nursing home abuse and their families often face significant financial and emotional challenges. Filing a legal claim can help alleviate some of these burdens by securing compensation for:

• Medical expenses: The costs to treat injuries, illnesses, or distress caused by abuse can quickly add up for elderly patients
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress endured by the victim
• Relocation costs: Expenses related to transferring the resident to a new facility where they feel safer

Our dedicated Bronx nursing home abuse attorneys can help you estimate the full extent of damages to make sure your loved one is compensated for their expenses and pain and suffering.

How Can a Bronx Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer at Dalli & Marino Help Me?

Our Bronx nursing home abuse lawyers will handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on supporting your loved one. Our attorneys can:

• Conduct a thorough investigation: Examine the facility’s practices and your loved one’s treatment.
• Gather critical evidence: Collect medical records, witness statements, and other supporting documentation.
• Negotiate settlements: Advocate for a fair resolution with nursing home representatives and insurance companies.
• Pursue litigation: Take the case to court if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached.
• Advocate tirelessly: Protect your loved one’s best interests at every stage of the process.

With years of experience handling nursing home abuse cases, our legal team is committed to fighting for justice on behalf of vulnerable seniors and their families.

Why Choose Dalli & Marino?

At Dalli & Marino, our Bronx attorneys are recognized leaders in the field of nursing home abuse law. With over three decades of experience, we bring unparalleled legal insight and expertise to every case. Our firm has a proven track record of securing millions of dollars for victims and their families in complex cases.

We take a compassionate, client-focused approach, prioritizing the unique needs of every family we represent. Through thorough investigations, expert consultations, and meticulous case preparation, we build strong legal strategies aimed at securing justice and accountability for your loved one.

Bronx Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer: FAQs

How Do You Report Abuse in a Bronx Nursing Home?

For immediate help, you may contact local authorities, like the police or adult protective services. You can also lodge a complaint with the New York State Department of Health, which oversees nursing home care, through their website or their hotline at 1-888-201-4563.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bronx Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?

In the state of New York, individuals who suspect nursing home abuse have a statute of limitations of three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit against the facility. However, it is recommended that you contact an attorney early so they have the time they need to build a robust case on your behalf.

Do You Have a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Near Me?

Dalli & Marino has served residents of Fordham, Mott Haven, Pelham Bay, Kingsbridge, and other Bronx neighborhoods for over three decades. If you believe that someone you love has experienced mistreatment in a nursing home, call us or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Our Bronx office is located at 3010 Eastchester Rd, Bronx, NY 10469. It is a short walk from the Gun Hill Road Subway Station, served by the #5 train. We are close to familiar landmarks like the Eastchester Library and the Holy Rosary and Nativity of Our Blessed Lady Roman Catholic Churches.

If you need help caring for an elderly loved one in the Bronx, consider leveraging some of these local resources:

• BronxWorks Older Adult Centers: Provides social, recreational, and health services to help seniors stay active and engaged.
• R.A.I.N. Older Adult Centers: Offers meals, exercise classes, and social activities to enhance seniors’ well-being.
• JASA Senior Centers: Creates a community space for older adults with activities, trips, and hot meals.
• Bronx House Weinberg Older Adult Center: Provides exercise, arts, and wellness programs for seniors in a welcoming environment.
• Montefiore Medical Center Geriatrics Services: Specializes in comprehensive medical care and cognitive health for aging adults.
• Jacobi Medical Center: A full-service hospital offering medical care, including services for senior patients.
• Bronx Borough President’s Senior Services Unit: Assists seniors with housing, benefits, home care, and city service referrals.

How Much Does Dalli & Marino Charge For an Initial Consultation?

At Dalli & Marino, we understand the emotional and financial strain that can come with Bronx nursing home abuse cases. That’s why we offer a free initial consultation to discuss the specifics of your situation. This allows us to provide you with preliminary advice and understand how we can best assist you.

Contact an Experienced Bronx Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer at Dalli & Marino for a Free Consultation

Your loved ones deserve the best representation they can get. Our team of Bronx nursing home abuse lawyers won’t stop until your family is protected and has been compensated for any negligence or willful mistreatment you’ve suffered. Call us or contact us online to get started on your free consultation. We’ll sit down with you to evaluate your case and help you decide whether to move forward with a lawsuit.