It’s no secret that the coronavirus pandemic has taken an enormous toll on nursing homes throughout the country, claiming the lives of more than 100,000 residents and staff across 4,100 facilities and accounting for close to 40 percent of all COVID-19 deaths in the United States. The numbers have been particularly high in New York, which isn’t helped by mounting reports of COVID-19 violations throughout nursing homes in the state.
After an outcry from mourning families, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his administration issued a report absolving itself of the blame for thousands of coronavirus-related nursing home deaths in early July. However, an article from the Times Union on January 11 indicates that now, six months later, Cuomo’s administration is refusing to back up the findings by providing copies of the records that were the basis of the report’s conclusions.
Did New York’s Early Pandemic Policy Lead to a Higher COVID Death Rate?
The lack of information from Cuomo’s administration also prompted the U.S. Department of Justice to demand that New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania turn over records detailing information on nursing home fatalities. The report found that nursing homes throughout these states had been admitting COVID-19 patients to their vulnerable populations, often without adequate testing.
Cuomo alleged that the deaths occurred because staff working at the homes had brought the infectious diseases into the facilities months earlier before the spread of coronavirus in the state was known. However, the Times Union wrote that many Cuomo critics conclude that his policy—which Cuomo contends was based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—is what led to an initial uptick in cases New York nursing home cases:
“The policy has been criticized by Cuomo’s critics, as well as in media reports, as the cause of the widespread infection rate among a highly vulnerable elderly population. At the time the July report was issued, the death toll stood at more than 6,000.”
The core message portrayed in the Times Union article is that Cuomo, on behalf of New York, mostly excused the state from any blame by citing reports that the administration has yet to produce publicly, perhaps indicating there’s something they don’t want the world to know. If you or a loved one have contracted the coronavirus as a result of inappropriate, unsafe, or neglectful care, it’s important that you reach out to legal professionals who specialize in your protection.
Call an Expert Nursing Home Coronavirus Exposure Lawyer in New York City
During this critical time, nursing homes must take every precaution to protect their residents and front-line employees from being exposed to or contracting COVID-19. Many nursing homes have protected their residents by following guidelines and adhering to strict protocols, but other facilities have neglected the wellbeing of the most vulnerable among us. If you suspect a loved one has suffered neglect during the coronavirus pandemic, the attorneys at Dalli & Marino are here to help.
Our seasoned New York trial attorneys have been aggressively advocating for victims of nursing home abuse since 1996. We strive to build strong relationships with our clients through trust and communication to ensure that we fully understand your needs. Our highly skilled team approaches each case on an individual basis and is dedicated to helping you recover the money you deserve to compensate you for your loss. Give us a call at (888) 465-8790 or complete our contact form today.
