Manhattan Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people age 60 or older have suffered from some form of abuse in community settings. Even more disturbing, more than 60% of nursing home and long-term care facility staff have admitted to committing some type of abuse.
If you or your loved one have suffered abuse by nursing home staff, know that the law is on your side to pursue justice and financial compensation. The Manhattan nursing home abuse lawyers at Dalli & Marino can help you file a claim to hold abusers accountable for their actions and recover a settlement for the damage they have caused. Don’t hesitate to get legal help as soon as possible.
Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes
While most people think of nursing home abuse as some form of violent act, the truth is that abuse comes in many forms. It’s important to understand the different ways abuse can manifest within a nursing home:
- Physical Abuse. Physical abuse often involves striking, pinching, burning, shoving, restraining, and other forms of rough treatment.
- Verbal Abuse. Verbal abuse typically manifests as threats, disrespect, humiliation, and other uses of language meant to degrade a person and cause psychological distress.
- Sexual Abuse. Sexual abuse may involve indecent exposure, unwanted touching, and rape.
- Financial Abuse. Financial abuse occurs when nursing home staff take advantage of a victim’s finances through fraud, theft, or unauthorized access.
- Neglect. Failing to provide adequate care to a resident is considered a form of abuse.
Remember, it’s possible for you or your loved one to suffer from multiple types of abuse at the same time.
How to Recognize Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Abuse can be hard to spot, especially if you don’t know exactly what to look for. Each type of abuse often has certain warning signs:
- Physical Injuries. Check your loved one for any unexplained injuries. Are there bed sores, bruises, burns, lacerations, or other indications of physical harm? This is usually a sign of abuse.
- Emotional Changes. Has your loved one experienced a sudden mood change? This can include feeling depressed, anxious, or withdrawn. These types of unexpected changes can indicate potential abuse.
- Behavioral Changes. Similar to emotional changes, sudden behavioral changes, such as eating less or picking up new habits like rocking or biting, can signal abuse.
- Poor Living Conditions. Does your loved one’s room appear run-down? Is there a lack of heat, running water, clean sheets, or hygienic facilities? Poor living conditions are strong evidence of neglect.
- Financial Changes. Have you noticed overdue bills piling up, new credit cards being opened under your loved one’s name, overdraft notices, or generally unusual bank activity? This is a common indicator that someone is taking advantage of your loved one financially.
Keep in mind that these warning signs are not all-encompassing. If something seems suspicious, don’t wait to get in touch with a lawyer. Document and keep records of all potential signs of abuse and prioritize the well-being and safety of your loved one as soon as possible.
Why Does Elder Abuse Happen in Manhattan Nursing Homes?
Abuse in nursing homes can happen for all kinds of reasons. Older adults are often seen as easier to threaten and manipulate, and in some cases, they may hold significant life savings, all of which make them a prime target for malicious individuals. However, in many cases, abuse can be attributed to understaffing, lack of training, and overall lack of care from nursing home employees. In fact, more than 400 nursing homes across New York have received citations for minimum staffing violations.
Who is Liable for Abuse that Occurs in a Nursing Home in Manhattan?
Before you file a claim, it’s important to know who you can file it against. In Manhattan, nursing homes have high standards to meet and are responsible for the care of their elderly residents. It is on the facility to provide food, well-maintained living spaces, and medical care. If abuse occurs, the nursing home is liable for any damages sustained. When you file a claim, you will file against the facility for failing to meet these standards.
Should You Hire a Lawyer if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse?
If you suspect you or your loved one has been the victim of abuse in a Manhattan nursing home, taking action is critical to gaining recompense and safeguarding other potential victims. The best way to hold a nursing home accountable is by hiring a lawyer. A nursing home abuse lawyer in Manhattan can:
- Help you gather and document critical evidence necessary to file a claim against the nursing home.
- Assist you in filing your claim and provide expert legal advice to navigate your case.
- Represent your best interests at all times and handle all legal negotiations on your behalf.
- Accurately assess and calculate the damages you and your loved one have sustained and ensure that financial compensation covers them all.
- If needed, represent you in court, should the case go to trial.
While you focus on getting through this difficult time, allow us to help. With our attorneys at your side, you have a better chance of getting justice and a financial settlement that covers the damages you or your loved one have sustained.
Talk to Our Manhattan Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers About Your Case Today
Elder abuse is unacceptable, yet it continues to take place in nursing homes not just in Manhattan but all across New York. If you or your loved one have suffered abuse within a nursing home, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a lawyer.
At Dalli & Marino, we’ve recovered millions on behalf of our clients. Our Manhattan nursing home abuse lawyers are ready to help you get started with your claim today. Contact us today for a free consultation.
