Queens Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home residents in Queens, NY have the right to be free from abuse.

If you have discovered that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, a Queens nursing home abuse lawyer at Oresky & Associates, PLLC can help.

Your family may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.

Our lawyers have over 30 years of experience representing injured clients in NYC. We’ve helped our clients recover over $400 million since we opened our law firm.

We are passionate about helping victims of abuse get justice. Contact our law offices in Queens, New York  at (718) 993-9999 to schedule a free consultation today.

How Oresky & Associates, PLLC Can Help If Your Family Member Was a Victim of Nursing Home Abuse in Queens, NY

It’s overwhelming to learn that your loved one has been a victim of abuse. You may be angry and feel helpless. It’s important to

have an experienced Queens personal injury lawyer by your side during this difficult time.

If law enforcement can secure a criminal conviction, that can give you a sense of justice. However, you may also be entitled to financial compensation to hold all responsible parties accountable. Our lawyers at Oresky & Associates, PLLC can help you fight for the maximum compensation available.

We’ve been recognized for our skills by Super Lawyers and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. 

When you hire us, we will:

• Help you move your loved one to a safe place
• Gather evidence to prove the abuse has occurred
• Determine who is legally responsible for paying your damages
• Help you document your damages and assess your case value
• Negotiate with the insurance companies for a fair settlement
• Represent your family in court if necessary

You deserve to have an experienced advocate in your corner. Call our Queens personal injury attorneys to learn more about legal representation today.

Is Nursing Home Abuse Common in Queens?

Nursing home abuse has sadly become extremely common in the U.S. and around the world. According to a World Health Organization report, one in six people aged 60 and up have reported experiencing some type of abuse in a community care setting. 

Hundreds of thousands of senior citizens are victims of elder abuse each year. Unfortunately, victims who suffer from cognitive disabilities and mental health problems are among those who are most likely to be abused.

There are many different ways that a nursing home resident can be taken advantage of. At Oresky & Associates, PLLC, we handle all types of nursing home abuse cases, including those involving:

• Emotional abuse
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial abuse
• Nursing home neglect and negligence

If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim, take action to stop the abuse today. You can report abuse to the New York State Department of Health today.

Emotional Abuse

The signs and symptoms of emotional abuse can be particularly subtle. Emotional and psychological abuse can occur when staff members use threats, humiliation, or even forced isolation to harm a resident. 

The consequences of intimidation, shaming, and bullying can be as damaging as intentional physical abuse.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves any type of physical harm inflicted on a resident. Slapping, hitting, kicking, and punching are all types of physical abuse.

Sexual Abuse

While it can be difficult to imagine, sexual abuse is not uncommon in assisted living facilities. Sexual abuse includes any form of unwanted sexual contact, including rape, nonconsensual touching, and even sexual harassment.

Financial Abuse

New York nursing home residents with cognitive impairments are especially susceptible to financial exploitation.

Examples of financial abuse include:

• Stealing personal property 
• Opening credit cards in the resident’s name
• Forging signatures on a check
• Coercing the resident to change a will or retirement beneficiary designations
• Identity theft

Financial exploitation can put your family in a difficult position. If you suspect your loved one is being manipulated, it’s important to seek legal advice right away.

Nursing Home Neglect and Negligence

Nursing homes have a duty to provide a certain level of care. Failing to provide that care creates a serious risk of harm.

Some forms of nursing home negligence are passive. The nursing home may simply not have sufficient staff to provide quality care. Nursing home neglect can also be active, where nursing home staff members intentionally ignore residents’ needs.

How Do I Know If My Loved One Is a Victim of Nursing Home Abuse?

Some of the key signs and symptoms that your loved one may be a victim include:

• Sudden changes in behavior
• Unexplained injuries, particularly fractures, bruises, and other fall injuries
• Poor hygiene
• Bed sores
• Marks around the wrists or ankles, which can be a sign of improper restraint
• Rocking, self-hugging, and other similar behaviors
• Fear of speaking around nursing home staff
• Sudden weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration
• Unexplained financial transactions
• Nursing home staff who refuse to leave you alone with your loved one

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take steps to keep your loved one safe. Our lawyers have the resources to help. Just give us a call to schedule a free case review today.

How Much Is My Queens Nursing Home Abuse Case Worth?

The value of your personal injury claim will depend on many different factors, including:

• The nature of the abuse
• The types of harm your loved one has suffered
• The cost of medical treatment and moving to a new nursing facility
• Whether you lose wages to help your loved one recover
• The types of long-term suffering your family will experience

Your case may also be worth more if punitive damages are available. Our lawyers in Queens can help you assess your damages and put a dollar value on your hard-to-value non-economic losses. 

What Type of Compensation Is Available To Nursing Home Abuse Victims?

In a successful personal injury case, the victim can recover compensation for all of their losses–both economic and non-economic.

Examples of the types of compensation that your family may pursue include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• The cost of relocating to a safe long-term care facility
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation 
• Restitution in cases involving financial abuse
• Your lost wages while you help your loved one relocate
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Diminished quality of life
• Reduced life expectancy
• Severe depression and anxiety
• PTSD
• And more

In cases involving intentional abuse, courts may also award punitive damages to punish the abuser.

Nursing Home Abuse Can Cause Serious Damage

Nursing home abuse can cause significant long-term damage.

Some examples of the harm caused by nursing home abuse include:

• Broken bones, lacerations, and other physical injuries
• Medical conditions that develop due to neglect and abuse
• The need for more extensive ongoing care
• Financial insecurity
• Severe depression
• Reduced life expectancy
• Diminished quality of life
• Infections 
• Bed sores
• Wrongful death of your loved one

Our lawyers will help you fight to recover fair compensation for these and other consequences of nursing home abuse and neglect. 

Why Does Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Occur?

Nursing home abuse occurs for many different reasons.

Some of the most common causes of nursing home abuse include:

• Understaffing and overworked nursing home staff
• Failure to properly screen nursing home employees
• Failure to properly train and supervise staff
• Failure to seek medical care when called for
• Over-medication or under-medication
• Unsanitary conditions
• Outdated technology
• Failure to respond to visitors’ complaints
• Failure to properly supervise residents with cognitive impairments or memory problems

Do you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse in New York City? Contact Oresky & Associates, PLLC to learn how an experienced Queens nursing home abuse attorney can help your family through this difficult time.

How Do I Prove Liability for Nursing Home Abuse in New York?

Any party who was responsible for your loved one’s care and safety can be held liable for nursing home abuse. 

Examples of the parties that may be held liable include:

• The nursing home staff members who perpetrated the abuse
• The nursing home
• A corporation that owns the nursing home
• Doctors and nurses who may be liable for medical malpractice
• Administrative staff who allowed the abuse to continue

Nursing homes are liable for the acts of employees under New York vicarious liability laws.

How Long Do I Have To File a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit in New York City?

Under the New York statute of limitations, you typically have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. In cases involving intentional abuse, the perpetrator may also be facing criminal charges. If that’s the case, it’s possible that you may have more time. The statute of limitations will pause while the criminal case is being resolved.

Contact a Queens Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer for a Free Consultation

The consequences of nursing home abuse can haunt your family for years to come. If a trusted nursing home staff member abused your loved one, contact Oresky & Associates, PLLC for legal guidance today. An experienced Queens nursing home abuse lawyer can help your family fight for every dollar that’s available under the law.