Moving an elderly parent or vulnerable relative into an assisted living facility can be stressful. You should be able to rest easy knowing that they will receive high-quality care. Sadly, that does not always occur. According to data published by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), as many as one in four nursing home residents in the United States have experienced at least one incident of physical abuse or serious neglect.
At Richmond Vona, LLC, our Buffalo nursing home neglect lawyers are committed to protecting the rights and interests of vulnerable people throughout Western New York. If your loved one suffered physical or psychological harm as a result of abuse or neglect, we are ready to help. We have successfully secured hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients; find out how we can fight for you and your family.
To set up a free, confidential consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer, please contact Richmond Vona, LLC today.
What Qualifies as Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?
Nursing home abuse is best defined as the intentional mistreatment of a resident—whether by supervisors, staff members, or other patients in the facility. Nursing home neglect is, whether intentional or not, substandard care or attention provided to a vulnerable nursing home resident.
Nursing home abuse and neglect may include:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Sexual exploitation
- Financial exploitation
- Caregiver neglect
What Are Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect?
It’s important to be aware of the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. Many elderly individuals and vulnerable nursing home residents are not able to speak up for themselves. As a trusted family member or loved one, you may need to serve as the resident’s voice in the event of mistreatment.
Common signs of nursing home or elder abuse include:
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, sprains or fractures
- Falls
- Bedsores or pressure sores
- Frozen joints
- Venereal disease or genital infections
- Loss of possessions
- Sudden changes in wills
- Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts
- Changes in banking practices
- Unexplained changes in behavior, including unusual anger, fear, crying, or irritation
- Elopement
- Wandering
If your loved one is experiencing any of these signs or symptoms at a nursing home in Western New York, it is imperative that you contact a nursing home abuse attorney immediately.
There are very important state and federal laws that protect nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. This includes New York’s nursing home abuse statute (NY PHL §2801-d) and the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act. Under both federal and state law, nursing home residents can hold responsible facilities legally liable for harm suffered due to mistreatment.
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What Should You Do If You Suspect Your Loved One Was a Victim of Retirement Home Abuse?
If you believe that your loved one was a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is imperative that you take immediate action to protect their safety, dignity, and legal rights.
There are several ways to report nursing home/elder abuse in New York:
- You can report suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services, a division of the New York Office of Children and Family Services. Reports can be made anonymously online; visit APS’s website for up-to-date contact information.
- You can also call APS directly to report abuse or suspected abuse. For reports within New York State only, call 1 (844) 697-3505 between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- You can also report suspected abuse to your loved one’s doctor or to the administrator of the nursing home or long-term care facility. This can be helpful if you believe the abuse is being perpetuated by a single caregiver, but if you suspect the facility as a whole to be negligent, it is better to report the abuse to APS.
Additionally, after reporting the abuse, you should:
- Get your loved one medical attention and help them move to a safe location/facility
- Secure any relevant evidence or documentation related to the abuse
- Report the suspected abuse or neglect to the New York Department of Health
- Call an experienced Buffalo rest home abuse attorney
We Will Help You Fight for Justice & Full Compensation
Through a nursing home abuse claim, victims and their family members can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Unfortunately, nursing homes and their insurance providers don’t make the claims process easy. You need a skillful personal injury lawyer who will fight to ensure that your voice is heard.
At Richmond Vona, LLC, our Buffalo retirement home abuse attorneys know how to hold negligent assisted living centers and large insurance companies accountable.
Compensation may be available for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Other medical bills and expenses
- Cost to relocate to another facility
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death
Call Our Buffalo Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys Today
At Richmond Vona, LLC, our nursing abuse and neglect lawyers are compassionate, effective advocates for elderly and vulnerable adults. If your loved one was injured or harmed as a result of abuse or neglect, we can help. To set up a free, confidential initial consultation, please contact us today. With an office in Buffalo, we serve communities throughout Western New York, including in Erie County, Niagara County, and Genesee County.
