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Queens Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Queens Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Information
It is disturbing to even think that elderly patients - one of the most vulnerable sections of our society - may be open to abuse and neglect in nursing homes. Seniors are perhaps at their most susceptible when they are dependent on nursing home staff for their feeding, mobility and care. Nursing home abuse in Queens takes many forms, but all of it is damaging in one way or the other. Nursing home abuse can be emotional, physical or financial. Negligence or lack of proper care for the patient also constitutes abuse.
Statistics Relating to Nursing Home Abuse
A 2003 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) states that at least one in five of all nursing homes in the country have serious deficiencies that put their elderly residents in harm's way. The report also indicates that the quality of care in nursing homes drops when residents get less than three hours of nursing time per day. Unfortunately, this happens in more than half (54 percent) of all nursing homes in the country.
A number of nursing homes deliberately understaff their facilities in order to maximize profits. Nursing aides are overworked while being paid minimum wages which increases the level of frustration among facility staff. A nursing home where employees are underpaid and overworked usually fosters an environment where negligence and abuse take place. Nursing aides are paid between $7 and $8 an hour for work that can be both strenuous and stressful.
Forms and Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Knowing the types of nursing home abuse is crucial as it may go a long way to prevent abuse and negligence that would prove injurious or even fatal to the elderly resident. Some of the most common forms of abuse are:
- Physical abuse: This could include forced restraint either by mechanical or chemical means
- Sexual abuse: Rape, sexual battery or molestation.
- Emotional abuse: Insults, humiliation, threats and attempts to frighten the resident
- Neglect: Withholding food, water or medication, failure to change bedding or take care of the resident's personal hygiene needs.
Some red flags and signs family members would be well-advised to watch out for, include:
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Open wounds or bed sores
- Sudden or unexpected weight loss
- Burns or cuts
- Smell of urine or feces
- Unkempt appearance
- Infections
- Change in speech or behavior
If you suspect nursing home negligence or abuse of your loved one, the first step to take is to notify the management. If you are not satisfied with the management's response, please seek the counsel of an experienced Queens personal injury lawyer, who will advise you about your legal rights and options.
For years, the Queens NY personal injury lawyers of Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, LLP have represented victims of nursing home abuse and their families. If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, you could seek compensation for medical expenses, hospitalization, pain and suffering and emotional distress. If you have lost a loved one as a result of nursing home negligence or abuse, please contact our offices for a free, comprehensive and completely confidential consultation.
