This Page Was Written, Fact Checked & Legally Reviewed by The Orlow Firm
Cindy Cordova is a seasoned legal writer with over seven years of experience crafting clear, informative, and professional content for law firm websites. With a B.A. in English from Trinity Christian College, she combines her strong writing background with a deep understanding of legal topics to help firms connect with their clients through trustworthy and accessible content.
Rukshani Lye is The Orlow Firm’s IFCN-certified fact-checking and research specialist. With a master’s from Georgetown and 10+ years verifying complex data for legal, financial, and real-estate publications, she ensures every personal-injury article she reviews is accurate, up-to-date, and client-focused.
- May 13, 2025
Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New York City
If you are searching for New York City Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers, you have come to the right place. At The Orlow Firm, we understand the deep emotional and physical toll that nursing home abuse can take on you and your loved ones. Our compassionate team is committed to fighting for fair compensation and justice for victims of neglect and abuse in nursing homes across New York City.
We work with clients who face challenging circumstances in multiple boroughs, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. We know that navigating the legal system in New York City can be complex, especially when abuse occurs in a trusted care environment. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring that the duty of care is upheld.
When you choose The Orlow Firm for your case, you receive thorough legal support tailored to your unique situation. We take pride in our commitment to upholding justice and our deep understanding of New York’s legal landscape in nursing home abuse cases.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation, and let us guide you through this difficult time. Call us now at (646) 647-3398.
Why Choose Us for Your Nursing Home Abuse Claim
We know how devastating nursing home abuse can be. Our team understands the deep emotional and physical toll these cases take on families. We stand ready to protect your rights while treating every client with care and dignity. We work closely with those affected in New York City to help secure the compensation to which they may be legally entitled.
Below are some reasons why you should consider our legal team for your nursing home abuse claim:
- Experience: We have handled many nursing home abuse claims in New York City courts.
- Compassionate Approach: We treat each client with respect and provide personalized attention throughout your case.
- No Upfront Fees: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
- Local Knowledge: Our familiarity with New York City laws and court systems gives us insight into your claim.
- Strong Advocacy: We are dedicated to fighting for your rights with clear and direct communication.
If you or a loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse, you need an attorney who listens carefully and acts decisively on your behalf. Contact our office today for a free consultation by calling (646) 647-3398.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Resulting Injuries We Handle
At The Orlow Firm, we represent families in all major types of nursing home abuse recognized under New York and federal law. With extensive experience, we understand the serious physical, emotional, and financial harm abuse can cause — and we know how to identify the warning signs and hold negligent facilities accountable. Some of the most common types of abuse and neglect we handle include:
- Neglect
Neglect is the failure to provide essential care and is the most common form of nursing home abuse. It occurs when staff do not meet a resident’s basic physical, medical, or emotional needs, leading to preventable harm or deterioration.
Common injuries and outcomes include:
-
- Malnutrition and Dehydration – Failure to provide adequate food, fluids, or to respect dietary restrictions, often resulting in weakness, weight loss, or organ failure.
- Medical Neglect – Includes untreated infections, contractures (stiffening of joints due to immobility), and medication errors, such as missed doses or incorrect prescriptions.
- Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers) – Caused by not repositioning immobile residents or failing to maintain proper hygiene, which can lead to severe infections.
- Lack of Supervision – May result in wandering or elopement, dangerous falls, resident-on-resident violence, iInjuries such as broken bones or head trauma
- Self-Neglect – When a resident’s behavior threatens their own health or safety (e.g., refusing medications, poor hygiene), and staff fail to intervene in a timely manner.
- Physical Abuse
This involves the intentional use of force that causes physical pain, injury, or discomfort.
Common forms of abuse and resulting injuries:
-
- Hitting, slapping, pushing, or pinching resulting in broken bones, bruises.
- Improper use of physical or chemical restraints causing burns.
- Forcing movements that result in sprains, fractures, or muscle damage
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse
This is non-physical mistreatment that causes emotional pain, fear, or trauma.
Common forms of emotions and mental abuse and resulting outcomes:
-
- Verbal threats, insults, yelling
- Humiliation or mocking
- Isolation from loved ones or group activities
- Gaslighting, intimidation, or manipulation
- Outcomes can include anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or PTSD.
- Sexual Abuse
Involves non-consensual sexual contact, coercion, or exploitation, often targeting residents unable to give legal consent due to cognitive impairment.
Common forms and warning signs:
-
- Inappropriate touching, groping, or assault
- Sexual harassment or coercion
- Abuse of residents with dementia or communication difficulties
- Warning signs include unexplained STDs, bruising, or sudden fear of staff.
- Financial Exploitation
Occurs when someone improperly or illegally uses a resident’s assets for personal gain.
Common forms and warning signs of financial exploitation:
-
- Stealing cash, valuables, or benefits
- Forging checks or altering wills
- Coercing residents into changing powers of attorney or estate plans
- May be noticed through unusual withdrawals, missing items, or changes in financial documents.
- Abandonment
Abandonment happens when a staffer intentionally deserts or leaves a resident without care or supervision.
Common forms and outcomes:
- Leaving a resident alone in unsafe conditions (e.g., hallways, transport vans, or emergency rooms)
- Discharging a resident without proper notice or family communication
- Results in extreme vulnerability, injury, dehydration, or psychological distress.
We understand how deeply these issues impact both victims and their families. At The Orlow Firm, we’re committed to holding negligent parties accountable and helping you seek the justice your loved one deserves. If you suspect abuse or neglect, call us today at (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation. We’re ready to fight for your family.
Proven Results for Injured People
At The Orlow Firm, we have a proven track record of securing fair compensation for victims of personal injury, including those suffering from nursing home abuse issues in New York City. We understand the challenges that victims and their loved ones face and have worked hard to deliver strong results. While each case is unique, our overall results are a testament to our dedication and commitment to our clients.
Below are examples of our success in personal injury cases:
- $5,000,000: Recovery in a case involving lead poisoning that affected a vulnerable infant, demonstrating our resolve to fight for the rights of those in need.
- $2,875,000: A verdict in a premises liability claim resulting from a severe fall, which reinforces our commitment to holding negligent parties accountable.
- $1,500,000: A settlement for a client who sustained significant injuries from a dangerous and poorly maintained environment, showcasing our ability to secure substantial compensation.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
These results reflect our overall success in personal injury litigation and our ongoing drive to help victims pursue the justice available under New York law. If you or a loved one has experienced nursing home abuse or any type of personal injury, we encourage you to reach out for a free case evaluation. Our New York City Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers are here to help you through every step of the process.
Call us today at (646) 647-3398 to schedule your free consultation and start on the path to recovery.
New York Laws and Regulations Affecting Nursing Home Abuse Claims
New York laws and regulations play a key role in protecting nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. Federal laws and state standards set strict guidelines that nursing homes must follow. These laws are in place to ensure that residents receive safe and proper care. In New York, government agencies closely monitor facilities to enforce these rules and promote accountability.
Below are some of the key laws and regulations that can impact nursing home abuse claims:
- Nursing Home Reform Act: The federal Nursing Home Reform Act sets minimum standards of care for nursing-home residents.(42 U.S.C. § 1396r)
- New York State Licensing Requirements: Nursing homes must meet strict standards set by the New York State Department of Health. Regular inspections ensure that facilities adhere to these safety and care guidelines. (10 NYCRR Part 415)
- Mandatory Reporting Laws: In New York, nursing home staff and licensed healthcare professionals are required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation under Public Health Law § 2803-d.
- Resident Rights Regulations: New York’s Residents’ Bill of Rights is codified at (Pub. Health Law § 2803-c)
- Minimum Staffing Standards: Public Health Law § 2895-B requires minimum staffing ratios to protect residents from neglect.
- Private Right of Action: Under Public Health Law § 2801-d, nursing home residents and their legal representatives have the right to file civil claims if their statutory rights are violated.
Understanding these laws is essential when pursuing a claim for nursing home abuse. They help establish whether a facility failed to meet its legal duty to protect its residents. If you believe your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect, it is critical to act swiftly to protect their rights and secure the compensation they may be entitled to.
Contact our team for a free case evaluation. Let us help you navigate these complex regulations. Call us today at (646) 647-3398 to speak with an attorney about your concerns.
Causes Behind Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse in New York can occur for many reasons, often stemming from systemic failures or individual misconduct. However, it is rarely a random occurrence — it is usually a sign of deeper problems within the facility or its management. At The Orlow Firm, we know how to investigate these issues and what to look for to identify the root causes, building strong, effective legal cases to pursue justice for our clients.
Common Causes of Nursing Home Abuse:
- Understaffing
-
- One of the leading causes of abuse and neglect.
- When there aren’t enough caregivers, residents are left unsupervised, basic needs go unmet, and errors increase.
- Overwhelmed workers under pressure are more likely to make dangerous mistakes or take their frustration out on residents.
- Poor Training and Lack of Experience
-
- Many facilities hire under qualified staff or fail to provide ongoing, condition-specific training.
- Staff may not know how to properly transfer residents, give medications, or handle mental health or dementia-related behaviors.
- Lack of training is directly linked to neglect and avoidable injuries, especially in high-needs patients.
- Caregiver Burnout and Personal Issues
-
- Emotional exhaustion, long hours, low pay, and high stress lead to compassion fatigue or inappropriate behavior.
- Some staff bring personal issues, mental health struggles, or even a history of trauma into the workplace.
- These factors can result in intentional or neglectful harm when frustration is misdirected at vulnerable residents.
- Lack of Supervision and Accountability
-
- Inadequate leadership and poor facility oversight allow abusive or neglectful behaviors to go unnoticed or unpunished.
- No clear policies or follow-through = a toxic environment where abuse is more likely to occur and continue.
- Without strict accountability, even well-meaning staff may slip into bad practices.
- Corporate Policies and Practices
-
- Nursing homes operating under profit-driven models may prioritize financial outcomes over resident care.
- Profit-focused decisions may lead to reduced staffing or underpaid caregivers, resulting in overwhelmed employees and increased frustration on the job.
- Facilities operating under a for-profit model may also prioritize high occupancy rates over quality of care, accepting more residents than staff can reasonably manage — which significantly increases the risk of neglect and abuse.
- Intentional Misconduct
Not all abuse stems from system failure — sometimes it’s individual staff members who act out due to:
-
- Malicious intent
- Predatory behavior
- Substance abuse or criminal background
- Facilities may miss red flags in the hiring process or fail to respond when misconduct is reported.
- Resident Risk Factors
Certain residents are statistically more likely to be abused or neglected due to physical, mental, or demographic factors:
-
- Cognitive impairments (Alzheimer’s, dementia)
- Mental illness (anxiety, PTSD, depression)
- Severe physical disabilities
- Women, who are statistically more likely to experience abuse, including sexual abuse
Identifying the root cause of abuse is essential to establishing liability and holding negligent nursing homes accountable. If you believe your loved one’s suffering could have been prevented, don’t wait. Contact The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 for a free, confidential case evaluation.
Steps to Take After a Nursing Home Abuse Incident in New York City
If you or a loved one have experienced abuse in a nursing home, taking timely action is essential. Acting quickly can help protect your health, gather evidence, and build a solid case for your nursing home abuse claim in New York City. Follow these steps to safeguard your rights and ensure proper care.
- Ensure Immediate Safety: Your first priority should be protecting your loved one. If they are in immediate danger or the situation is ongoing: Call 911 to report the abuse and seek emergency medical assistance.
Consider relocating the resident to another facility or temporary care setting. - Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get immediate medical care even if injuries seem minor. A prompt evaluation can document your condition and support your claim.
- Report the Abuse: Report the incident promptly to help ensure your loved one’s safety and initiate the appropriate investigations. Depending on the situation, you may need to notify one or more of the following:
- Facility Administration – Inform the nursing home administrator and request that they initiate an internal investigation. Ask for written documentation of their findings and any corrective actions taken.
- New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) – File a formal complaint through phone, email and or visiting closest offices.
- Adult Protective Services (APS) – Contact APS if the resident is in immediate danger due to neglect, exploitation, or an inability to care for themselves.
- Local Law Enforcement (NYPD) – For cases involving physical or sexual abuse, financial exploitation, or any suspected criminal activity, contact the police to file a report and initiate a criminal investigation.
- Document the Abuse: Record details of the incident. Note dates, times, locations, and the names of staff or witnesses. Keep any photos, videos, or written records that can support your case.
- Preserve Medical Records: Keep copies of all medical reports and treatment records. These documents are crucial to prove the extent of your injuries.
- Notify Family or a Trusted Person: Inform family members or a trusted friend about what happened. Their support and additional testimony can be key in your case.
- Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer: Consult an attorney experienced in nursing home abuse claims in New York City. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
Taking these steps can strengthen your case and help you move forward. If you need legal guidance, call us today for a free consultation at (646) 647-3398.
Establishing Liability in Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Establishing liability in nursing home abuse cases is a critical step in building your claim. Proving that negligence occurred can be complex, given that multiple factors often contribute to abuse in New York City facilities. A strong case requires a careful review of records, witness accounts, and facility policies to show that the care provided fell below acceptable standards.
When evaluating who is responsible, several parties may be held liable. This may include not only the nursing home itself but also individual staff members and sometimes third-party contractors. The following factors often play a role in establishing liability:
- Facility Administrators: They are responsible for ensuring proper staffing, training, and adherence to state regulations.
- Direct Caregivers: Nurses, aides, and other personnel must adhere to established protocols and guidelines. Failure to do so can be evidence of negligence.
- Policy and Management Failures: Inadequate supervision, poor facility policies, or failure to act on warning signs may contribute to abuse, making the management responsible.
Gathering evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and experienced opinions is crucial. This helps connect the abuse to a breach in duty of care. Our legal team understands the complexities of these cases and works diligently in New York City courts to prove liability.
If you or a loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse, contact us for a free consultation at (646) 647-3398 to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Damages You Can Recover
If you or a loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse, you may be entitled to recover a range of damages. In New York City, claims for nursing home abuse can include both economic and non-economic losses. Our team works hard to help victims secure compensation that covers their current and future needs. Below are some of the damages you may be able to recover:
Recoverable damages in nursing home abuse cases often include:
- Medical Expenses: Costs related to past and future hospital stays, treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, mental anguish, and the overall impact on your quality of life.
- Emotional Distress: Recovery for anxiety, depression, and other emotional harms caused by abuse.
- Long-Term Care Costs: Coverage for any additional care or assistance needed as a result of lasting injuries.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of willful misconduct or extreme negligence, punitive damages may be available to punish the abuser.
A successful nursing home abuse claim addresses all relevant losses so you do not bear the burden of these expenses alone. Let our experienced New York City nursing home abuse lawyers work diligently to help you secure the full range of damages you may be entitled to. Call us today at (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation.
How We Maximize Compensation for Nursing Home Abuse Victims
Our legal team works hard to ensure nursing home abuse victims in New York City receive fair compensation for their losses. We understand the challenges that come with injuries from neglect and abuse in these facilities. We use a careful approach that combines thorough investigations with strong negotiations to help you secure relief.
We focus on many important areas to maximize your compensation. Below are some of the ways we work on your behalf:
- Thorough Investigation: We review medical records, facility logs, staffing reports, and witness statements to uncover negligence.
- Medical Documentation: We work with trusted health professionals to document your injuries and future care needs.
- Skilled Negotiation: We negotiate firmly with insurance companies and responsible parties to fight for maximum compensation.
- Trial-Ready Preparation: If a fair settlement is not reached, we prepare your case for trial in New York City courts.
Our team leaves no stone unturned in building a strong case for you. We work diligently to ensure that every element of your abuse claim is addressed. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and let us help you secure the compensation you may be entitled to. Call now at (646) 647-3398.
Statute of Limitations and Deadlines in New York
Nursing home abuse cases often involve more than one type of legal claim, and each may have its own statute of limitations. Acting quickly is critical — not just to preserve evidence, but to ensure your case can still be filed in time. Depending on the case, these are just a few of the legal time limits that might apply:
- Personal Injury (Neglect/Abuse): 3 years from the date of injury (CPLR § 214(5))
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death (EPTL § 5-4.1)
- Emotional distress (Neglect) 3 years from date of accident
- Medical Malpractice: 2.5 years from the act of malpractice (CPLR § 214-a)
- Financial Exploitation or Theft: 2–5 years (Crim. Proc. 30.10(2)(b) or (c) depending on the facts)
If you have questions or need guidance about your case’s deadlines, do not delay in seeking help. Contact our team for a free case evaluation at (646) 647-3398 today.
Local Resources in New York City
Below is a list of helpful local resources:
- NY State Department of Health: Provides oversight and updated information on nursing home regulations. Visit Website
- New York City Department for the Aging: Offers services and advocacy to support seniors and their families. Visit Website
- Long Term Care Ombudsman Program: Assists nursing home residents and their families by investigating complaints and ensuring quality care. Visit Website
- NYC Health + Hospitals: Delivers comprehensive medical services and emergency care throughout the city. Visit Website
- New York City Legal Aid Society: Provides free or low-cost legal assistance to those in need. Visit Website
- Adult Protective Services: Helps adults in danger of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Visit Website
These local resources can offer valuable support when facing the challenges of nursing home abuse. If you believe your loved one has suffered abuse in a nursing home, you should have access to all available help. Contact our office for a free consultation at (646) 647-3398 so we can review your case and discuss how we can assist you through this difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you or a loved one has suffered nursing home abuse, you likely have many questions about your rights, the legal process, and the potential outcomes of your claim. Below are some common questions we hear from clients in New York City. These answers provide useful guidance but do not replace personalized legal advice. Please reach out for a free consultation to discuss your specific case.
- How long do I have to file a claim? New York law generally limits nursing home abuse claims to a specific period. It is important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure you meet the statutory deadlines.
- What evidence is needed to prove abuse? Detailed documentation, including medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and experienced assessments, is crucial to support your claim.
- Do I need an attorney for my claim? Nursing home abuse cases involve complex legal and medical issues. An attorney can help navigate local court procedures and protect your rights throughout the process.
- What types of damages can I recover? Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other related losses. In some cases, punitive damages might also be available.
- How is liability determined? Establishing liability often involves proving that the nursing home acted negligently or failed to provide proper care. Our team works to investigate all evidence and assign responsibility where appropriate.
- How do I start the claims process? Contact our firm immediately. We will review your case details, help gather the necessary evidence, and guide you through the subsequent legal steps.
For further questions or to get a free case evaluation, please call us today at (646) 647-3398. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you may be legally entitled to.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you believe a loved one has suffered nursing home abuse in New York City, our caring legal team is ready to help. We understand how painful these cases can be and are here to listen and support you without delay.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation and answer your questions. Our approach is compassionate, and we work hard to protect your rights. In a free consultation, you can learn about your legal options and receive clear advice on how to proceed.
- Free Consultation: No fee for your initial case evaluation
- Timely Support: We help preserve important evidence and protect your rights
- Personal Attention: We listen and offer clear guidance tailored to your case
Taking action early can help secure important evidence. If you suspect nursing home abuse, time is crucial. Please reach out to us for a free case evaluation. Call us today at (646) 647-3398 to secure a free consultation and learn how we can support you during this difficult time.
This Page Was Written, Fact Checked & Legally Reviewed by The Orlow Firm
Cindy Cordova is a seasoned legal writer with over seven years of experience crafting clear, informative, and professional content for law firm websites. With a B.A. in English from Trinity Christian College, she combines her strong writing background with a deep understanding of legal topics to help firms connect with their clients through trustworthy and accessible content.
Rukshani Lye is The Orlow Firm’s IFCN-certified fact-checking and research specialist. With a master’s from Georgetown and 10+ years verifying complex data for legal, financial, and real-estate publications, she ensures every personal-injury article she reviews is accurate, up-to-date, and client-focused.
