Sometimes, family members need to make the hard choice of putting their loved one inside a nursing home. When signs of neglect appear—such as poor hygiene, unexplained injuries, weight loss, or emotional withdrawal—it can be upsetting and confusing. Some warning signs are subtle, while others are more obvious. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Neglect is different from intentional abuse, but it can be just as harmful. It may involve failure to provide medical attention, insufficient supervision, or ignoring basic needs like food, water, or hygiene. Even when staff members mean well, understaffing or poor training can lead to dangerous situations.
Documenting What You See
Before reporting your concerns, try to gather as much information as possible. Keep notes on what you observed, when it happened, and how frequently. If your loved one has visible injuries or if their room seems consistently unclean, consider taking photos. Speak with your family member if possible, and listen carefully to what they say or how they react when you ask about their care.
Other sources of information might include comments from other residents, staff behavior, or patterns of missed medications or untreated medical issues. Having the proper documentation will help your nursing home abuse lawyer build the case.
Filing A Complaint With State Authorities
In New York State, the Department of Health handles complaints about nursing homes. You can file a complaint online, by phone, or in writing. It’s important to provide clear, detailed information about what you’ve seen or experienced. Request to be anonymous if you’re worried about retaliation.
The Department of Health will investigate valid complaints, and if violations are found, the facility may face penalties or be required to make changes. In more serious situations, the case may be referred for further legal action or criminal investigation.
When Legal Support May Be Needed
While state agencies have the power to investigate and enforce rules, their process can take time, and not every case results in meaningful consequences. If your loved one has been harmed or is at serious risk, you may want to speak with a legal professional to explore other options.
A legal claim may be appropriate in situations involving serious injury, repeated neglect, or wrongful death. An experienced attorney can help evaluate what happened, determine who may be responsible, and work to hold the facility accountable.
Attorneys like those at The Law Office of Jeffrey Weiskopf understand that sometimes litigation is necessary to protect your loved one.
Choosing The Right Legal Support
If you decide to speak with a legal professional, look for someone who handles elder care and long-term care cases. A nursing home abuse lawyer will be familiar with state regulations, reporting systems, and how to move a case forward. Elder abuse lawyers can review the details of your case to determine the best course of action.
Taking action can feel overwhelming, but families don’t have to go through it alone. Legal and advocacy resources exist to support residents and hold facilities accountable when proper care is not provided.
