Frequently Asked Questions

Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in New York & New Jersey

The attorneys at Morelli Law Firm have handled a variety of injury cases concerning nursing home abuse and elder neglect in New York and New Jersey. If you or someone close to you has suffered negligent or harmful treatment in a long-term care facility, you should not hesitate to speak with a New York and New Jersey nursing home abuse lawyer in order to obtain legal counsel regarding your case. The following questions are among the most common we receive concerning nursing home abuse cases. If you have further questions, or if you would like to talk to an attorney from our team about your situation, contact Morelli Law Firm today.

Where does elder abuse occur?
Elder abuse can happen anywhere the victim resides - whether in his or her own home or a relative's home at the hands of caretakers or in a long-term care facility. In 2010, there were approximately 16,639 nursing homes in the United States, containing a total of 1,736,645 beds. In addition, there were approximately 52,681 board and care homes, which contained 1,212,015 beds. A study conducted that same year found that more than 50 percent of staff members at these types of facilities admitted to abusing or neglecting patients.

Who commits elder abuse?
Every year, approximately 5 million claims of elder abuse or neglect are filed in the U.S. Many experts believe that the vast majority of abuse cases never go reported. Who is responsible for this abuse? Some research suggests that most perpetrators are those entrusted with the care of the senior, including family members, professional caretakers, and nursing home staff members.

What are the signs of nursing home abuse or neglect?
It is important to be on the lookout for evidence of elder neglect or abuse if you have a loved one in a long-term care facility or who is being looked after by in-home caretakers. There are several different kinds of abuse, including financial exploitation, neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, as well as psychological and emotional abuse. Signs may include bruising, cuts, bedsores, ulcers, weight loss, and sanitary needs not being met. Other indicators may include bad odors, increased exhaustion, and significant changes in personality and mood including fearful or withdrawn behavior. If you see any concerning symptoms that may suggest abuse or neglect, we encourage you to contact an attorney regarding the situation.

What should I do if I think my loved one is being abused?
It is important to view the situation as calmly as possible in order to protect your loved one. Visit the facility frequently and take notes of the warning signs you have witnessed, including names, dates, and other pertinent factors. Take photos of any bruises, bedsores, or other injuries, and get medical help for your loved one as soon as possible. Investigate the situation further by interviewing staff members and talking to your loved one. Be aware, however, that your family member could be too intimidated to tell you what is happening. Trust your instincts if you believe that abuse could be occurring. Contact the manager of the care facility as well as the appropriate authorities. Speak to an injury lawyer who is familiar with these types of cases and who can help you decide what your next step should be.

Why do I need a nursing home abuse attorney?
If you have reason to suspect that you or your loved one in an assisted care facility has suffered abuse at the hands of the staff, you should not hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney with experience in these types of cases as soon as possible. Handling these types of cases alone is never recommended. At Morelli Law Firm, we have successfully obtained billions of dollars in verdicts on settlements for our clients. We know how to protect your rights aggressively and effectively. The stakes are high - do not settle for less than top-notch legal representation.

What rights do nursing home residents have?
In 1987, the Nursing Home Reform Act was passed and contained a number of important rights that all nursing home residents have. These rights include the right to be free from physical restraints, the right to privacy, the right to freedom of communication, the right to be treated with dignity, the right to be free from abuse and neglect, and the right to exercise self-will. If you have reason to believe that your rights or your loved one's rights have been violated, you could be entitled to compensation for the damages you have suffered. Talk to an experienced attorney about your case.