Nursing homes provide residents with much needed care, and neglect or abuse in any form can take a terrible toll. Buffalo has many nursing home facilities, and neither neglect nor abuse claims are uncommon. The State of New York takes the matter very seriously and has strong laws in place that focus on protecting vulnerable nursing home residents. If your relative has been harmed by nursing home neglect or abuse, don’t wait to discuss your concerns with our experienced Buffalo nursing home neglect attorneys at Campbell & Associates.
The Nursing Home Resident Bill of Rights
The New York Nursing Home Resident Bill of Rights is enforced by the New York State Department of Health. The bill guarantees that the residents of nursing homes throughout the state are entitled to all the following:
- Quality medical care
- Care that’s personalized to each resident’s needs
- Freedom from abuse and mistreatment
- Personal dignity
- Privacy in relation to personal communications and property
These basic rights are protected by both federal and state laws, and any deviation from them may qualify as nursing home neglect or abuse.
A Zero Tolerance Approach
New York has zero tolerance when it comes to nursing homes that allow neglect or abuse to fester. All residents are owed protection from both neglect and abuse, which can take all the following forms:
- Physical
- Mental
- Verbal
- Sexual
- Financial
- Involuntary seclusion
- The improper use of either physical or chemical restraints
Nursing Home Regulations: Justice and Accountability
New York nursing home regulations mandate reporting for nursing home staff members. Anyone working in a nursing home facility who suspects or who witnesses negligence or abuse is required by law to report it immediately. This helps protect residents by initiating a swift investigation and prompt action while limiting the risk that staff members will retaliate in response to whistleblowing.
New York implements a two-hour rule for reporting the suspicion of a crime that results in serious bodily injury to a nursing home resident. A 24-hour rule applies to all other notifications of nursing home neglect or abuse. When it comes to residents of nursing homes, justice and accountability go hand in hand.
How a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Can Help
Both nursing home neglect and abuse can have grave consequences. This makes it important to reach out for skilled legal guidance early on. You can trust your diligent nursing home neglect attorney to ably gather the evidence necessary to build a solid claim on behalf of your relative and to file a corresponding complaint with the state.
Turn to Our Experienced Buffalo Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers for the Help You Need
Our knowledgeable nursing home neglect attorneys at Campbell & Associates care about your loved one and their case, and we have earned a solid reputation for achieving optimal outcomes. We are on your side and here to help, so please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 716-992-2222 today.
