Nursing Home Neglect & Resident Falls – Lawyers in NY
When a nursing home ignores the needs of its residents, the results can be devastating—avoidable falls, dangerous weight loss, dehydration, untreated medical issues, and emotional decline. Our NYC nursing home neglect lawyers help families hold negligent facilities accountable across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and throughout New York State.
What Is Nursing Home Neglect?
Neglect occurs when staff fail to provide the basic care and attention a resident needs to stay healthy and safe. This isn’t about isolated mistakes—it’s an ongoing pattern of inattention or poor practices. Common examples include:
- Leaving residents in soiled bedding or clothing for hours
- Failing to help with eating, bathing, or mobility
- Ignoring call lights or requests for assistance
- Skipping medications or giving them incorrectly
- Not repositioning bedbound residents, leading to painful bed sores (see our
Bed Sores page)
Neglect can lead to serious, even life-threatening consequences, and families have the right to demand accountability.
Preventable Falls in Nursing Homes
Many nursing home falls happen because staff fail to follow basic safety measures. Residents at risk should have fall-prevention plans in place—this might include walking assistance, grab bars, bed alarms, or scheduled bathroom trips.
When a call light goes unanswered, hallways are cluttered, or floors are slippery, the danger increases. Falls can cause broken hips, head injuries, or even death. If a loved one was injured because no one was there to help, that’s not “just an accident”—it’s neglect.
Dehydration & Malnutrition
Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for seniors’ health. Yet in some nursing homes, residents lose dangerous amounts of weight or become dehydrated because they aren’t given enough water, meals are skipped, or staff don’t assist those who can’t feed themselves. These conditions weaken the body, slow healing, and make residents more likely to fall or get sick.
Medication Neglect
Missed doses, incorrect medications, or overmedicating can all harm residents. Medication errors often point to poor training, understaffing, or lack of oversight. These mistakes can cause confusion, dangerous side effects, or worsen existing conditions—further putting residents at risk.
Legal Rights of Residents
Every nursing home resident has the right to a basic standard of care under New York law. Facilities that neglect residents can be held financially liable for injuries, medical costs, and pain and suffering. Our legal team investigates records, interviews witnesses, and builds strong cases to prove neglect and push for change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a fall in a nursing home always the facility’s fault?
Not always—but if the fall happened because staff didn’t assist, respond to a call light, or fix a hazard, the facility can be liable.
What should I do if I suspect neglect?
Document what you see, take photos if possible, and report concerns to the facility’s administration. Then contact an attorney quickly so evidence can be preserved.
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We Help Families Protect Their Loved Ones
If your family member suffered harm due to nursing home neglect—whether from a preventable fall, dehydration, malnutrition, or medication errors—our attorneys can help. We’ll investigate, demand accountability, and fight for the dignity and safety your loved one deserves. Consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
