Unsafe Nursing Home in Upstate New York Sued by Attorney General

The subject of safety and infection control at nursing homes has become a major talking point over the past few years. Upstate New York was one of the many areas throughout the nation that saw a shocking number of infections and deaths. Many argue that these consequences may have been (or should have been) averted. As we slowly recover from the impact of Covid-19, the state government is taking a long, hard look at how nursing homes were operated during the pandemic. And according to the Attorney General, nursing homes in Upstate New York are guilty of negligence.

The Villages Accused of “Abject Failure” 

On November 29th, it was reported that the owners of a nursing home in Upstate New York had been sued by Attorney General Letitia James for various acts of misconduct and negligence. The AG accused the owners of taking $18 million in government funding that was meant to improve the lives of seniors, using an elaborate scheme that involved misleading statements, paying themselves rent, and behavior that seems suspiciously like Medicaid fraud.

According to the lawsuit, this did much more than line the pockets of the owners. The AG alleges that this behavior directly put the lives of seniors in jeopardy. Due to the nursing home’s incompetency and willingness to put profits over human compassion, seniors were forced to sit in their own urine and feces for hours. Some suffered from malnourishment and dehydration, while others developed “gaping” bedsores. Those that complained were provided with inadequate wound care, according to the AG.

One woman was given psychotropic medication after complaining of bedsores. This medication is designed for people suffering from psychosis — but there is no sign of mental illness anywhere in her medical records. In fact, the senior woman was remarkably coherent — sending thousands of text messages to her friends and family. She begged for help with basic necessities like food, water, and being allowed to use the restroom. The pandemic made it difficult — or even illegal — for family members to check on their loved ones. This particular woman was eventually found unresponsive in the nursing home, at which she was transported to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, the owners were siphoning funds away to shell companies and making misleading statements to the government. The AG now wants all fraudulently-obtained funds to be returned to the government. She is also ordering The Villages to cease admitting new patients immediately.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney in Upstate New York?

If you or your family member was harmed or killed in a nursing home during the pandemic, you should get in touch with a qualified personal injury attorney in Upstate New York at your earliest convenience. We know that there are many unanswered questions that surround nursing homes in Upstate New York. With our help, you can not only answer these questions but pursue real justice. Negligent parties who made the Covid-19 pandemic needlessly dangerous for our senior population must be held accountable. Book your consultation with The Stanley Law Offices, LLP, and we can help you review your legal options.

Sources

1. https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/new-york-elections-government/ny-letitia-james-nursing-home-lawsuit-20221129-yewpi5uwvfb2vhqk5clfhmmpqi-story.html
2. https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-covid-deaths-nursing-homes-ag-james-cuomo-20210128-tdwgbcmz2nbtbkblyu6g2zva2m-story.html

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