Protecting the Rights and Dignity of New York’s Seniors

Discovering that an elderly loved one may be suffering neglect or mistreatment in a Queens nursing home is overwhelming. You may feel shock, guilt, or anger while figuring out what steps to take and who you can trust. Most families in this situation begin by looking for clear answers about Queens nursing home abuse and, ultimately, for a Queens nursing home abuse lawyer who can protect their loved one’s rights.

At Menkes Law Firm, we understand what you are going through. For more than 30 years, Sheryl Menkes has fought for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect throughout Metropolitan New York, securing multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements. She has intentionally built a boutique practice that limits caseload, ensuring each client benefits from attentive, personalized representation.

This page will explain what nursing home abuse in Queens is, the steps to take if you suspect it, how to report it, and how long you have to bring a claim.  

What Is Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse is any form of mistreatment, neglect, or exploitation that causes harm to a resident in a long-term care facility. It can include physical injury, emotional trauma, financial loss, or even death. Abuse can happen in many ways, through physical actions such as hitting or rough handling, or through neglect, like failing to provide food, water, medical care, or assistance with daily needs.  

Some of the most common signs of nursing home abuse or neglect include:

• Unexplained injuries;
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers;
• Poor hygiene or unsafe living conditions;
• Sudden weight loss or dehydration; and
• Changes in emotions, attitude, or behavior.

Recognizing these signs early allows you to intervene before conditions worsen and helps strengthen any future legal claim. If you see one or more warning signs, speak with an experienced attorney to protect your loved one’s rights.

What Steps Should I Take If I Suspect Abuse in a Queens Nursing Home?

If you believe your loved one is being mistreated in a Queens nursing home, taking immediate action can help protect them and strengthen any future legal claim. Here are key steps to follow:

• Seek medical evaluation. Arrange for an independent healthcare provider to examine your loved one and document any injuries or medical issues caused by neglect or abuse.
• Report to the authorities. To trigger an official investigation, submit a complaint to the New York State Department of Health through its online form, hotline, mail, fax, or email.
• Document the evidence. Write down dates, times, and descriptions of what you observe. Take photos of injuries, living conditions, or anything supporting your concerns.
• Contact a Queens nursing home abuse attorney. Seek legal assistance as soon as possible. A lawyer can advise you on your rights, preserve evidence, and build a case to hold the facility accountable.

Taking these steps quickly can protect your loved one, create a record of the mistreatment, and help prevent other residents from suffering similar harm.

How Do You Report Nursing Home Abuse?

Queens has more than 50 licensed nursing homes and rehabilitation centers across neighborhoods like Flushing, Astoria, Forest Hills, and Jamaica. Each facility must meet strict state and federal standards, and when they fail, families can take action.

If you believe a loved one is being neglected or mistreated in one of these nursing homes, you can report your concerns directly to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). The Department’s Division of Nursing Home and ICF/IID Surveillance investigates complaints of resident abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. 

Anyone can submit a complaint, triggering a formal investigation into the facility’s practices. However, the alleged abuse must have occurred within the past year.  

There are several ways to file a complaint:

• Online. The Nursing Home Complaint Form can be completed electronically on the Department’s website. A printable version is also available in multiple languages.
• Phone. Call the Nursing Home Complaint Hotline at 1-888-201-4563 to start the process immediately.
• Mail. Send a completed complaint form to:

NYSDOH DRS/SNHCP

MAILSTOP: CA/LTC

Empire State Plaza

Albany, New York 12237

• Fax. Fax your completed complaint form to 518-408-1157.
• Email. Scan and email the completed complaint form to nhintake@health.ny.gov.

Submitting a complaint can help stop ongoing neglect, document problems at the facility, and protect other residents from harm. After filing, it is also wise to speak with a lawyer for nursing home neglect who can advise you on your civil options and begin building a case on your family’s behalf.

How Long Do I Have to Bring a Nursing Home Abuse Claim in Queens?

In most situations, families have three years from the date of the injury to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit in New York. If your loved one died because of abuse or neglect, the time limit is generally two years from the date of death to bring a wrongful death claim.

Because these deadlines are strict, contacting a nursing home abuse lawyer is essential as soon as possible. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence, protect your loved one’s rights, and give your attorney enough time to prepare a strong case.

Take the Next Step with a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Queens, NY

If your loved one has been harmed in a Queens nursing home, you don’t have to face the situation alone. Acting quickly helps protect your family member’s rights, preserve evidence, and begin holding the facility accountable under New York’s elder abuse laws.

Menkes Law Firm offers free consultations and charges no fee unless we are successful. When you reach out to us, you can expect:

• Guidance on your rights and legal options;
• A prompt investigation of the abuse or neglect;
• Collection and review of medical and facility records;
• Interviews with staff, residents, and witnesses;
• Collaboration with qualified experts to strengthen your case;
• Filing all necessary legal documents on time;
• Strategic negotiation or litigation to hold the facility accountable; and
• Clear communication throughout the process.

Contact us today to speak with a Queens nursing home abuse lawyer who can guide you through every step and fight for the justice and safety your loved one deserves.

About the Author

Sheryl Menkes

Attorney At Law

View Sheryl’s Bio