In a landmark move to protect vulnerable nursing home residents, New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured a $12 million settlement against the Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Syracuse, operated by Upstate Services Group. This action follows years of horrifying reports of neglect, abuse, and financial fraud that left residents in unsafe and inhumane conditions.
As a personal injury firm serving the Hudson Valley, we believe this case is a wake-up call for families across New York. It underscores the importance of vigilance, advocacy, and legal recourse when loved ones are mistreated in long-term care facilities.
The Heartbreaking Reality at Van Duyn
The Attorney General’s investigation revealed that Van Duyn’s owners, Efraim Steif and Uri Koenig, diverted tens of millions of taxpayer dollars meant for resident care. Instead of investing in adequate staffing and medical services, they inflated rent payments and paid themselves salaries for work they didn’t perform.
The consequences were devastating:
- Residents were left unattended, resulting in fatal accidents—including one woman who was strangled by her nightgown after falling in her room.
- Others suffered from untreated infections, dehydration, and medication errors.
- Some were discharged without identification and dropped off at social services offices, putting them at serious risk.
Accountability and Reform
The $12 million settlement includes:
- $10 million for a Resident Care Fund to improve staffing and services.
- $2 million in restitution to the state’s Medicaid program.
- Appointment of Independent Health Care and Financial Monitors to oversee operations.
- A Chief Compliance Officer to ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards.
- A five-year prohibition on selling or closing the facility, and a two-year mandate to maintain recommended staffing levels
These reforms are critical—but they come after years of suffering. Families trusted Van Duyn with their loved ones, only to see that trust betrayed.
What This Means for Hudson Valley Families
While Van Duyn is located in Syracuse, the implications of this case resonate statewide. Upstate Services Group operates 17 nursing homes across New York, and many share troubling patterns of understaffing and poor care. If you suspect neglect or abuse in a facility near you, it’s essential to act.
At our firm, we help families navigate the complex legal landscape of nursing home negligence. Whether it’s pursuing compensation for injuries, holding facilities accountable, or advocating for safer conditions, we’re here to support you.
Know Your Rights. Protect Your Loved Ones.
If you have concerns about a loved one’s care in a nursing home, don’t wait. Document everything, speak with staff, and contact legal professionals who understand elder care law. You can also file a confidential complaint with the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at (833) 249-8499.
Justice is possible—and necessary. The Van Duyn case proves that when families speak out and legal advocates take action, change can happen.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has experienced neglect or abuse in a nursing home, our team is here to help. We offer compassionate, experienced legal representation for victims of elder care negligence throughout the Hudson Valley. Let us fight for the justice your family deserves. Contact us today.