On April 20, 2026, the United States Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal in a high-profile wrongful death lawsuit targeting former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. The decision leaves in place lower court rulings that dismissed the case, effectively closing the door on a major federal legal challenge brought by families who lost loved ones in long-term care facilities.
The Controversial March 2020 Directive
At the heart of the litigation is a March 25, 2020, directive issued by the Cuomo administration. The order prohibited New York nursing homes from requiring a hospitalized patient to be tested for COVID-19 before admission and stated that no resident could be denied admission based solely on a suspected diagnosis.
Critics and family members, including lead plaintiff Daniel Arbeeny—whose father died in a Brooklyn facility—argue that this policy acted as a “death warrant.” They allege that forcing facilities to accept contagious patients fueled the rapid spread of the virus among the most vulnerable citizens.
The Legal Shield of Qualified Immunity
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the case faced significant hurdles. In March 2025, a federal judge dismissed the class-action suit, finding the claims “legally deficient.”
The courts relied on the doctrine of qualified immunity, which protects government officials from personal liability unless their actions violated “clearly established” law. The judges ruled that the plaintiffs failed to prove a “state-created danger” that met the strict legal threshold required to bypass this immunity.
The Dangers of Negligent Placement and Oversight
While this decision focuses on government immunity, it highlights a broader concern: the safety of residents in facilities that cannot properly isolate contagious patients. When a nursing home accepts patients they cannot safely care for—due to understaffing or poor infection control—the results are often catastrophic.
Seeking Justice for Nursing Home Neglect
If your loved one was harmed in a nursing home or long-term care facility, you have legal rights and options. While federal cases against government officials face unique hurdles, private facilities and corporate owners can still be held accountable for negligence and failure to follow safety protocols.
Nursing Homes Abuse LLC may be able to connect you with experienced nursing home abuse attorneys. If you suspect abuse or neglect, contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you fight for accountability.
