Maryland Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Advocate for Elder Victims

When we place a loved one in a nursing home or other assisted-living facility, we trust that the facility's personnel will treat family members with dignity and respect. However, when negligence in nursing homes leaves a loved one with severe injuries, it's only natural to have questions such as:

• How do I report a nursing home to the state of Maryland?
• What is considered elderly abuse in Maryland?
• What is an example of neglecting a patient?
• What are the examples of abuse in a care home?

Maryland Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Can Help

Abuse in nursing homes can take many forms. Are you unsure whether the injuries suffered by a loved one in a nursing home constitute abuse or negligence? Contact our team today for a free legal consultation. We represent abuse and neglect victims who received injuries in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and other care facilities.

Whether it be as simple as a slip and fall injury or as complex as a nursing home negligence lawsuit, you should know that it's possible to fight for justice and win the compensation you and your family deserve. Reach out to our experienced nursing home sexual abuse attorneys today to learn how.

Understanding Maryland Nursing Home Abuse Laws

Maryland nursing home abuse laws are designed to protect vulnerable seniors in nursing homes from mistreatment and neglect. Maryland laws provide for legal remedies for individuals who have been victimized by nursing home abuse or neglect while under elder care either at a nursing home or assisted living. The laws also provide for civil and criminal penalties for those who are found guilty of committing abuse or neglect in a nursing home.

In addition, Maryland nursing home abuse laws require nursing home facilities to report suspected abuse or a nursing home injury to authorities, as well as for an investigation into any potential cases of abuse or neglect. These laws are an important part of protecting seniors from mistreatment and providing them with the care they deserve. The Maryland Office of Health Care Quality ensures that nursing home abuse laws and Code of Maryland Regulations are followed and enforced.

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in MD?

If you have a loved one residing in a nursing facility in Maryland and suspect that they are the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you should take immediate action. Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms, including physical, emotional and financial abuse, as well as inadequate care and treatment.

The standard of care for nursing facilities is regulated by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and abuse or neglect of residents should not be tolerated. It is important to familiarize yourself with the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect, as well as the Maryland nursing home abuse laws.

The first step to take if you suspect nursing home abuse is to contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer. A lawyer who specializes in nursing home abuse cases can help you determine whether the facility is failing to provide the proper level of care or whether abuse or neglect is actually occurring.

Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

In the state of Maryland, long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities have a legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents. Unfortunately, many nursing home residents suffer from abuse, neglect, and mistreatment at the hands of staff members.

Recognizing the signs:

• Unexplained Injuries & Changes In Behavior - Some nursing home neglect victims are so afraid of retaliation by abusers that they won't tell anyone about the mistreatment they're experiencing at their nursing home despite some evidence such as unexplained bruises or scratches on their bodies. If you notice that there have been some sudden changes in behavior, especially when it's coupled with unexplainable injuries, then this could be a sign of neglect in Maryland.
• Long-Term Lack Of Care - Not receiving the appropriate level of care for an extended period is one of the most common signs of nursing home abuse. Nursing homes generally have strict policies and procedures governing the care they are supposed to provide to their residents. If you notice that your loved one is not given the appropriate level of care, this could be a sign of abuse.
• Neglect & Malnutrition - It may look like your loved one is underweight or obese, has dirty clothes, or even numerous bug bites. An underlying problem with nursing home neglect and malnutrition is that it can progress into something worse such as bed sores or infections. These problems can be severe if left untreated for any length of time.

These forms of abuse are sadly all too common in many nursing homes, and it is important for family members and friends of nursing home residents to be aware of the warning signs of abuse and take action if they suspect it is happening.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse in Maryland

Elder abuse in Maryland can come in many forms. It can include physical abuse, such as hitting, pushing, or slapping, that can lead to bruises, broken bones, and other injuries. It can also include psychological abuse, such as threats, humiliation, and intimidation that can cause mental anguish and distress. Financial abuse, such as unauthorized use of a nursing home resident's bank accounts, can also occur. Finally, neglect, such as not providing adequate nutrition, care, and attention, is another form of nursing home abuse.

• Physical abuse includes physical violence, sexual assault, and restraining of a resident in an inappropriate way.
• Emotional abuse can be difficult to detect, but it involves verbal abuse, humiliation, and threats.
• Financial abuse include taking advantage of an elderly person's finances, using their money without permission, and stealing from them.
• Elder neglect is when a nursing home staff member fails to provide the necessary care for a nursing home resident, such as providing food, hygiene, or medical care.

How Much Can You Sue A Nursing Home For Negligence?

In Maryland, the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 requires nursing homes to provide a safe and secure environment for their residents. In addition, the law requires nursing homes to provide timely medical attention, proper nutrition and medication management. If the law is violated, you may be able to file a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office and seek damages from the nursing home. By contacting an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer, filing a complaint with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and seeking legal action if necessary, you may be able to help your loved one receive the justice they deserve.

In 2016, a Baltimore nursing home was fined $1.75 million after a resident was physically and verbally abused by a staff member. The value of a nursing home abuse lawsuit varies significantly from case to case. To determine the amount of compensation a loved one may be entitled to as the victim of nursing home negligence, you must consider the damages you've suffered as a result of the facility's negligence.

The factors that affect the value of a nursing home abuse case include:

• The severity of injuries and carelessness that caused them.
• How much money is needed for future medical costs.
• The amount of time the victim will need to recover, live, and be rehabilitated.
• The degree of pain and suffering endured as a result of the negligence.
• Other fees levied by the facility.

You can learn more about how to evaluate and determine the value of your nursing home abuse case by speaking with our experienced Maryland personal injury lawyers.

Tips For Investigating Nursing Home Abuse

Investigating nursing home abuse can be a challenging and complex process. It is important to take the time to research and investigate the situation in a thorough and professional manner.

1. To start, it is important to document all of the facts and details of the situation to ensure that all information is collected and organized. It is also important to speak with witnesses, family members, and healthcare professionals to collect as much information as possible.
2. Additionally, it is important to contact the appropriate authorities to ensure that the proper procedures are followed and that the case is treated with the seriousness it deserves.
3. Lastly, it is important to stay organized and keep records of all information related to the case. By following these tips, it is possible to effectively investigate and resolve nursing home abuse cases.

Who Is Responsible For Injuries Suffered In A Nursing Home?

Nursing home patients have the right to quality care that protects residents and prevents abuse and neglect. If you or someone you love is in a nursing home, the rights as a resident must be respected by the facility and its staff. Moreover, facilities should have strict guidelines about how they can interact with residents and what they are not allowed to do.

If an injury happens in a nursing home, it may be caused by either intentional or unintentional acts on behalf of the nursing home care provider. If an injury is caused intentionally by a healthcare provider for whatever reason - such as abuse or negligence - this would classify as third-party liability resulting in medical malpractice against the abuser or neglecter.

When a resident of an assisted living facility or nursing home suffers abuse or neglect, it is important to contact a law firm that specializes in handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases. An experienced attorney can work with the resident, their family, and the skilled nursing facility or nursing home to ensure that those responsible for the abuse or neglect are held accountable. Nursing home neglect and abuse can take many forms and an experienced attorney can help ensure that the rights of the residents of nursing homes who have suffered abuse or neglect involving nursing facilities or nursing homes are protected.

Is It Difficult To Sue A Nursing Home?

Suing a nursing home can be a difficult process due to the complexity of the law and the resources that may be required. It is important to seek the help of an experienced law firm that specializes in handling nursing home abuse cases. An attorney can help victims of abuse and their families to take legal action against a living facility or nursing home where residents have suffered abuse or neglect. This is especially true for skilled nursing facilities, which require specialized knowledge and experience in dealing with cases of neglect and abuse involving nursing homes and their residents.

In many cases, nursing homes have insurance to cover their responsibility for damages. For example, a nursing home might have malpractice or personal injury insurance that would help cover as much of the cost as possible. These kinds of insurance policies provide the financial compensation that victims receive if their nursing home abuse lawsuit is successful.

In some cases, victims of abuse may want to take legal action against other people or entities that might be responsible for the abuse and neglect. This option should be discussed with an experienced attorney who can determine if it is a viable avenue for compensation.

Speak With A Maryland Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today

Speaking with our nursing home abuse attorneys in Maryland today can provide numerous benefits. Our home abuse lawyers in Maryland are experienced in nursing home neglect or abuse and can provide insight on how to best proceed with your case. They can provide legal advice and representation to ensure your rights are protected, as well as help you obtain compensation for any harm or suffering caused by the abuse. Working with one of our experienced attorneys at Blank Kim Injury Law can also provide peace of mind knowing that your case is being handled by someone who understands the legal process and can help you get the justice you deserve.

For guidance on how to pursue compensation for the damages suffered from nursing home abuse, contact our law office today. Our staff will guide you throughout the legal process and offer any other advice needed to ensure that you receive the kind of justice you deserve and to hold the nursing home accountable for any negligence.

Our legal team at Blank Kim Injury Law helps victims of daycare abuse as well. 

Learn more: Daycare Abuse Lawyer: Fighting Daycare Negligence