When selecting a nursing home for a loved one, there is only so much vetting that can be done. At some point, family members must place trust in a nursing home to provide their loved one with the care they need and deserve. All too often, however, residents of Maryland nursing homes end up suffering abuse or neglect at the hands of their caretakers.
Nursing home abuse can take a number of forms. Common instances of abuse involve a frustrated employee who takes their anger out on an innocent resident. However, in some cases, the allegations of abuse are even more disturbing. Indeed, sexual abuse in Maryland nursing homes appears to be far more common than most people understand.
Nursing homes and their employees are responsible to provide all residents with a certain level of care. While nursing home employees cannot be held liable for every adverse health event that occurs at their facility, when a patient is injured due to the negligent or intentional conduct of a nursing home employee, the injured party and their family may be entitled to financial compensation through a Maryland nursing home lawsuit. Sexual abuse certainly falls into this category.
Man Arrested for Sexually Assaulting 68-Year-Old Nursing Home Resident
Earlier this month, a man was charged with first- and second-degree felony charges in relation to an alleged act of sexual abuse that occurred while he was working as a nursing assistant in a skilled nursing facility. According to a local news report documenting the allegations, another employee walked in on the man while he was in the room with a naked resident. The employee begged the witness not to report the abuse to authorities, but the witness informed a supervisor, who called the police. The victim reported sustaining an injury as he tried to push the employee away.
The nursing home denounced the employee’s actions, initially suspending the employee until the internal investigation was complete and then terminating him. The facility claims to conduct thorough background checks on all potential employees before they are offered a position within the home. In a statement released shortly after the incident, nursing home management told reporters that it has a “zero tolerance” policy for abuse and would fully cooperate with police.
Has Your Loved One Been a Victim of Abuse or Neglect?
If you have a loved one in a Maryland nursing home, and you suspect that they may have been subject to abuse or neglect while in the home’s care, you may be entitled to monetary compensation through a Maryland nursing home lawsuit. The dedicated Maryland personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience representing the victims of nursing home abuse as well as their families. Call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney today.
More Blog Posts:
Court Upholds Jury’s Decision to Award Punitive Damages in Nursing Home Case, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published October 13, 2017.
Family Sues Nursing Home for Inadequate Care After Woman’s Death, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published November 14, 2017.