Maryland nursing home abuse and neglect have been serious issues confronting families and residents for decades. However, with the increasing popularity of social media outlets over the past decades, incidents of nursing home abuse seem to have skyrocketed. Not only has the number of claims increased, but also they have become more and more disturbing.
A recent trend in nursing homes across the country is the posting of nude, partially nude, or otherwise humiliating photographs of nursing home residents by those who are supposed to be caring for them. Nursing home employees may be motivated by frustration or a twisted idea of humor, but those who engage in this type of abuse are violating the duty of care they owe to the resident, and they are also likely violating criminal laws.
When this type of abuse occurs, it is important for family members to act quikcly. Social media posts can often be removed, leaving little or no evidence of abuse. An experienced nursing home abuse attorney can assist the family members of an abused or neglected nursing home resident in holding the responsible parties accountable through a Maryland nursing home abuse lawsuit. In many cases, the nursing home facility itself will be liable for the conduct of its employees.
Nursing Home Fined for Failing to Protect Residents from Abusive Employee
Last month, an Illinois nursing home facility was fine $25,000 after allegations that an employee abused several residents and posted inappropriate pictures of the residents online. According to a recent news source, the allegations were that an employee of the facility mentally abused and humiliated six different residents. It was not discussed how the abuse was revealed, but due to the limitations of most nursing home residents, allegations such as these are often substantiated by video evidence or through discovery of the pictures on a social media website.
The nursing home where the abuse took place was fined $25,000 by the Department of Public Health. The official reason for the fine was for failing to protect the residents from the abuse. Evidently, authorities have reason to believe that the nursing home facility had knowledge of the abuse but failed to report it.
The nursing home has requested a hearing on the fine, and an investigation is ongoing.
Is Your Loved One a Victim of Nursing Home Abuse?
If you have a loved one in a Maryland nursing home, and you believe that they may have been or are currently being subjected to abuse, contact a dedicated nursing home abuse attorney immediately. Depending on the circumstances of the alleged abuse, you or your loved one may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated Maryland nursing home abuse attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience representing nursing home residents against their abusers. Call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney to discuss your case today. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our time or services unless we can help you or your loved one hold the responsible party accountable.
More Blog Posts:
The Presence of Hidden Cameras in Nursing Homes Is Resulting in Increased Transparency, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published June 28, 2017.
Family Sues Nursing Home After Failing to Revive Resident for Over 30 Minutes, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published July 14, 2017.