Nursing home abuse and neglect have a well-documented history throughout the United States. Sadly, many of the victims of this abuse suffer from serious physical and mental health disorders, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Since the advent and expansion of social media, this unfortunate trend has accelerated. In fact, the problem has become so common that many state legislatures are looking for ways to curb the rampant nursing home abuse and neglect epidemic.
According to one local news source servicing the Chicago area, Illinois lawmakers have recently passed a bill that will provide funding to install 100,000 cameras in nursing home facilities across the state. The bill, which would not allow for the installation of cameras without a resident’s consent, allocates a $50,000 budget annually to install and service the cameras. It is hoped that the presence of cameras will act not only to provide evidence of abuse after the fact but also to serve as a deterrent to nursing home employees.
Advocates of the bill call it a “win-win for all stakeholders,” explaining that truly innocent nursing home employees who has been wrongfully accused will be able to rely on the video footage to help prove the allegations were unfounded. However, it is expected that the policy will be met with some resistance from the nursing home industry, which is no doubt aware of the fact that the installation of cameras in facilities may result in exposure to additional liability through increased reporting of abuse and neglect.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Maryland
While Maryland does not have the state-sponsored placement of cameras in nursing homes, a recent supreme court ruling held that it does not violate the privacy interest of nursing home employees for a resident or their family to install cameras in a resident’s room. However, the court explained that the decision was limited to video-only recordings, and an video-audio recording may not enjoy the same protection.
Video evidence of abuse or neglect can act as critical evidence in a civil trial for monetary damages against a negligent or abusive nursing home employee. Anyone who believes that their loved one is at risk or has experienced nursing home abuse or neglect should immediately reach out to a dedicated Maryland nursing home abuse attorney.
Is Your Loved One at Risk?
If you have a loved one in a Maryland nursing home, and you fear for their safety, consider calling the Maryland personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers. With decades of experience holding negligent and abusive nursing home employees accountable for their actions, we understand the often complex landscape of these cases. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation with an attorney. Calling is free, and you will not be billed for any of our services unless we are ultimately successful in helping you or your loved one obtain the compensation they deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Prescription Drug Errors May Be Concealed by Nursing Home Management or Staff, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published December 14, 2016.
Nursing Home’s Failure to Keep Out Drug Dealers Results in Staggering Increase in Residential Overdoses Nationwide, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published November 28, 2016.