Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
One of the reasons that Maryland nursing home abuse and neglect are so horrible is because they can fly under the radar for so long. Nursing home residents who are being abused or neglected may be cognitively impaired and not even understand what is happening to them, or have trouble letting other people know. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this problem, making it even harder for Maryland nursing home abuse and neglect to be identified and investigated.
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit nursing homes particularly hard, and many of them are hot-spots for the virus, with the unfortunate combination of group living and COVID-vulnerable residents. Extra precautions have been taken in many to prevent the spread of infection within the facilities, or from the facilities to the surrounding area. This led to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to halt on-site visits and surveys to state-run nursing homes, and, in general, investigators and those tasked with monitoring the facilities have not been able to enter nursing homes to respond to complaints.
Additionally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many nursing homes have restricted the visiting of residents. Before, family members played an important role in spotting nursing home abuse and neglect—they might notice red flags before anyone else. If they suspected that their loved one was being mishandled, not being given their medicine, or being underfed, they were able to report that concern or ask their loved one about it. But now, with COVID-19 concerns and restricted visiting hours and opportunities, family members may not be able to play this important role, and abuse and neglect might go unseen.
Can a Nursing Home Resident Sue a Negligent Nursing Home?
Generally, yes, in cases where the abuse or neglect is identified, the state allows those injured (or their family members, in some cases) to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent nursing home. Even in cases where the negligent actor was a single employee, the nursing home may be held liable for their actions. But proving your case successfully often requires evidence of negligence, which may be complicated to get during COVID-19 and limited visitation.
Maryland residents struggling with how to put together their case during the pandemic should consider working with a personal injury attorney familiar with the laws in this area and how to successfully win these cases. An attorney can work with families on every aspect of the case, answer questions they may have, and hopefully increase the chances of success.
Call a Maryland Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
When searching for a Maryland nursing home abuse attorney, you want to work with someone experienced, dedicated, and compassionate. Call the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC, today to get started on bringing your case against a negligent nursing home. With years of experience, our attorneys understand the psychological damage that these cases can have on their victims and will work tirelessly to make sure that your family is compensated accordingly. Call today to learn more and speak with an attorney risk-free. You can reach us at 800-654-1949, or through our online form.