Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
Families of nursing home residents know all too well that they have to put a good amount of trust in nursing homes. Families cannot be with their loved ones all the time and some residents are unable to report abuse, or even understand that they are being abused in the first place. Abuse can take different forms, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse. There may be signs of abuse, such as broken bones and unexplained injuries, fear or distress, poor living conditions, and missing finances. Victims of Maryland nursing home abuse may be able to file a claim against the perpetrator, the facility, and anyone else responsible for the harm.
What Are Nursing Home Residents' Rights?
Maryland nursing home residents have the right to live in a safe and sanitary environment free from abuse. Nursing homes are required to report any allegations of abuse to Maryland’s Office of Health Care Quality within five working days of the alleged violation. They must also conduct an investigation and provide a report to the state. Nursing homes also have to have proper policies and procedures in place in order to prevent abuse and keep their residents safe. Nursing homes that fail to report abuse are subject to fines and other sanctions.
While perpetrators may face criminal charges, victims may also seek compensation for their injuries through a civil claim. Damages may include medical treatment for injuries (past and future), pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of companionship, and more. A plaintiff must prove all of the damages claimed in a civil lawsuit. The plaintiff has the burden to prove damages, and the claim, by a preponderance of the evidence standard. In any case, anyone who is concerned that their loved one may have been abused should with a Maryland nursing home attorney as soon as possible.
Nursing Home Employee Charged with Sex Abuse
A nursing home employee was recently charged with sex abuse and endangering the welfare of an incompetent person, according to one news source. Police say the employee, who is 51 years old, abused a resident with dementia early one morning in her room. Police say the woman was unable to provide consent. Charges against the employee were filed by the state’s Attorney General’s Office. The employee was suspended without pay and is being held on $10,000 cash bail. The nursing home facilities said it is cooperating in the investigation and could not provide further comment.
Contact a Maryland Nursing Home Attorney
If you believed that your family member has suffered from abuse or neglect at a Maryland nursing home, consult with a Maryland nursing home attorney as soon as possible. The Maryland nursing home attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers take pride in advocating for the rights of victims against negligent nursing homes, incompetent health care providers, and other defendants. Our legal team will work closely with medical experts to evaluate your claim and aggressively pursue the compensation that you deserve. To set up a free no-obligation, consultation, call us at (410) 654-3600 or contact us through our online form.