When someone can no longer care for themselves, and their loved ones are also incapable of providing the necessary level of care, many families turn to nursing homes. Nursing homes are charged with caring for those who cannot fully care for themselves, and the duties that come along with this are varied and often depend on the condition of each individual resident. However, some duties are present no matter the condition the resident is in, including providing a safe environment that is free of abusive and neglectful staff.
One way that nursing homes are able to ensure the quality of the nurses whom they employ is through pre-employment and background checks. These checks look into the past of the applicant nurse to determine which other positions the nurse has held, whether there have been any disciplinary actions taken against the nurse, and whether the nurse has any past criminal convictions. Not only are these types of checks legal, but also they are necessary to ensure a safe nursing home for all residents.
Investigation into Nursing Home Abuse Discovers Management Did Not Perform Pre-Employment Background Checks
Earlier last year, nursing home aides at a New York nursing facility taunted an elderly resident and then took pictures of the abuse. After the discovery of this behavior, an official investigation was conducted, which revealed that the nursing home employing the aides had failed to conduct pre-employment background checks on four of its newly hired employees. It was also discovered that the nursing home failed to provide any abuse prevention training and even failed to follow up on reported cases of abuse. According to a recent news article discussing the facility’s deficiencies, the nursing home has a one-star rating and had 24 deficiencies total in 2015 and 2016. This amounts to more than four times the state average.
Nursing Home Management May Be Liable in Some Cases
Whenever an abusive or neglectful nurse causes harm to a patient, that nurse may be he held liable for their actions through a Maryland nursing home abuse lawsuit. However, it is important for potential plaintiffs to also keep in mind that in some cases, nursing home management may also be liable. This is normally the case when the management’s oversight allowed the abuse to happen, facilitated it, or even helped cover it up.
Has Your Loved One Suffered Injuries in a Maryland Nursing Home?
If you have a loved one in a Maryland nursing home, and you are concerned that they may be being either abused or neglected, you should take action immediately. Once you have determined that your loved one’s safety is no longer in jeopardy, call one of the skilled nursing home abuse attorneys at the Maryland personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers. The dedicated advocates at Lebowitz & Mzhen have decades of experience bringing cases against negligent and abusive nurses, as well as the facilities that employ them. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up your free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Deceased Woman’s Family Files Wrongful Death Claim Against Nursing Facility, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published September 9, 2016.
Nursing Home Resident Kills Fellow Resident in Shooting, Later Commits Suicide, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published September 23, 2016.