Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
Earlier this year, the legal guardian for a 19-year-old boy who died while a resident at a Maryland group home for foster children in need of constant care filed suit against the group home, asserting that their negligence resulted in the boy’s premature death. According to one local Maryland news source, the patient died after spending several weeks in the group home for a bed sore that had spread to his bones.
Evidently, the lawsuit, which was filed early in February, claims that the group home was inadequately staffed when the 19-year-old patient was a resident in the home. The lawsuit notes that the group home specializes in the care of foster children who require constant or near-constant care, and that the home failed to provide an adequate number of nurses and other staff members to create a safe environment.
In addition to the lawsuit filed by the boy’s guardian, the Maryland Attorney General’s Medicaid fraud control team has also opened up an investigation into the propriety of the home as a safe and healing environment. While those participating in the investigation are not at liberty to discuss it, those familiar with the investigation have told reporters that it is centered on inadequate staff levels as well as the overall cleanliness of the facility.
The result of the guardian’s case against the group home is still pending.
Staffing Concerns in Group Homes and Nursing Homes
Whether a group home or a nursing home, either type of facility is responsible for the care of those who are unable to completely care for themselves. To be certain, this kind of business requires a substantial amount of staff to care for the residents. However, staffing a nursing home or a group home is expensive, and these facilities are constantly trying to find ways to use the least amount of staff that is possible.
When nursing homes or group homes cut corners with the amount of staff, they are putting their desire to make a profit over the safety and wellbeing of their residents. This also increases the likelihood that there will be some kind of serious or fatal mistake made, similar to the one discussed in the case above. When this occurs, the injured party or their family may choose to bring a negligence lawsuit against the nursing home or group home, seeking compensation for their injuries or loss.
Do You Have a Loved One in a Maryland Nursing Home or Group Home?
If you have a loved one in a Maryland nursing home or group home, and you believe that they are not being properly cared for, you may be entitled to monetary compensation based on the facility’s negligence. Even if the injury was due to a single employee, often the facility itself can be held liable because they are responsible for their employee’s conduct. To learn more about Maryland nursing home lawsuits, call 410-654-3600 to set up a free initial consultation with a dedicated personal injury attorney today.
See More Blog Posts:
Nursing Home Video Catches Employees Abusing Elderly Patients, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published December 5, 2014.
Alabama Nursing Home Employee Indicted for Abusing 96-Year-Old Resident, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published January 23, 2014.