Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
Earlier this month, a study was released by the New England Journal of Medicine analyzing the frequency with which nursing home residents have suffered from abuse at the hands of their caretakers. The result was that one in 10 older Americans suffer abuse of one kind or another. According to a national news source that reported on the study, the actual statistics may be significantly higher than those that were reported because of reporting problems inherent in the nursing home context.
The report indicates that the “young old” are the most likely to be abused, since they are the ones who are most often living with a spouse or adult child: the two groups who are found to engage in abuse most frequently. However, the report also notes that nursing home abuse is much more prevalent than many realize or are willing to acknowledge.
Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes
Perhaps one reason why the instances of in-home abuse are so high is the fact that the abuse statistics include financial abuse. Removing financial abuse from the equation, the ratio of abuse occurring in a loved one’s home and in a nursing home drastically decreases. This is because the most common type of abuse in nursing homes is physical abuse.
Physical abuse in nursing homes is also grossly underreported for several reasons. First, many times residents in a skilled nursing facility suffer from dementia or other late-onset mental health issues that make it difficult for them to effectively report what is happening to them. Another reason that abuse in nursing homes goes underreported is that residents are often isolated from those who could do anything about the abuse. Left with little to no one to reach out to, too many nursing home residents continue to suffer abuse at the hands of those who are charged with taking care of them.
Lawsuits Alleging Nursing Home Abuse
Whenever a nursing home resident is abused while in the care or custody of a nursing home, the home may be financially liable for any of the injuries suffered as a result. In addition to these damages, an injured resident or their family may be able to obtain additional damages to help compensate them for their pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can help anyone interested in filing suit against a negligent or abusive nursing home.
Has Your Loved One Been Hurt While in the Care of a Maryland Nursing Home?
If you have a loved one in a Maryland nursing home, and you suspect that they have been the victim of abuse, you or your loved one may be entitled to monetary compensation. However, the individual employees and nursing home facility named in the lawsuit will almost certainly dispute the claims made against them. To ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the process, you should consult with a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation. Calling is free and will not result in liability unless we are able to recover for you.
More Blog Posts:
Family of Deceased Nursing Home Resident Sues Home Alleging Negligence, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published November 6, 2015.
Group of Nursing Homes Told They Cannot Force Arbitration by State Supreme Court, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published October 7, 2015.