Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
A disturbing case of elder abuse in a Maryland nursing home has renewed calls for stronger oversight and accountability in long-term care facilities. A 75-year-old dementia patient proved essential in securing a conviction against the caregiver responsible. This case, and others like it, has prompted Attorney General Anthony Brown to push for legislation requiring video cameras in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
The proposed law, Senate Bill 465, would mandate cameras in common areas such as entrances, dining halls, and meeting rooms. Supporters argue that video surveillance can protect vulnerable residents from neglect and abuse while also deterring misconduct before it happens. Opponents, however, cite the high cost of implementation, with estimates ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for installation and up to $80,000 in annual maintenance.
Why Is Video Footage Important in Nursing Home Abuse Cases?
Many cases of nursing home abuse go unreported because victims, particularly those with cognitive impairments, struggle to communicate what has happened to them. Family members often notice signs of mistreatment—unexplained bruises, bedsores, or sudden behavioral changes—but without concrete evidence, proving abuse can be difficult.
Video footage provides an undeniable account of what occurs in these facilities. In the case above, the camera captured a nursing assistant shoving him, leading to the fall that ultimately contributed to his death. Without that footage, the incident may have been written off as an accident.
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In other instances, surveillance can document patterns of neglect, such as staff failing to reposition bedridden residents, ignoring calls for assistance, or handling patients roughly. Cameras also serve as a deterrent, reducing the likelihood of mistreatment.
The Legal Implications of Nursing Home Abuse in Maryland
Maryland law allows victims of nursing home abuse or their families to file personal injury or wrongful death claims against negligent facilities and staff. These lawsuits can seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and, in cases like the victim above, damages related to wrongful death.
However, holding facilities accountable is not always straightforward. Nursing homes and assisted living centers often deny wrongdoing, and without solid proof, claims can be challenging to win. Video evidence strengthens these cases, providing indisputable documentation of abuse or neglect. It also burdens the facility, forcing administrators to explain and justify their staff’s actions.
The Debate Over Costs Versus Protection
While the benefits of video surveillance are clear, opponents of Senate Bill 465 argue that the financial burden on care facilities is significant. Installing and maintaining video equipment comes with high costs, and some worry that compliance could force smaller facilities to divert resources from patient care.
Yet, as Attorney General Brown pointed out, the cost of inaction is far greater. Families who entrust their loved ones to these facilities expect them to be safe. The industry’s financial concerns must be weighed against the well-being of the residents who rely on these institutions for care.
Will Maryland Move Forward with Video Requirements?
The debate over video surveillance in nursing homes will continue as lawmakers review Senate Bill 465. If passed, the law could set a precedent for increased transparency in elder care and provide families with greater peace of mind. For those with loved ones in nursing homes, understanding the risks and knowing the legal rights available in cases of abuse is essential. When facilities fail to protect residents, families deserve answers—and, in some cases, justice.
Contact the Dedicated Maryland Injury Lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen to Learn More
If you or a loved one was recently injured due to another’s negligence, it’s important you take a few minutes to learn about your rights and what you can do to hold the at-fault party accountable. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we have decades of combined experience handling all types of personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice lawsuits on behalf of clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 800-654-1949. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.