Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
The recent tragedy involving a 71-year-old man found dead in a nursing facility after being reported missing has brought national attention to the growing concerns about nursing home care. The incident highlights how vulnerable elderly residents can be when those entrusted with their care fail to provide proper oversight and attention. Unfortunately, this type of tragedy is not an isolated case.
The story of a loving father and grandfather whose body was discovered in a storage closet of a Florida nursing facility echoes the concerns many families have when placing their loved ones in nursing homes. His case highlights the critical need for accountability in the care of elderly residents, and Maryland is no stranger to such issues. Neglect and abuse in nursing homes are tragically all too common, leaving families grieving and seeking justice.
For families in Maryland, the legal system provides options for addressing nursing home neglect and wrongful death. Understanding these laws and your rights is essential when pursuing justice for a loved one.
Who Bears Legal Responsibility in Nursing Home Neglect Cases?
Under Maryland law, nursing homes must provide adequate care for their residents, ensuring their safety and well-being. When a nursing home fails in its duty, the consequences can be devastating, as in the victim’s case. In Maryland, nursing homes are subject to strict regulations designed to protect the elderly and vulnerable.
The Maryland Nursing Home Bill of Rights and other state regulations mandate that residents receive necessary care, supervision, and medical attention. This includes ensuring proper staffing, regular check-ins, and a safe and secure environment. Failure to comply with these laws can lead to tragic outcomes, such as preventable injuries‘ or deaths, as we saw with Etienne’s case.
When nursing homes fail in their duty of care, families have the legal right to hold them accountable. This can include pursuing a wrongful death claim, where you may be able to seek compensation for the pain and suffering endured by your loved one and their untimely death.
How Maryland Law Applies to Nursing Home Neglect and Wrongful Death
Under federal and state laws, nursing homes in Maryland are required to maintain a reasonable standard of care. The Maryland Health Care Commission sets out specific requirements for these facilities, including proper staffing levels, resident assessments, and care planning. These standards ensure that elderly residents receive the care they need to live in dignity and safety.
When nursing homes fail to meet these requirements, neglect and abuse can occur. Families who experience the devastating loss of a loved one due to neglect in a Maryland nursing facility may be eligible to pursue legal action. A wrongful death lawsuit under Maryland law allows you to seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical costs, and the emotional toll of losing a family member.
Cases like that of the man above underscore the importance of keeping nursing homes accountable for their actions—or inactions. You may have grounds to pursue a claim if a loved one’s care is compromised due to understaffing, lack of supervision, or any other neglectful behavior. Maryland’s laws allow families to seek justice by holding nursing homes responsible for failing to provide adequate care.
Protecting Your Loved Ones from Neglect in Maryland Nursing Homes
If you suspect that your loved one is not receiving adequate care or has been a victim of neglect in a Maryland nursing home, there are actions you can take. Maryland law allows family members to report incidents of neglect or abuse to the Maryland Department of Health and the Office of Health Care Quality. You should contact an attorney to explore your options for filing a complaint or lawsuit.
An experienced nursing home neglect attorney can help you gather evidence, understand your legal rights, and guide you through holding the nursing facility accountable for their negligence. Whether you are dealing with issues like unexplained injuries, poor medical care, or, in the worst cases, a wrongful death, legal assistance can be essential in ensuring that your family’s rights are protected.
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.