Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
Earlier this month in nearby West Virginia, a woman filed suit against the nursing home that was in charge of caring for her sister after she discovered evidence that led her to believe the nursing home was negligent in her sister’s care. According to a report by one local news source, the woman is seeking compensatory damages for the injuries her sister sustained, including compensation for her sister’s pain and suffering, mental anguish, inconvenience, physical impairment, and loss of capacity to enjoy life, as well as the aggravation of existing diseases and physical defects. She is also seeking compensation for the medical expenses her sister incurred as well as for her sister’s premature death.
According to the article, the woman’s sister was admitted to the nursing home in November 2012, and she stayed there almost a year before passing away. During that time, the woman claims, the nursing home exhibited several lapses in care, including:
- Failure to monitor her sister’s worsening skin condition;
- Failure to implement a treatment plan for the breakdown of her sister’s skin;
- Failure to turn and reposition her sister while she was in bed;
- Failure to implement measures to prevent her sister from falling; and
- Failure to keep her family informed of her sister’s worsening overall condition.
As a result of these failures, the plaintiff claims, her sister’s quality of life was greatly diminished in the months leading up to her death. For example, the plaintiff points to one incident where her sister fell and fractured her hip due to poor supervision and care.
Maryland Nursing Home Negligence
In Maryland, as in West Virginia, nursing homes are required to provide a certain level of care to all of their patients. When a nursing home is negligent in providing care to its patients, and the patient suffers or dies as a result, the injured party (or their family) may be entitled to monetary compensation.
Proving a case against a nursing home can be difficult, depending on what evidence is available. Some cases rely on video, eyewitness testimony, or some kind of physical evidence to show that the nursing home or its employees were negligent. Other cases, however, use on circumstantial evidence, relying on medical evidence and common sense to show that it was more likely than not that the nursing home exhibited a lapse in care. In either case, a dedicated Maryland nursing home negligence attorney can assist you in planning out your case to increase your chances of being successful.
Has Your Loved One Suffered in a Maryland Nursing Home?
If you have a loved one in a Maryland nursing home, and you believe that they are not being properly cared for, they may be entitled to monetary damages. However, most important is to first secure their safety by removing them from the dangerous environment, if necessary. After that, contact a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney to discuss your case and what you may be entitled to. Call 410-654-3600 to set up a free consultation with an attorney today.
See More Blog Posts:
Family of Nursing Home Resident Sues Facility After Accusations of Rape Substantiated, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published February 27, 2015.
Sexual Assault of Elders Occurs Most Often in Nursing Homes in Maryland, Nationwide, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published March 26, 2015.