Over 1.5 million older adults reside in nursing homes in the United States. Unfortunately, many nursing home residents suffer serious injury or even fatal injuries because of the treatment they experience at these facilities. However, nursing home injury victims may hold the facility or its staff liable for negligence. Mayland nursing home abuse cases often raise many challenges and may involve various federal and state laws. As such, victims and their loved ones should contact an attorney to discuss their rights and remedies.
The Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA) protects residents of nursing homes that receive certain federal funds. The majority of Maryland nursing homes fall into this category, and as such, the law applies to many facilities. The law provides the minimum standard of care that these nursing homes must comply with to maintain their residents’ physical, mental, and psychological health. Further, the NHRA, outlines parameters that the facilities must abide by to prevent nursing home abuse.
In addition to requiring that the facilities retain adequate staff, develop care plans, assist with daily activities, and provide skilled nursing services, the residents have the right to be free from “physical or mental abuse, corporal punishment, seclusion, and restraints for discipline or convenience.” Many nursing home abuse lawsuits arise after a resident falls, suffers malnutrition or dehydration, experiences a medication error, or is assaulted by a staff member or other resident.