Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
Nursing home abuse and neglect have become endemic in our society today. Cost-cutting measures, staffing issues, and a profit-motive-driven industry all contribute to tragic instances of elder abuse and neglect in American nursing homes. A news report has recently been published that discusses one family’s struggles with the death of their loved one at a nursing home. According to the man’s niece, his condition quickly deteriorated after moving into the facility, and he was dead within two weeks. According to the man’s family, elder abuse and neglect are to blame, and the facility needs to be held accountable for their negligence.
The facts discussed in the local news report note that the 74-year-old man was found unresponsive in his room at the nursing home and first responders were eventually called. The man’s niece reported that she was told by the first responders that her uncle appeared to be suffering from neglect at the hands of the nursing home operators. The niece told reporters that her uncle was dirty, his catheter had not been changed, he was emaciated and had bed sores on his back. Additionally, the niece was told that the man had been unresponsive for several hours before 911 was called. Based on these observations and reports, his niece alleges that her uncle died as a result of elder abuse and neglect, and is demanding an investigation.
Administrative investigations can be an effective way of addressing claims of elder abuse and neglect. State, municipal, and federal agencies have the power to revoke or suspend a nursing home’s license to operate, and the administrative process often leads to an improvement of conditions over time. Administrative proceedings and investigations are not as effective at addressing abuse or neglect that has already occurred. Victims of elder abuse and neglect, and their families may need to seek redress through the courts by pursuing a medical malpractice or negligence claim against the nursing home and medical providers responsible for caring for the residents.
What is the purpose of a Maryland nursing home lawsuit?
The purpose of a Maryland nursing home lawsuit is to compensate injured nursing home residents as well as their families for the impact of the nursing home’s negligence. Because of this, these lawsuits can include awards for pain and suffering, loss of consortium (the economic and non-economic costs of losing a loved one), and even punitive damages to punish instances of extreme neglect or abuse. Anyone who thinks they or a loved one has been subject to elder abuse or neglect should seek out a Maryland personal injury lawyer to determine if they have a case for compensation.
Do You Need Help Determining if Elder Neglect or Abuse Occurred?
Elder care can be complicated, as many residents and patients are at a deteriorating level of health when they enter a nursing home. While this can make it difficult to prove that an instance of neglect resulted in injury or death, effective cases can be made by a skilled attorney. If you or a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect at a nursing home in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC, the malpractice and negligence lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen can assist you in making a claim. Our experienced nursing home neglect and abuse attorneys help our clients hold nursing homes and their employees responsible for acts of abuse and neglect. If you have questions about a possible case, contact us at 800-654-1949 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys today.