Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
When it comes time to place a loved one into a Maryland nursing home, families should be aware of the danger of abuse and neglect in nursing homes across the state. Choosing a nursing home is an incredibly important decision, and, unfortunately, failure to research homes carefully can result in placing a loved one in a substandard institution.
To make this process easier on families, Medicare.com offers information on every Medicaid and Medicare certified nursing home in Maryland. Maryland nursing homes must comply with state and federal regulations, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services make sure that facilities are following these standards. On their Nursing Home Compare website, families searching for a safe institution for their loved one can search for nursing homes by state, zip code, or city. For each certified nursing home, the website offers detailed information, including ratings ranging from zero to five stars on how the nursing home does on health inspections, taking care of their residents, staffing, and more. This information can be crucial in deciding between two local nursing homes, for example.
Importantly, this website will also notify you if there has been a recent incident of abuse or neglect in the nursing home where the resident was either injured or could have been injured. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is far too common, and residents placed in substandard institutions are at risk of being neglected, abused verbally, physically, or sexually, or harmed from inferior safety protocols. When incidents such as these come to the attention of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, however, the nursing homes involved are “flagged”. For example, according to a recent report, five nursing homes in San Antonio, Texas were flagged earlier this month for several instances of abuse and neglect, alerting potential customers to these problems. While it is tragic that these instances occur, it is important that families considering placing their loved one in a nursing home research institutions carefully so they are aware of the potential problems.
If, even after thorough research, a loved one is abused or neglected in a Maryland nursing home, state law allows you to bring a lawsuit against the institution to recover for any injuries or premature death that may have happened as a result. Holding the nursing home responsible, while it can never undo what has been done, can help families to heal and cover medical bills or other expenses.
Are You Seeking a Maryland Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?
The elderly are particularly vulnerable to abuse, and unfortunately are far too often injured in Maryland nursing homes. If your loved one has recently suffered injuries or premature death while in the care of a nursing home, Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers want to help you hold the institution responsible. Our compassionate attorneys understand how difficult it is to see your loved one hurt in an institution that is supposed to take care of them, and we will advocate zealously on your behalf. With decades of experience in representing Maryland plaintiffs, you can trust Lebowitz & Mzhen to handle your case. To learn more, contact us online or by calling 800-654-1949 risk-free.