Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
When families place loved ones in adult day care or long-term care programs, they expect a safe environment and proper supervision. A recent federal audit shows that Maryland inspectors failed to identify serious hazards in adult day care centers, raising alarms about whether similar problems also affect nursing homes. If your family member suffers harm in one of these facilities, you may have legal grounds to pursue a claim with the help of an attorney.
Oversight Gaps Put Patients at Risk
The audit by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reviewed 20 adult day care centers across Maryland. Investigators found dangerous conditions, including exposed wires, unsecured exits, toxic chemicals stored in unlocked cabinets, broken bathrooms, and even dirty kitchens where meals were prepared. These hazards were not cited adequately during state inspections, leaving vulnerable participants exposed to avoidable risks.
When state oversight fails, families often have no warning until a tragedy occurs. This makes civil claims a vital tool to hold facilities accountable and to push for safer standards.
How These Findings Affect Nursing Homes
Adult day care facilities and nursing homes are regulated by the same office within the Maryland Department of Health. The fact that inspectors missed violations in every audited adult day care raises questions about whether nursing home inspections are equally flawed. For families who rely on nursing homes to provide care, this is troubling news.
If your loved one suffers injuries from falls, exposure to unsafe conditions, or a lack of supervision, you should not assume the facility is meeting standards simply because it passed an inspection. The audit shows that inspections alone cannot be relied on as proof of safety.
The Importance of Holding Facilities Accountable
When someone is injured in a nursing home or adult day care, families often have the right to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim. These cases require showing that the facility failed to meet its duty of care. Evidence can take many forms. Records may reveal chronic staff shortages or a pattern of missed safety checks. Photographs sometimes capture unsafe conditions, such as broken furniture, poor lighting, or exposed wiring. Witnesses may step forward to describe what the staff did or failed to do in the moments leading up to an injury. In some cases, medical experts review charts and facility policies to explain how the care provided fell below accepted standards of care. By piecing together these sources of proof, your attorney can build a compelling claim that holds the facility accountable for preventable harm.
How Can You Protect Loved Ones in Maryland Facilities
As the audit revealed, Maryland has only two full-time inspectors for more than 140 adult day care facilities. This limited staffing makes it more likely that hazards go undetected. Families must therefore remain vigilant. You can take steps such as:
- Visiting the facility often and at different times of day
- Asking staff about safety policies and record-keeping
- Reporting concerns directly to the Maryland Department of Health
- Seeking legal advice if harm has already occurred
Taking these actions ensures your loved one’s safety is not left entirely in the hands of an underfunded and overstretched system.
Moving Forward After a Serious Injury
When a vulnerable family member suffers injury or neglect, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical expenses, emotional trauma, and loss of trust in a facility create stress and uncertainty. Legal representation provides a pathway to accountability and financial recovery. An attorney can investigate what happened, obtain facility records, and work with experts to prove negligence. Acting quickly is essential, since evidence can be lost and statutes of limitation restrict how long you have to file. By pursuing a claim, you give your loved one a voice and help enforce standards that keep all residents safe.
Talk to a Maryland Elder Neglect Attorney Today
If your loved one was injured in a nursing home, adult day care, or similar care facility, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. The attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen are committed to protecting vulnerable residents and holding negligent facilities accountable. Call (800) 654-1949 today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help your family pursue justice.