Maryland Families Should Take Note After $4.5 Million Nursing Home Settlement

A recent $4.5 million settlement between Michigan officials and six long-term care facilities should prompt immediate action from Maryland families who suspect nursing home abuse. If your loved one has suffered bedsores, infections, falls, or other signs of neglect, you may have a valid legal claim. Facilities that accept public funds must provide a basic standard of care. When that care fails, injury victims and their families have the right to demand accountability.

This national settlement is especially relevant in Maryland, where many nursing homes serve vulnerable residents with serious medical needs. If you have noticed signs of mistreatment, contact an attorney to review your family’s situation and determine what steps to take next.

What Triggered the Government’s Action

In early July 2025, Michigan’s Attorney General announced a multi-million dollar deal with the operators of six Detroit-area nursing homes. According to public reports, those facilities accepted Medicaid payments while delivering substandard care. Specific failures included residents left in soiled beds, repeated infections due to poor hygiene, inadequate supervision leading to falls, and ongoing staff shortages.

The investigation began when whistleblowers came forward with firsthand accounts. That testimony, paired with state inspections, uncovered patterns of neglect. The $4.5 million resolution included both restitution and civil penalties. Federal Medicaid recovered a significant portion of that amount, and Michigan’s Medicaid program received over $1 million.

The whistleblower provisions used in the case exist in every state, including Maryland. When staff or insiders report wrongdoing, their statements often lead to significant enforcement activity.

For example, a resident who suffers from untreated bedsores, loses weight due to dehydration, or falls repeatedly may have been neglected. These injuries often arise in understaffed environments. When a facility accepts state or federal funds and fails to provide adequate care, that misconduct may support both civil liability and potential Medicaid fraud enforcement.

While government action can result in fines and oversight, families retain the right to pursue their own legal remedies. A personal injury claim may include damages for pain, emotional distress, future care needs, and medical costs.

Documenting Conditions Inside Maryland Facilities

If you suspect neglect in a nursing home, begin collecting information right away. The following signs often support a legal claim:

• Bedsores or open wounds that worsen over time
• Frequent urinary tract infections or sepsis without explanation
• Falls that occur during routine movement, transfers, or bathing
• Unclean living conditions, including soiled sheets or unchanged clothing
• Sudden changes in mood, alertness, or appetite
• Staff are refusing to answer questions or provide updates.

When you observe these signs, take dated photographs and write down what you see. Keep a journal of phone calls, visit logs, and missed medications. If possible, request the resident’s care plan, medical records, and incident reports. These materials often show gaps in supervision or treatment.

Do not delay. Many families hesitate to speak up, fearing retaliation or embarrassment. Your concerns are valid, and the law protects your right to question care decisions.

Speak with a Maryland Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today

If someone you love suffered injuries or neglect at a Maryland nursing home, you may have grounds to file a claim. Facilities must adhere to clear guidelines regarding safety, staffing, and medical care. When those rules are ignored, and your family pays the price, legal support can make a real difference.

Call Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers at (800) 654-1949 for a free consultation. Your voice matters, and your case could help protect others from the same harm. Take the next step toward accountability and justice today.