Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
Placing a loved one in a nursing home is never an easy decision. Families trust that the facility’s staff will provide respectful, professional care. However, not every nursing home lives up to that obligation. Across the country, and here in Maryland, vulnerable residents suffer abuse at the hands of the very individuals hired to protect them. If you believe a family member has been mistreated in a care facility, it is critical to act quickly to protect their rights and safety.
A recent case in Utah highlights just how serious nursing home abuse can be. Authorities arrested a nurse after he was allegedly caught on a nanny camera sexually abusing a 93-year-old dementia patient at a care center. The resident’s daughter, who held power of attorney, installed a camera in her mother’s room and captured footage of the abuse. In response, the facility suspended the accused nurse and launched an internal investigation. This heartbreaking case shows that abuse can happen anywhere, even when families are doing everything they can to monitor their loved ones’ care.
What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in Maryland Facilities?
In many cases, nursing home abuse goes undetected because residents may be unable or afraid to report it. Dementia patients, like the Utah victim, are especially vulnerable because their conditions make it difficult to express concerns or recall events accurately. It falls to families and friends to remain alert to the signs of abuse or neglect.
Warning signs may include:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries.
- Changes in behavior, such as fearfulness or withdrawal.
- Hesitation or fear around certain staff members.
- Poor hygiene, bedsores, or untreated medical issues.
- Missing personal items or sudden financial discrepancies.
While not every sign proves abuse, any unusual change in a resident’s health, behavior, or appearance should prompt immediate investigation.
Legal Protections for Maryland Nursing Home Residents
Maryland law offers strong protections for nursing home residents. Facilities must meet strict standards for staffing, safety, cleanliness, and patient dignity. They are required to conduct background checks on employees, train staff on proper care procedures, and maintain a grievance system for reporting concerns. If a nursing home fails to meet these obligations and a resident suffers abuse or neglect as a result, the facility can be held legally responsible. Victims and their families have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, emotional trauma, and the violation of the resident’s dignity.
The Utah case shows the value of independent documentation, such as video evidence, in proving what happened behind closed doors. In Maryland, families who suspect abuse should document everything—photographs, written accounts, and communication with the facility—to build a strong case.
What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Maryland
If you have concerns about a loved one’s care, taking immediate action can prevent further harm. Start by speaking directly with nursing home management to voice your concerns. Document every conversation, and if your loved one’s safety is at risk, report the situation to the Maryland Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ), which oversees nursing home regulation.
In severe cases involving injury, sexual assault, or significant neglect, contacting the police may also be necessary. Working with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney can help you protect your loved one’s rights, gather vital evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Staff Screening and Supervision Failures Increase Risk
One of the significant failures that leads to nursing home abuse is inadequate staff screening and supervision. Facilities must carefully vet employees before hiring, including checking for prior criminal convictions or signs of unfitness for caregiving roles. After hiring, ongoing supervision is crucial to ensure that caregivers behave professionally and meet the required standards. In the Utah case, questions remain about how the accused nurse, now facing serious criminal charges, was allowed close access to a vulnerable resident. Maryland families deserve assurance that every staff member who interacts with their loved ones has been properly screened and monitored.
Stand Up for Your Family’s Dignity and Safety
If you suspect that a loved one has been abused or neglected in a Maryland nursing home, Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to fight for you. With over $90 million recovered for injury victims, a 10/10 rating on the Justia Lawyer Directory, and recognition by Super Lawyers in 2024, our team understands the pain and betrayal families feel after learning a loved one has been mistreated. We will work tirelessly to seek justice and hold negligent facilities accountable for the harm they have caused. Call Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers today at (800) 654-1949 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you protect your loved one’s dignity, safety, and future.