Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
While all Maryland nursing homes have a duty to ensure the safety of their residents, the fact remains that instances of nursing home abuse and neglect have risen to record levels. The causes for the increase in the numbers of reported instances of abuse and neglect are believed to be related to both societal and business factors.
For one, more elderly Americans are in need of the services that a nursing home can provide. With the percentage of dual-income households on the rise, there are fewer families who have someone able to stay home and provide care to aging loved ones.
At the same time, the nursing home industry has gone through a consolidation over the past several decades, with several major players running a large number of the nursing homes across the state. This has led to an increased focus on cost-cutting and preserving the profits of the nursing home. Of course, one of the first places where management looks to save money is in the cost of labor. However, as the number of skilled nurses decreases, the nurses on duty are left with an unmanageable number of patients to assist.
The fact that some nursing home residents require more care and attention than others should not be surprising. However, it is too often the case that residents who require additional services or care are not treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
According to a recent news article, a nursing home has been cited based on the actions of two nursing home aides. Evidently, the nursing aides were reported to have forcefully restrained residents on two separate occasions. One of the residents suffered skin tears as a result, and the other experienced bruising on the wrist, eye, and upper arm. That resident has since become fearful of caregivers as well. The report indicates that nursing home aides should walk away when they feel themselves getting frustrated by a resident’s inability or refusal to comply with their requests.
Once management discovered the abuse, they failed to take any corrective actions. This led to the home being cited for an additional violation. In all, the nursing home was fined $25,000. There is no indication as to whether the abused residents or their families are pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
Is Your Loved One in Danger?
If you have a loved one in a Maryland nursing home, and you have reason to believe that their safety is in jeopardy, contact one of the dedicated Maryland nursing home lawyers at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we represent victims of abuse and neglect, as well as their families, in all types of personal injury and wrongful death cases against the responsible parties. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with an attorney to discuss your case, call 410-654-3600 today. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we are able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Spotting Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Before It Is Too Late, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published April 20, 2018.
Court Refuses to Enforce Arbitration Agreement in Recent Nursing Home Case, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published April 6, 2018.