Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
In 2019, the population of people aged 65 and older reached 54.1 million according to a report published by the Administration on Aging. As our elder population continues to expand, it is important that systems are in place to protect them from harm, and that our legal system works to help victims and their loved ones. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1 in 6 people 60 years and older experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year. In institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities, 2 in 3 staff reported that they have committed an abuse of older people in the past year according to WHO. In addition, abuse rates of older people have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a recent news report, a patient in a Long Island, New York nursing home died due to suspected neglect and abuse, although an official cause of death has not yet been determined. The nursing home patient was unable to speak or move, and when his girlfriend would visit him, she noticed bruises. The patient’s girlfriend then hired a private investigator to put a hidden camera in his room, which later captured the moment when a certified nursing assistant was roughly handling the patient. That nursing assistant has been criminally charged with endangering an incompetent or disabled person in the first degree. The New York State Health Department has cited the nursing home at least once for neglect.
How Can Families Prevent and Report Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse?
If you or a loved one are thinking about a nursing home, or already are living in a nursing home, you may be wondering how to ensure safety and health. Although neglect and abuse in nursing homes, unfortunately, cannot always be prevented, there are some things that you can keep in mind. This includes ensuring that you have a plan for checking in with your loved one frequently, ensuring that there are opportunities for them to socially interact, and paying attention to any changes in health, including any unexplained bruises.
In the state of Maryland, one option is to use the formal complaint process by calling the Office of Health Care quality or to file a complaint online. It is also important to connect with an experienced attorney who handles abuse and neglect cases in Maryland.
Are You In Need of a Maryland Nursing Home Neglect Attorney?
If you or a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect at a nursing home or long-term care facility in Maryland, contact the lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC today for help. Our attorneys have many years of experience fighting for the injured and will work to provide you with the support, legal knowledge, and confidence to proceed with your claim. Litigation can be overwhelming, but having a team of experienced and dedicated lawyers who care about your case can make all the difference. To schedule a free and confidential consultation today, contact us at 800-654-1949.Calling is free, and because we take all cases on a contingency basis, we won’t bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.