Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
A recent legislative session and series of reports have confirmed what many families already feared: too many nursing homes across Maryland have gone years without being properly inspected. That delay poses a serious risk to residents who may already be facing neglect, unsanitary conditions, or physical harm. If your loved one has suffered in a Maryland nursing home, you are not alone, and you may have legal grounds to take action.
According to the Maryland Department of Health, just over half of the state’s 220 nursing homes received their required annual inspections in the past 16 months. While this is an improvement from previous reports, it still means that nearly 100 facilities have not been examined as required by federal rules. Some of those homes have gone more than four years without a visit from state health inspectors. Those delays create conditions where abuse and neglect can persist, unchecked and undocumented.
Why Do Facility Inspections Matter in Abuse Cases?
Inspection reports are often a key source of evidence in nursing home abuse cases. Without regular oversight, facilities may cut corners, understaff critical positions, or ignore resident complaints. In some of the most troubling situations, residents have been left in soiled clothing for hours or isolated from social and community activities. These conditions are not just signs of poor management; they may be signs of actionable neglect.
The state’s data shows Maryland ranks second worst in the country for the timeliness of nursing home inspections. On average, inspections occur every 2.44 years here, far behind the national average of just under one year. During this prolonged gap, abuse can go undetected. Seniors who rely on nursing staff for basic needs like hygiene, meals, and movement are particularly at risk. If no one is watching, these residents can suffer needlessly.
Accountability Requires More Than Reporting
While recent legislation, known as SB376, aims to improve transparency by requiring quarterly updates on inspection progress, it stops short of giving local authorities the power to intervene. Advocates had hoped for more immediate solutions, such as allowing counties to resume inspections under agreements with the state. That option was struck from the final version of the bill.
Reporting alone does not change conditions inside nursing homes. For families, the lack of clear consequences and the slow pace of oversight can be deeply frustrating. When abuse or neglect is suspected, families need real action, not just another report in a legislative file. A lawsuit can be one of the few ways to compel a facility to take responsibility for its actions.
A Legal Path Forward for Families
Several nursing home residents have already filed suit against the Maryland Department of Health, claiming the state’s inspection backlog contributed to the mistreatment they endured. Their experiences included prolonged periods without assistance, limited participation in daily life, and hazardous living conditions. The homes named in those lawsuits had not been inspected in years, with some delays dating back to 2020.
These cases highlight the real-world consequences of inspection failures. They also demonstrate that legal action can expose misconduct and force improvements. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, our attorneys are familiar with the regulations that govern Maryland nursing homes. We use that knowledge to investigate claims, gather evidence, and pursue justice for victims and their families.
What You Can Do if You Suspect Abuse
If your loved one has suffered injuries, declined in health without explanation, or reported being mistreated in a Maryland nursing home, do not wait for the state to catch up on inspections. You have the right to demand answers now. The conditions revealed in recent reports show that oversight cannot be counted on to prevent abuse; it is often the families who must step in and take the lead.
Our firm understands the emotional toll that nursing home abuse takes. You placed trust in a facility to care for your family member. When that trust is broken, the results can be devastating. Whether you are dealing with unexplained injuries, bedsores, sudden weight loss, or signs of emotional distress, we are here to listen and act.
Call Now to Protect Your Loved One’s Rights
The attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen represent victims of Maryland nursing home abuse with care and determination. If inspections failed your loved one and you believe they suffered because of it, let us help you explore your legal options. You do not have to wait for another quarterly report. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.