Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Medical Malpractice Lawyers Representing Victims of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Baltimore, MD

The safety and well-being of our elderly loved ones in nursing homes should be a top priority. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect is a distressing reality for many families. When faced with such a situation, it is crucial to have experienced legal representation from medical malpractice lawyers representing victims of nursing home abuse and neglect in Baltimore MD, to ensure the protection and justice for your loved one.

An attorney speaking with elderly clients.

Every state in the US upholds unique laws concerning elder abuse, and both state and federal governments have created regulations about the nursing home industry. All nursing homes must carefully vet and train their employees and follow up on all reports of abuse or neglect immediately in good faith. When your loved one in Maryland has suffered any type of nursing home abuse or neglect, the attorneys at Peter Angelos Law can assist your family in holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions. Call us today at 410-705-2405 to take the first step towards ensuring the well-being and safety of your family members and seeking the compensation they deserve for any suffering endured.

The Importance of Legal Representation for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Victims

Nursing home residents are particularly susceptible to abuse and neglect due to their deteriorated physical or mental condition. This may prevent them from voicing concerns or complaints about the mistreatment they receive. That’s why it’s beneficial to secure experienced legal representation, such as a nursing home neglect attorney from Peter Angelos Law, to ensure the safety and welfare of your loved one. A lawyer can aid victims of elder abuse and neglect in obtaining financial remuneration based on the inflicted trauma, and punitive damages might be awarded in some instances to penalize the liable parties for their reckless and negligent behavior.

A seasoned Baltimore nursing home abuse lawyer can advise on the legal procedures, collect pertinent evidence from records, and notify regulatory bodies and other authorities about the facility. This ensures that not only are the victims and their families compensated, but also that such incidents are less likely to occur in the future.

Peter Angelos Law: Experience and Dedication

Peter Angelos Law is a reputable law firm with a wide range of experience in advocating for clients. We have a strong track record of securing positive awards in cases where victims have suffered nursing home abuse and neglect, effectively representing victims and their families in obtaining compensation for the damages caused.

The responsibility is on the owners and managers of assisted living facilities to:

  • Provide training
  • Conduct background checks
  • Supervise staff
  • Ensure the provision of daily necessities
  • Hire suitably qualified individuals

Peter Angelos Law offers legal advice for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, helping elderly residents navigate the complex legal landscape and hold wrongdoers accountable.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cases We Handle

An elderly woman looking sad and outside the window.

There are various forms of nursing home abuse and neglect, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse. Examples of abuse against elderly individuals include striking them, failing to provide a safe environment, and causing emotional distress. This can lead to physical harm such as falls and injuries, as well as exacerbating any psychological conditions they may have. A well-informed nursing home neglect lawyer can aid victims and their families in pursuing justice and compensation in these situations.

Physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, neglect, abandonment, and self-neglect are some of the categories of nursing home abuse and neglect that exist. Each type of abuse can have devastating consequences on the victim’s physical and emotional well-being, making it crucial to have a legal team handle medical malpractice lawsuits related to nursing home abuse and neglect.

A Baltimore nursing home attorney from Peter Angelos Law can assist victims in cases involving nursing home abuse, such as:

  • physical injuries
  • medication errors
  • inadequate care
  • other signs of mistreatment

By handling these complex cases, our medical malpractice lawyers can help ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable and that victims receive the justice they deserve.

Physical abuse

Some nursing home residents are struck or otherwise physically abused by caretakers. If you notice that your elderly loved one living in a nursing home has occasional unexplained injuries or seems fearful of staff, this could be a warning sign that they have suffered abuse from their caretakers.

Falls

Nursing homes must provide a safe environment for their residents.  This includes maintaining requisite fall protocols and precautions so that residents can avoid unnecessary and preventable injuries.  Oftentimes, nursing facilities fail to ensure that beds are maintained in low positions, bed rails are appropriately raised, fall-risk patients are properly identified as such, and special mats are placed on the floor to prevent injury.  Several more procedures must be followed to ensure that life-threatening falls do not occur.

Neglect

Unfortunately, some nursing homes do not enforce appropriate care standards for their residents. Common cases of neglect involve a loved one reporting that staff have forgotten to serve meals, refused to clean their clothes and bedding, or failed to provide the daily care they need. These situations could constitute neglect if they have hurt your loved one’s health.

Psychological abuse

Many elderly individuals suffer from neurodegenerative and psychological conditions, and nursing homes should provide a safe place to experience memory and mental health care. If nursing home staff have tormented your loved one or caused additional psychological harm, you have grounds for a personal injury claim against them for intentional infliction of emotional distress and elder abuse.

Financial exploitation

Nursing home staff may steal from your loved one or use their personal information to commit fraud. When this occurs, the parties responsible may not only face civil liability for your loved one’s damages but also criminal prosecution for identity theft.

Unacceptable sanitation

Nursing homes must enforce strict cleanliness protocols. If you notice that your loved one’s nursing home facility is dirty, poorly maintained, or experiencing outbreaks of contagious illness, they are likely receiving substandard care.

Bedsores

Bedridden nursing home patients need to be moved frequently so they do not develop bedsores. If your loved one has developed bedsores, or if bedsores appear to be worsening, the cause may be neglect on the part of the nursing home staff. 

This is not an exhaustive list of the nursing home abuse and neglect your loved one may have suffered at the hands of those charged with their care. It is critical to remain vigilant while your loved one is in any type of care facility and address any issues as soon as possible. If a neglectful or abusive situation does arise, secure proper legal representation immediately if you intend to pursue legal recourse against those responsible.

The Process of Pursuing a Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect Case

In medical malpractice lawsuits related to nursing home abuse and neglect, it is necessary to act promptly. It is crucial to preserve evidence and interview witnesses while they are still accessible. The statute of limitations for nursing home abuse cases in Baltimore is three years from the date the injury occurs.

Victims and their families should contact law offices focusing on nursing home abuse cases as soon as possible to ensure their case is filed within the required time frame.

Investigating the Allegations

A thorough investigation is key in gathering facts and building a robust case. Eyewitness accounts from other residents of the nursing home and further physical evidence may be required to validate claims of nursing home abuse or neglect. Medical records can serve as a significant source of evidence in a nursing home abuse or neglect investigation, revealing information about the resident’s condition before and following the alleged abuse or neglect, and highlighting neglect patterns or systemic problems within the facility.

Eyewitnesses play a critical role in nursing home abuse investigations. They can provide direct accounts of the abuse or neglect that transpired, which can bolster the case and assist in substantiating the allegations. Eyewitness testimony can be essential evidence in court, particularly if the case goes to trial.

Proving Liability and Damages

To succeed in a nursing home abuse case, the plaintiff and their legal team must demonstrate that:

  1. The facility had an obligation to provide care for the resident
  2. The nursing home neglected to fulfill that obligation
  3. That neglect resulted in an injury or death

It is possible that three entities may be held accountable in nursing home abuse and neglect litigation. In certain cases, third parties may be liable for damages if an item they provided directly caused the injury.

Establishing liability is a key step in nursing home abuse cases to seek compensatory damages for the injuries caused by the abuse or neglect. Proving liability ensures that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions and that victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Challenges Faced in Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cases

Nursing home abuse and neglect cases pose challenges due to the difficulties in obtaining evidence, determining responsibility, and managing complex legal proceedings. Demonstrating abuse or neglect, distinguishing symptoms from the effects of natural aging, and navigating the intricate legal system are just some of the challenges faced when pursuing legal action in such cases.

Beyond the legal complexities, considering the vulnerabilities of the victims presents another challenge in nursing homes. Many nursing home residents have cognitive impairments or physical limitations that make it difficult for them to report abuse or neglect. Furthermore, some residents may be reluctant to report abuse for fear of retaliation or worsening treatment.

Despite these challenges, it is essential to persevere in seeking justice for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. By working with an experienced Baltimore nursing home attorney at Peter Angelos Law, victims and their families can navigate the legal process, hold the responsible parties accountable, and secure the compensation they deserve.

How to Choose the Right Medical Malpractice Lawyer for Your Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect Case

When choosing a medical malpractice lawyer for a nursing home abuse case, consider factors such as their experience, reputation, available resources, communication style, personalized attention, and fee structure. The lawyer’s experience in dealing with nursing home abuse cases is of the utmost importance, as these cases are intricate and necessitate specific knowledge of the laws and regulations related to nursing home abuse.

The way a lawyer communicates can significantly impact the success of a nursing home abuse or neglect case, as it can aid in effectively presenting evidence, constructing a compelling argument, and persuading the judge or jury. Clear and precise communication can help illustrate the severity of the abuse or neglect and the effect it has had on the victim.

Support for Victims and Families Affected by Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

An elderly person and caretaker.

Peter Angelos Law is committed to providing assistance and advice to those who have experienced nursing home abuse and neglect as well as their families, guiding them through the legal process and helping them seek justice. We offer legal representation and advocacy for victims and families affected by nursing home abuse and neglect in personal injury cases related to nursing home abuse and neglect.

Peter Angelos Law offers the following services:

  • Free consultations and case evaluations to comprehend the specific situation and provide advice on the available legal options.
  • Collaboration with families to assess the full extent of the damages and devise an effective legal strategy to pursue compensation.
  • Dedication and experience to ensure that the rights of victims and families who have been hurt are defended.
  • Assistance in acquiring the compensation they are entitled to.

Contact Peter Angelos Law to Protect the Rights and Well-Being of Your Loved Ones

Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is one of the ideal things you can do in response to discovering your elderly loved one has suffered nursing home abuse or neglect. An experienced attorney can help you gather the evidence you will need to file your complaint and assist you in exploring every possible avenue of compensation available in your case. Peter Angelos Law has years of experience handling difficult nursing home abuse and neglect cases, and we can put our experience and resources to work for you. 

You may need to secure eyewitness testimony from other residents of your loved one’s nursing home, and you may require additional physical evidence to substantiate your claims. It will also be necessary to provide the court with a full accounting of your claimable damages. Peter Angelos Law has successfully secured billions of dollars in compensation for past clients, and we strive to assist our clients in maximizing recovery in every case we accept.

It is natural to feel upset, frustrated, and uncertain when you are confronted with a case of nursing home abuse. We can help you direct your energy towards holding the responsible parties accountable and will provide the professional legal advice, guidance, and support you and your family need during this challenging time. Get answers to your most important Maryland state-wide legal questions for free by contacting Peter Angelos Law at 410-705-2405 and scheduling a consultation with our team.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common mistreatment in nursing homes?

Emotional abuse is the most common mistreatment in nursing homes, with over 32% of staff members admitting to doing it. This includes verbal or psychological abuse, such as insults, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and isolation from family members.

What is an example of neglect in nursing?

Nursing home neglect can take the form of leaving a resident with mobility issues in their room for hours, not calling medical providers when needed, or failing to change clothes and bedding regularly. Not providing daily cleaning is also an example of neglect.

What is an example of abuse in a care home?

Physical nursing home abuse is a serious problem and includes pushing, kicking, and hitting residents by staff members. Such intentional physical harm is a clear example of abuse in a care home.

How important is it to act promptly if I suspect nursing home abuse or neglect?

Acting promptly when suspecting nursing home abuse or neglect is essential to protect potential victims and ensure legal recourse is available.

What challenges are faced when pursuing a nursing home abuse or neglect case?

Securing evidence, establishing responsibility, and navigating complex legal proceedings are all challenges that must be overcome when pursuing a nursing home abuse or neglect case.