The decision to enter a nursing home is difficult for the patient and for his or her family. If the consequences of that decision include injury, illness or death to an elderly loved one because of negligence and mistreatment, family members often experience even more intense feelings of guilt, shame and frustration. They often wonder whether they have any options.
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., our experienced attorneys help the elderly and their families after negligence or misconduct in a nursing home has caused injury. We seek compensation for our clients for two reasons: to obtain the resources for additional care options and to let the nursing home know that negligence and misconduct will not be tolerated.
Defending Victims of Nursing Home Abuse and Negligence
Our Maryland lawyers advocate for clients who experienced mistreatment and negligence that includes:
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Bedsores (decubitus ulcers)
- Infections
- Falls
- Physical and emotional abuse from staff or other patients
- Sexual assault by staff or other patients
- Medication errors
Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect Cases We Handle
We investigate complaints of abuse and neglect such as these, consulting with experts in elder care, physicians, nutritionists and others. We determined whether the nursing home had licensing issues. We interview witnesses that include staff and other patients. We examine medical records. Our long-standing relationships with physicians and other providers allow us to quickly identify deviations from the accepted standard of care.
Indicators of Neglect at Nursing Homes
Nursing home residents should be given adequate accommodations to meet their medical, physical, psychological, and social needs. Abuse and neglect at a nursing home can encompass a wide range of harm, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and neglect.
Red flags that should raise concern at a nursing home facility:
- The facility is dirty or seems unsanitary;
- Signs of malnutrition or dehydration;
- Unhappy or despondent residents;
- High staff turnover;
- Understaffing;
- Signs of bruising, bedsores, or other markings;
- Residents seem fearful of staff or are regularly isolated;
- Lack of supervision; or
- Unclean linens
These are only a few of the signs that the nursing home facility does not provide an adequate quality of care, resulting in resident abuse or neglect. It is critical to speak up early and often if you have any concerns. Document who you speak to and contact our office to discuss your legal options.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Often Goes Unreported
All nursing home residents have a right to freedom from abuse, mistreatment, and neglect. Unfortunately, a large number of nursing home abuse and neglect cases go unreported each year. Even more egregious, a large number of reported nursing home abuse cases are not investigated.
An audit by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General found that thousands of serious nursing facility abuse and neglect cases were not investigated or reported. In order to protect your loved one, it is essential to be proactive. Reporting suspected abuse is the only way to stop these acts and ensure that vulnerable seniors are treated with dignity and respect.
We also advocate for families whose loved ones died as a result of nursing home negligence. We file wrongful death claims, seeking compensation for the family. We also hold the nursing home accountable, which will hopefully help avoid future similar instances of death from abuse or neglect.
For more information about our Baltimore nursing home negligence attorneys, contact Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., today. Call 855-865-6185 toll free or complete our online form.
