Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Maryland

Nursing home abuse extends far beyond intentional physical harm. Each of these types of abuse can have lasting consequences on the well-being of residents. Abuse can manifest in various forms, including:

• Physical Abuse – involving the use of force that results in bodily injury, such as hitting, slapping, or improper restraint. This can lead to lasting fear and trauma, chronic pain, mobility loss, and increased risk of falls.
• Emotional Abuse – inflicts psychological pain through verbal threats, humiliation, isolation, or manipulation, leading to psychological trauma, depression, anxiety, social isolation, and cognitive decline.
• Sexual Abuse – any non-consensual sexual contact or activity.
• Financial Abuse – the unauthorized use of an elderly person’s funds or assets, from stealing money to forging signatures. 
• Medication Errors – inadequate staffing, improper training, and poor oversight can lead to overuse and misuse of antibiotics, as well as other medications. Particularly, the issue of overuse of antibiotics in these facilities can lead to antibiotic resistance, making common infections difficult or impossible to treat.
• Neglect – while often categorized separately, nursing home neglect is a pervasive issue where there is a failure to provide adequate care or meet basic needs, leading to physical or emotional harm. Neglect can cause preventable medical conditions such as severe bedsores, dehydration, malnutrition, infections, and unexplained injuries.

At Jaklitsch Law Group, we often hear about heartbreaking cases of elder abuse in nursing homes across the country, and unfortunately, our communities in Maryland are not immune. The Office of Health Care Quality regularly investigates incidents of neglect and abuse in various settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and even private residences.

Lack of Reporting

A particularly distressing aspect of nursing home abuse is that many victims endure it in silence. Residents, especially those with cognitive disabilities or communication difficulties, often find it incredibly challenging to report their mistreatment, making them even more vulnerable to ongoing harm. This underscores the critical importance of vigilance from family members and loved ones. Monitor your loved ones proactively to recognize signs of abuse and neglect and prevent further harm while in their long-term care facility.

Potential Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in Maryland

Recognizing signals of abuse and neglect is crucial for protecting your loved ones in these environments. It is vital to be vigilant and look for things like unexplained bruises, fractures, or other injuries. Severe bedsores, particularly stage 4, along with signs of dehydration, malnutrition, or infections that lead to sepsis, are critical indicators of neglect. Other physical signs to watch for include burns, unexplained bruises, and serious falls.

Beyond physical manifestations, changes in behavior or demeanor can also signal potential abuse or neglect. This includes withdrawal from social activities, increased anxiety, depression, fear around specific staff members, agitation, missing belongings, signs of pain or bleeding, and sudden, uncharacteristic behavioral changes. If you are concerned that your loved one may be experiencing nursing home abuse, consulting with a nursing home abuse lawyer can provide the support you need to understand your legal rights and take appropriate action.