Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in Maryland Protecting the Rights of Long-Term Care Residents
With advances in medical technology and the availability of life-saving drugs significantly increasing, it is easy to understand why many people are starting to live longer. However, as the population grows older, there comes a greater need to care for the elderly population. Although individuals are able to live longer, that does not mean they are in the best of health. They still require expert medical care as they age.
At one time, the care of elderly family members was left up to their children or other extended family members. In today’s times, individual circumstances and a different mentality toward family care have changed. As a result, many in the aging population are now sent to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities.
Most nursing homes offer excellent quality care for their residents. However, due to overcrowding and understaffing, there is a chance that your loved one could be subjected to abuse or other serious injuries. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky, P.A., have experience in handling nursing home abuse cases. Contact us today at (410) 484-0400 to schedule a free consultation with our nursing home abuse lawyer. They can advise you on your legal options based on your individual circumstances and our different approaches to client care.
What Are the Most Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse Cases?
Unfortunately, nursing home neglect and abuse cases are not particularly uncommon. Some of the most recurrent problems are as follows:
Emotional abuse
Sadly, this is the most common form of abuse in a nursing home. This type of abuse can be harder to detect than physical abuse because the injuries that it inflicts are of a psychological nature. Some examples of emotional abuse include:
- Causing a patient to feel guilty or distressed, especially in regard to their care.
- Shouting, yelling, or talking to the patient in a loud or aggressive manner.
- Making threats or using intimidation against a patient. This can include threats to their well-being if, for example, the patient tells a staff member that they will report them for inappropriate conduct.
- Insulting or ridiculing a patient in any way.
- Threatening to withhold treatment, food or water, or other services from a patient.
- Isolating them from other friends in the facility or from their own families.
Financial exploitation
This type of abuse occurs when a resident of the nursing home has their money or property taken from them through the means of theft, fraud, or some other type of illegal activity. Additionally, this can be dangerous for patients who have dementia or other memory issues.
Medication Mismanagement
Malnutrition or dehydration
Sexual Abuse
What Are Some Warning Signs of Suspected Abuse?
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Bedsores
One of the risks of being in a nursing facility is acquiring bedsores. Many residents are forced, due to their age or injuries, to spend a large amount of time in bed or confined to a wheelchair. In cases such as these, there are certain medical protocols that have been put in place to prevent bedsores before they can occur. If these safety measures are not followed correctly, then severe injury can occur that can even lead to death.
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Unexplained Marks or Bruises
One of the most egregious acts of abuse that can be committed against the resident of a nursing home would be withholding any type of prescribed medications or other necessary treatment. One thing to look for is the appearance of bruising around the wrist area. This could be an indication that a patient is being restrained. Other large or significant bruises may be a strong indicator that another resident or employee of the care facility is causing physical harm.
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Sudden Weight Loss
A strong indicator of neglect in a facility involves a resident who is losing weight without a corresponding medical condition. Reasons may include failing to provide the patient with an adequate amount of food or improperly managing a patient’s diet. In addition, if a patient has been abused through some of the other methods that have been discussed, they may become depressed. This depression can become so severe that they refuse to eat. As a result, they may lose weight.
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Sudden Behavioral Changes
It should be noted that the conditions listed do not necessarily mean a resident is being abused. However, it is vital that you pay close attention to their physical and mental condition. Keep notes of the day, time, and a description of what you noticed and observed. This documentation is important in case there is abuse occurring.
How Can a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Help Me with a Nursing Home Abuse Case?
Our law firm is committed to helping families who suspect that their loved one is being abused or mistreated in a facility. Specifically, our nursing home abuse lawyer is passionate about protecting the rights of those who cannot speak for themselves. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky, P.A., are highly qualified and experienced in dealing with cases that involve nursing home abuse. We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of your loved ones and getting the justice that they deserve.
We can immediately begin by reviewing the individual circumstances and factors that surround your claim. If your case is accepted, we will work tirelessly to help you and your family members receive a potential settlement that will be in their best interests. To talk to one of our knowledgeable injury attorneys in Maryland, please contact us at (410) 484-0400. Schedule your appointment now for a free consultation with our nursing home abuse lawyer. We will strive to uphold the rights of seniors and anyone else who may be receiving the services of a nursing home or any other type of care facility. We look forward to serving you.
