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Prince George’s County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Elder abuse has grave consequences and nursing homes must be held accountable when abuse occurs. A Prince George’s County nursing home abuse lawyer provides representation to abuse victims and their families. When a nursing home fails to provide reasonable quality care for patients, a Prince George’s County nursing home abuse lawyer can help you to pursue a claim for compensation for all resulting losses.

Nursing Home Abuse in Prince George’s County

Seniors in nursing homes are considered a vulnerable population because they are dependent upon the facility for their care. Code of Maryland Regulation (COMAR) 10.07.09.08 has established a patient bill of rights, which imposes obligations on nursing facilities to provide at least a basic minimum level of acceptable care.

Nursing facilities are required to care for residents “in a manner and in an environment that maintains or enhances each resident’s dignity.”  This means, according to the Code, that the nursing home must ensure residents are protected from:

  • Physical, verbal, mental, and sexual abuse.
  • Inappropriate use of chemical restraints (antipsychotic drugs) and physical restraints.
  • Involuntary seclusion.
  • Coercion, discrimination, and interference when exercising any of their rights.

The facility must also provide patients with the opportunity to be informed of treatment; choose attending physicians and pharmacies within certain guidelines; and consent to or refuse treatment.

Any time a nursing home fails to live up to these or other obligations to patients, the resident or his family members may have a claim for damages if the home’s failure causes harm. A nursing home abuse lawyer in Prince George’s County can provide an evaluation of whether you may have a claim.

Injuries from Nursing Home Abuse in Prince George’s County

Nursing home abuse can take many forms including hitting, burning, inappropriate nonconsensual sexual contact, neglect, and financial exploitation.  Even emotional abuse has physical consequences.  The Center for Problem-Oriented Policing reports a threefold increase in the rate of premature death for elderly abuse victims. Abuse and neglect can lead to:

  • Malnutrition
  • Dehydration
  • Falls
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Bed sores
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Broken bones
  • Death

If you can prove a direct link between the actions of the nursing home facility and some harm that has been experienced by the resident, you can file a claim to recover for your losses.

Who is Responsible for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Prince George’s County ?

Individual nursing home staff members are typically at-fault for their behavior that harms seniors. However, abuse often occurs because of improper training, understaffing, and other poor policies set by nursing home management.

A nursing home with policies that are unreasonably lax in ensuring patient safety can be sued based on the facility’s own negligence.  Nursing home staff members are also considered “agents” acting on behalf of the owners of the home. This means that if staff members are negligent, careless, or fail to live up to their duty of care, the nursing home can be sued. For more specific information contact a Prince George’s County nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your case.

How a Prince George’s County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help

If you or someone you love was the victim of abuse in a nursing home, you need to get help. Coming forward and pursuing a claim for compensation can both ensure you have the money you need to move on with life and can act as a deterrent against future abuse in nursing facilities.

A Prince George’s County nursing home abuse lawyer can evaluate your case, help you negotiate a settlement for compensation with the nursing home, or represent you in court case against the facility. Call today to schedule a consultation and learn more.