Baltimore, MD Nursing Home Malpractice Attorneys

Lawyers for Injuries Caused by Nursing Home Negligence in Baltimore, Maryland

When we place our loved ones in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, these facilities assume a duty to care for them, and they agree to treat them in accordance with the standard of care, dignity, and respect. Unfortunately, poorly trained and inattentive workers sometimes fail to provide adequate care for the elderly. Worse, some nursing homes and elder care facilities employ workers who physically and financially abuse patients. Estimates suggest that as many as 10% of elderly citizens suffer from neglect and abuse, although the number may be higher because many incidents likely go unreported.

As our nation's population ages at the fastest rate since 1890, it becomes harder to monitor the quality of elder care. Therefore, victimization is likely to increase. The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study from 1998 estimated that at least half a million older persons were abused, neglected, and/or exploited, or experienced self-neglect, with many of these incidents occurring in nursing homes. The World Health Organization states that 1 in 6 people over the age of 60 will experience elder abuse in community settings in a year.

At Silverman Thompson, our attorneys work with families to address harm suffered by elderly people or others who reside in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. We can identify negligence that has led to neglect or abuse, and we can take steps to hold a facility responsible for its failure to protect a person's safety, health, and well-being.

What Are the Types and Signs of Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse?

Even devoted loved ones may have trouble detecting the signs of nursing home abuse or neglect. Many elders seldom report abuse themselves. Victims may be embarrassed about incidents, or they even may blame themselves. They also may be completely unaware of the abuse in their lives or environment. Abusive staff members may intimidate and threaten victims to protect themselves.

Any of the following might indicate that a person is suffering from neglect or abuse:

• Physical and sexual abuse can result in bruises, scars, or reports of pain. This can occur due to a caregiver's deliberate mistreatment or assault, but also from their failure to provide the care required of them. Over 9% of nursing home staff members admitted to physically abusing residents, according to the WHO.
• Emotional abuse involves verbal or physical intimidation, threats, or humiliation. It can cause a resident to be depressed, anxious, or withdrawn from normal activities. Over 32% of nursing home staff members admitted to emotionally abusing residents, according to the WHO.
• Financial abuse includes theft or concealment of funds and property. Caregivers may earn the trust of their victims and prey on their trust. Often, victims do not know they are being lied to. In other cases, they may be too proud to admit that they may have been cheated.
• Neglect involves the failure to care for a victim's basic needs. It can result in bedsores, poor hygiene, unusual weight loss, and unattended medical needs.

What Can Families Do to Address Nursing Home Negligence?

In cases of suspected abuse, family members are usually the first to notice warning signs. Nursing homes and elder care facilities often do not have the resources to quickly recognize the signs of elder abuse, or they may not notify loved ones, leaving patients at risk.

If you notice any of these signs, you can contact Adult Protective Services in your state. You can find the APS reporting number for each state by visiting the State Resources section of the National Center on Elder Abuse or calling 1-800-677-1116. If you suspect that a loved one is the victim of a crime, you should contact local law enforcement.

Unfortunately, state governments do not always have the time or resources to address the substantial and growing problem of elder abuse. At Silverman Thompson, our experienced lawyers can help investigate suspected elder abuse perpetrated by caregivers, hospitals, or nursing homes. We can help you take steps to protect your loved one's health, safety, and financial interests. In some cases, we may be able to help you recover costs suffered due to malpractice, abuse, and neglect.

Contact Our Baltimore Nursing Home Injury Attorneys

When a loved one has been affected by nursing home malpractice, neglect, or abuse, it is critical to get legal help from a skilled attorney. At Silverman Thompson, Andrew G. Slutkin and Ethan S. Nochumowitz can provide representation for families who have experienced elder abuse, nursing home neglect, or other forms of negligence resulting in injuries. Contact our Baltimore, MD nursing home abuse lawyers at 410-385-2225 to schedule a free consultation.