Baltimore Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
When a loved one becomes elderly or disabled and needs specialized care, we want them to have the best care available, and we put our trust in facilities designed to meet their needs for medical care and daily living in an environment that maximizes their opportunities for social interaction, intellectual stimulation and quality of life. There are hundreds of nursing homes in and around Baltimore ranging in quality from much above average to much below average, according to ratings provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Unfortunately, incidents of nursing home abuse and neglect are on the rise as a greater proportion of the population ages, and nursing homes fight to maintain adequate nursing staff ratios to guarantee quality care. Lack of training and supervision and a high turnover rate lead to cases of abuse and neglect which can cause serious injury or worse to vulnerable nursing home residents. Baltimore nursing home abuse lawyers at Iamele & Iamele, LLP hold nursing homes accountable when negligence or abusive practices cause harm to those under their care.
- Nursing Home Assault & Battery
- Nursing Home Falling Incidents
- Nursing Home Sepsis & Infections
- Nursing Home Sexual Abuse
Know the signs of abuse and act quickly to put a stop to it
Nursing home residents are especially vulnerable to abuse and neglect because they are typically in a weakened physical or mental condition and may be unable or unwilling to speak out against abuse. These individuals are also at risk of serious injury from neglect or abuse, since they typically have a lesser ability to heal or recover from the physical, emotional or psychological effects of abuse and neglect.
Some nursing home residents may not have the ability to fully comprehend when they have been mistreated, or they may lack the ability to communicate to another for help. Still others may be too frightened to speak out, and they may even have been threatened in the case of abuse. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of nursing home abuse and neglect, so you can speak up for your loved one when they cannot speak for themselves. Victims of abuse and neglect in Baltimore nursing homes may display the following signs:
- Bedsores
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Bruises from being physically restrained
- Falls if supports are not in place
- Hygiene issues from neglect
Medication errors are also rampant among nursing homes, where staff members dispense medications frequently throughout the day and may confuse similar sounding medications, medical conditions or patient names. The misuse of antipsychotic and anti-anxiety drugs to pacify patients or as a means of restraint is also a common, although illegal, practice in nursing homes across the country.
Our Baltimore nursing home injury attorneys can help
If you notice changes in mood or personality, identical bruises on both sides of the body, unexplained injuries, rapid weight loss or confusion, be sure and raise the matter with the resident and with staff or administration at the nursing home. A common response is to blame such signs on the natural effects of aging or on an unavoidable fall. If you are not satisfied with the answer, call our office for help. We can launch an investigation and make use of legal channels to put an immediate stop to nursing home abuse or neglect, including obtaining compensation for the harm done to a resident.
Call Iamele & Iamele in Baltimore to Speak with Compassionate & Dedicated Nursing Home Injury Lawyers
If you are concerned that a loved one is being subjected to abuse or neglect in a nursing home in Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel or Prince George’s County, call Iamele & Iamele, LLP at 410-779-6160 for a no-cost, confidential consultation.
