Baltimore Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Sexual abuse is always a tragedy. However, it is particularly difficult to learn that your loved one is suffering from this sexual abuse in a nursing home you entrusted to properly care for your family member. This is an issue many families in Maryland are dealing with, as instances of this type of abuse have increased over the past two decades. Any time someone suspects that their loved one is the victim of sexual abuse in a nursing home, they must speak to a Baltimore nursing home sexual abuse lawyer that can help them file a claim against the liable party.
The Difficulties of Proving Sexual Abuse in a Nursing Home
Sexual abuse is often very difficult to prove, and that fact remains true for abuse that occurs in nursing homes, as well. Even when there are physical signs of abuse, offenders often choose patients that cannot, or likely will not, come forward about the abuse. This means that the physical signs, such as injuries around an elder’s genitalia, may go unnoticed. Even when the physical signs are noticed, an offending staff member may explain them as being part of another medical condition or accident, such as a slip and fall.
Not all instances of sexual abuse have physical signs, either. For example, if one resident regularly exposes themselves to another resident, this is a form of sexual abuse that will not leave any physical signs or symptoms.
These situations make proving sexual abuse is occurring in a nursing home extremely difficult. Family members that suspect their loved one is a victim of this type of abuse must speak to a Baltimore nursing home abuse lawyer that can help them prove their case.
Who is Liable in a Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Case?
Maryland law allows victims of sexual abuse to not only press criminal charges against the offender, but to also file a civil lawsuit against them. This lawsuit can help them claim compensation for their injuries, including emotional distress, and help ensure it does not happen to anyone else. Fortunately for these laws, victims of sexual abuse can hold the abuser liable.
In some cases, the nursing home may also be found partially liable for sexual abuse that occurs within the facility. Owners of the nursing home are responsible for ensuring their residents are in a safe environment, and for making sure that anyone they hire is qualified, experienced, and well-trained. When they fail in this responsibility, such as hiring someone that has a history of sexual abuse in other facilities, the nursing home can be held liable.
However, under Maryland law, nursing homes cannot be held liable for all types of abuse. In order to hold the facility liable, victims must prove that there was some action or inaction on the part of the home that allowed the abuse to occur.
Our Baltimore Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers are Here to Help with Your Case
It is always difficult to learn that your loved one has been the victim of sexual abuse, particularly when it occurred in a facility you trusted to provide the best care possible for them. However, you can take action to stop the abuse from happening and to help your loved one claim the compensation they deserve. At Iamele & Iamele, LLP, our Baltimore nursing home abuse lawyers can help you file a claim to hold liable parties accountable for their actions and to secure the full settlement your loved one deserves. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.
