Bel Air Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyer

Attorney for Nursing Home Injuries in Bel Air, MD

As more families turn to nursing homes to care for their loved ones, concerns about neglect and abuse in these facilities are on the rise. Elderly residents are especially vulnerable because of their age and medical conditions, and they may suffer harm due to mistreatment or failure to provide proper care. If you suspect your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a Bel Air nursing home, it is crucial to act quickly to protect their rights.

At Serafini Law, we are dedicated to helping families in Bel Air who have endured the trauma of nursing home abuse. When you work with Attorney A.J. Serafini, you will have a legal advocate who focuses on clear communication, gathering critical evidence, and holding the responsible parties accountable for their negligence. We understand the emotional toll these cases can take, and we are committed to providing compassionate representation to help you achieve justice for your loved one.

Common Forms of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse in Bel Air

Negligence in nursing homes can take many forms. It is important to be aware of the different types of mistreatment that may occur so that these issues can be swiftly identified and addressed. Some of the most prevalent forms of abuse or neglect include:

• Physical Abuse: This may include any intentional infliction of harm, such as hitting, slapping, or excessive use of physical restraints. Unexplained bruises, broken bones, or other injuries may be signs of physical abuse.
• Emotional and Psychological Abuse: Verbal threats, humiliation, or isolation can cause significant mental and emotional distress for nursing home residents. If your loved one appears anxious, withdrawn, or fearful around specific caregivers, this may be a sign of emotional abuse.
• Neglect of Basic Needs: Failing to provide adequate food, water, or medical care can severely harm nursing home residents. Signs of their basic needs being neglected can include dehydration, malnutrition, bedsores, falls, or untreated medical conditions.
• Financial Exploitation: Caregivers may manipulate vulnerable residents in order to steal money from them. Missing funds, unexplained withdrawals, or other unauthorized changes to financial accounts are indicators of financial abuse.
• Sexual Abuse: While it may be discussed less frequently, sexual abuse can and does occur in nursing homes. It may involve any non-consensual sexual activity with a resident, and it can leave a victim with devastating physical and emotional trauma.

Understanding Maryland's Nursing Home Laws and Residents' Rights

In Maryland, nursing home residents are protected by the Nursing Home Residents' Bill of Rights. Serafini Law can help assess whether your loved one's rights have been breached. Key rights include:

• Right to Adequate Care: Nursing home facilities must provide proper medical treatment, ensure cleanliness, and protect residents from harm. Failure to maintain these standards can be considered neglect.
• Right to Personal Privacy: Residents are entitled to privacy concerning their personal care, medical treatments, and interpersonal communications.
• Right to Voice Complaints: Residents or their family members have the legal right to raise concerns about care without fear of retaliation from a facility or its staff members. Nursing homes must address complaints in a timely manner.
• Right to a Safe Environment: Nursing homes are obligated to provide a safe, sanitary environment that minimizes the risk of injury or abuse. A facility may violate this right if it allows unsafe living conditions, such as improper sanitation or lack of supervision.

Compensation for Nursing Home Abuse Victims in Bel Air, MD

When nursing home abuse or neglect leads to harm, your family can take legal action to secure compensation for physical, emotional, and financial damages. In nursing home neglect cases, the types of compensation available may include:

• Medical Expenses: Your family may be compensated for the costs of hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing medical treatment for injuries resulting from neglect or abuse.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be awarded for the deep psychological impact that the abuse or neglect inflicted upon your family member.
• Wrongful Death: If your loved one has passed away because of nursing home neglect or abuse, you can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where a nursing home's behavior was particularly blatant, additional damages may be awarded to punish the facility and deter future misconduct.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect in Bel Air

If you are concerned your loved one is being mistreated in a Bel Air nursing home, it is crucial to take immediate action. Here are some important steps to take:

• Document the Abuse: You should keep detailed notes about any signs of mistreatment. Make sure to take photographs of injuries, obtain medical records, and make note of any suspicious behaviors.
• Report to the Authorities: Abuse or neglect should be reported to the appropriate agencies, including Maryland's Office of Health Care Quality or local law enforcement.
• Consult with an Attorney: The skilled nursing home abuse lawyer at Serafini Law can assess the situation, advise you of your legal rights, and guide you through the process of holding the responsible parties liable.

Contact Our Bel Air, Maryland Nursing Home Neglect Attorney

If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse in Bel Air, Maryland, it is important to act fast. At Serafini Law, we can help you hold a negligent nursing facility accountable and work to ensure that your loved one and your family are properly compensated for the harm done. Our firm is experienced in handling nursing home abuse cases, and we will work tirelessly to investigate the situation and recover compensation for you. For 24/7 assistance, contact us at 240-744-1600 and schedule a free consultation.