Can You Sue a Group Home for Neglect or Abuse?

 Posted on April 24, 2025 in Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

When you entrust the care of a developmentally disabled adult to a group home, you expect safety, dignity, and compassion. Unfortunately, not all facilities live up to that responsibility. Abuse and neglect in group homes can leave residents physically harmed, emotionally traumatized, or worse — and it often goes unnoticed until serious damage has been done.

If you suspect that a loved one has been harmed in a Maryland group home, you may be wondering: Can I sue the group home for what happened? In many cases, the answer is yes. Our Maryland personal injury attorney will work with you to determine your options and next steps. 

What Counts as Abuse or Neglect in a Group Home?

Maryland group home caregivers are required to abide by the law, which has strict definitions as to what the responsibilities of a care provider are. Even if a caregiver never strictly abuses a resident, neglecting these responsibilities can lead to a seriously diminished quality of life for the resident. 

Some of the most common signs of abuse and neglect in a group home include:

• Unexplained injuries such as bruises, burns, or broken bones

• Malnutrition or dehydration

• Poor hygiene or unsafe living conditions

• Verbal intimidation or emotional mistreatment

• Medication errors or lack of medical care

• Unusual changes in behavior or fearfulness around staff

These acts are not just unethical — they may be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Group homes in Maryland are required by law to provide reasonable care and protect residents from harm. When staff members or administrators fail in that duty, they can and should be held accountable.

How Does a Lawsuit Against a Group Living Home Work?

If you bring a lawsuit against a group home, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, therapy costs, and other damages. In Maryland, lawsuits involving abuse or neglect in care facilities typically require proof that:

• The group home had a duty to care for your loved one

• That duty was violated through action or inaction

• The violation directly caused injury or harm

These cases often involve complex evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, staff logs, and state inspection reports. An experienced attorney will know how to gather and present the necessary proof while respecting your loved one’s privacy and dignity.

Why Choose Our Local, Experienced Injury Lawyer?

Attorney Serafini is a personal injury lawyer based in Hagerstown who has been serving Washington County residents for over 12 years. As a sole practitioner, he gives every case his personal attention. You will never be handed off to a junior associate or treated like just another file.

A Hagerstown native, he is deeply invested in protecting vulnerable members of the community. He is known for being supportive and compassionate with clients, but aggressive with insurance companies and negligent facilities who try to avoid responsibility.

He offers contingency fee billing — meaning you pay nothing unless you win — and answers calls 24/7, because you should never have to wait when someone you love is suffering.

Contact a Hagerstown, MD Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you believe a developmentally disabled adult you love has been abused or neglected in a Maryland group home, do not wait to take action. Call Serafini Law at 240-744-1600 for a free consultation with a Washington County, MD group home injury lawyer who understands the law — and the community. Your loved one deserves justice, and we are ready to fight for it.