Dundalk, MD Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney
Lawyer for Nursing Home Abuse Victims in Dundalk, Maryland
When families place their loved ones in nursing homes, they trust that the facility and its staff will provide the proper care while treating residents with respect. Unfortunately, some nursing home residents in Dundalk, Maryland suffer from abuse and neglect that can lead to serious injuries and emotional trauma. If you suspect that a loved one has been mistreated in a nursing home, it is crucial to seek legal assistance immediately.
Serafini Law provides compassionate and dedicated legal representation to victims of nursing home abuse. Attorney A.J. Serafini brings over a decade of experience to the table, working diligently to uncover instances of neglect or abuse and holding the responsible parties accountable. We understand the emotional toll this type of abuse can take on families, and we work to make sure negligent nursing homes will be held responsible for their failure to provide the proper care.
Recognizing the Signs of Nursing Home Neglect in Dundalk
Awareness of the potential signs of neglect and abuse is essential for protecting your loved one. If you believe that a family member is being mistreated, consulting with our knowledgeable nursing home abuse lawyer can help you understand your legal options. Some of the most common issues that may indicate neglect include:
- Unexplained Bruises or Injuries: Frequent injuries with no reasonable explanation, such as bruises, cuts, scrapes, fractures, or head injuries, can be a sign that a resident is being physically abused or that they are not receiving adequate assistance.
- Malnutrition and Dehydration: When nursing homes fail to provide residents with sufficient food and water, elderly people can suffer serious harm. These conditions can weaken the immune system, making patients more susceptible to illness and infections.
- Poor Hygiene and Unsanitary Conditions: Neglect may lead to poor personal hygiene, dirty clothing, or unclean living spaces. This can put residents at risk of skin infections, bedsores, and other health complications.
- Sudden Changes in Behavior: Emotional or psychological abuse may cause residents to become withdrawn, anxious, or depressed. They may also display signs of fear around certain staff members.
- Unexplained Financial Transactions: Financial exploitation is another form of abuse. A resident's funds may be misappropriated by staff members or others who have access to their finances.
Understanding Your Loved One's Rights Under Maryland Law
The laws of the state of Maryland provide strong protections for nursing home residents to ensure that they are treated with respect and receive the care they need. The Maryland Nursing Home Residents' Bill of Rights grants residents several key protections, including:
- Right to Adequate Care: Nursing homes are required to provide appropriate medical treatment, nutrition, and living conditions that promote the health and well-being of their residents.
- Right to Dignity and Respect: Nursing home patients must receive respectful treatment at all times, and any form of abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, is strictly prohibited.
- Right to Privacy and Confidentiality: Residents have the right to ensure that their affairs are kept private, and their information should be kept confidential.
- Right to File Complaints: Nursing home residents should be free to address any concerns they may have without fear of retaliation from the facility.
When these rights have been violated, patients who have suffered harm can take legal action against nursing homes. Victims can take steps to recover compensation for the harm they have suffered.
Compensation for Nursing Home Abuse Victims in Dundalk
If your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages they have endured. Compensation in these cases can cover a variety of costs, such as:
- Medical Costs: This includes expenses for treating injuries or illnesses caused by neglect or abuse, as well as ongoing medical care that may be required.
- Pain and Suffering: Nursing home residents who have experienced abuse or neglect may receive compensation for their pain and emotional distress.
- Punitive Damages: If a nursing home or its staff took actions that were egregious or were intended to cause harm, the court may award damages to punish the perpetrators and prevent the facility or other nursing homes from engaging in similar conduct in the future.
- Wrongful Death: In unfortunate instances when abuse or neglect has led to the death of a loved one, compensation may be available for funeral expenses, emotional trauma, loss of companionship, and other losses suffered by a family.
Contact Our Dundalk Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Serafini Law advocates for the rights of nursing home residents, and we work to ensure that those who were responsible for their mistreatment are held accountable. We understand the emotional and financial toll these cases can take on families, and we are here to provide the support you need as we seek justice for you. Contact us today at 240-744-1600 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you protect your loved one's rights.