Silver Spring, Maryland Nursing Home Neglect Attorney
Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyer Serving Silver Spring
When a family makes the decision to place a loved one in a nursing facility, they expect that compassionate and professional care will be provided. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect is a serious concern in many facilities, and these issues can cause residents to suffer serious injuries. The effects of nursing home negligence can range from physical trauma to severe emotional distress and even wrongful death. Serafini Law is dedicated to holding negligent facilities and caretakers accountable for nursing home neglect or abuse. We work to ensure victims of nursing home negligence receive the compensation they deserve.
Types of Serious Injuries Due to Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Elderly residents of nursing homes are particularly susceptible to harm due to preexisting health conditions, limited mobility, and weakened immune systems. Some of the most common injuries that can result from nursing home abuse and neglect include:
- Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): When nursing home residents are not regularly repositioned, the constant pressure on certain areas of the body can lead to painful wounds. If left untreated, these sores can become infected and cause severe complications, including sepsis.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Falls are a major risk for nursing home residents, especially if proper safety precautions are not taken. When caregivers do not address known fall risks, residents may suffer bone fractures, which can significantly impact their quality of life and mobility.
- Malnutrition and Dehydration: Proper nutrition and hydration are fundamental aspects of care in a nursing facility. If residents do not receive sufficient food and water, they may become malnourished or dehydrated. These conditions can exacerbate existing health issues, weaken the immune system, and lead to further complications.
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can occur when nursing home residents fall or are physically assaulted. Due to the delicate physical conditions of many elderly residents, even a minor fall can lead to significant head trauma, resulting in memory loss, cognitive impairment, or even death.
- Infections: When staff members neglect to properly clean wounds, fail to provide assistance with personal hygiene, or do not maintain a sanitary environment, infectious diseases can spread. Nursing home residents may experience urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory infections, or other dangerous conditions due to negligence.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, and other forms of mistreatment can cause severe psychological trauma. Residents who experience this type of abuse may become withdrawn, anxious, or depressed.
- Medication Errors: Nursing home residents often require multiple medications to manage chronic health issues. Neglect or intentional harm in the form of medication errors—such as administering the wrong dosage, missing doses altogether, or using sedatives as a form of chemical restraint—can lead to life-threatening complications, including adverse drug interactions or even organ failure.
Common Forms of Abuse in Nursing Home Facilities
- Physical Abuse: This type of abuse may include hitting, slapping, kicking, or other forms of physical violence. It can also involve unnecessary restraints or forceful handling during routine activities, such as when bathing or moving a resident.
- Emotional Abuse: Verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, and isolation all fall under emotional abuse. This type of mistreatment can be just as damaging as physical abuse, causing emotional pain and a diminished quality of life.
- Sexual Abuse: Nursing home residents are vulnerable to sexual assault or exploitation, which may involve inappropriate touching or other illegal behaviors. Sexual abuse often goes unreported due to the victim's fear or inability to communicate what has occurred.
Contact Our Silver Spring, MD Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of negligence or abuse in a nursing home, it is crucial to secure legal representation from an experienced attorney. Nursing home abuse cases can be complex, but Serafini Law can help you take the rights steps to obtain the justice and compensation you deserve. Your loved one deserves dignity and respect, and we are here to make sure their rights are protected. Contact us at 240-744-1600 today to schedule a free consultation.