Upper Marlboro Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyer
Attorney for Nursing Home Abuse in Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Nursing homes are designed to be places of comfort where seniors can receive care and support in a safe and respectful environment. However, when management and staff at nursing homes neglect their duties, patients can suffer severe injuries. These issues can lead to immense physical and emotional harm to residents while also affecting their families. When nursing home negligence has led to injuries, it is crucial to take swift action to protect a person's rights and hold all responsible parties accountable. In Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Serafini Law is dedicated to seeking justice in cases involving nursing home abuse, and we can help victims and their families secure the compensation they deserve.
Severe Injuries Resulting From Nursing Home Negligence
Some of the most common forms of harm that nursing home patients may experience to due neglect or abuse include:
- Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores): When a resident is left in the same position for too long without being moved or turned, pressure on certain areas of the body can lead to painful sores. These can become infected, leading to issues such as sepsis or gangrene. Proper care involves regular repositioning of immobile residents and consistent monitoring.
- Malnutrition and Dehydration: Patients who do not receive enough food or liquids may experience weakened immune systems, muscle deterioration, confusion, and a host of other health issues. Severe cases can even result in wrongful death.
- Medication Errors: Negligence such as administering an incorrect dosage, giving a resident the wrong medication, or failing to provide necessary medications can have life-threatening effects.
- Infections: Diseases can spread rapidly in nursing homes, especially if proper hygiene and sanitation practices are not followed. Residents are often vulnerable to infections due to weakened immune systems. Neglect, such as failing to clean wounds or provide timely medical care, can lead to pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or sepsis.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Residents may experience issues such as isolation, verbal abuse, and intimidation. This can cause a person to suffer from anxiety, depression, and a loss of trust in their caregivers. In some cases, residents may even develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to ongoing mistreatment.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Common signs of nursing home abuse or neglect include:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or fractures
- Sudden weight loss
- Poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions
- Changes in behavior
- Withdrawal from social interactions or activities
- Missing personal belongings or financial discrepancies
Families should be vigilant in recognizing these warning signs, and prompt action should be taken if abuse or neglect is suspected. Consulting with an experienced attorney can provide clarity on how to proceed. At Serafini Law, we can help protect the rights of nursing home residents and address the harm caused by neglect or abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Negligence
Document any signs of mistreatment, speak with other residents or staff, and contact the appropriate authorities to report the issue. It is also important to consult with an attorney at Serafini Law who can help you understand your legal options and investigate the situation.
Yes, if a facility's negligence caused harm to a resident, it may be held liable for the injuries or damages that result. We can help you pursue a claim for compensation, working to hold the facility accountable for failing to provide adequate care.
Medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages may be available. Compensation may also cover future medical care and rehabilitation.
This is governed by Maryland's statute of limitations, which is three years in most personal injury cases. However, in cases involving medical malpractice, claims may be filed within three years when an injury was discovered or five years after the injury originally occurred. It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your case is filed within the required timeframe.
Contact Our Upper Marlboro, MD Nursing Home Neglect Attorney
If you believe your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, Serafini Law can provide you with legal assistance. Our legal team in Upper Marlboro, Maryland is dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of elderly victims and their families. Contact us at 240-744-1600 to arrange a free consultation and learn how we can help you hold a nursing home facility accountable for its negligence.