It is widely seen as the worst form of betrayal; someone puts a loved one in the hands of professional caregivers and then that loved one ends up suffering nursing home abuse. Given the public interest and outcry, this is considered to be a serious crime that has significant consequences for all those involved. Maryland has more than 200 nursing homes, a reflection of the aging population, and that number is only growing. Because about 45% of all nursing homes in Maryland are for-profit establishments, they are outside the immediate control of the government. However, regulations have been put in place to ensure that minimum standards of care are maintained. This includes protections for vulnerable older adults who are at risk of being abused. In spite of this, nursing home abuse in Maryland is still occurring every day. If your loved one has suffered at the hands of his or her caregivers, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer for help.

An overview of the regulatory framework

There are some important rights that are granted to residents in Maryland nursing homes. These rights apply at both local and federal level. The Residents Bill of Rights embodies these regulations. A failure to comply with them could lead to a fine of up to $10,000 for every single infraction. A few of the rights that elder residents have include:

• Privacy: All residents have a right to privacy and confidentiality within the law regardless of their physical or mental condition.
• Respect: Every resident has a right to be treated with respect, consideration and dignity regardless of their background or status.
• Well-being: The residents have a right to be free from any type of abuse including mental, sexual, verbal and physical.
• Complaints: The regulations grant residents the right to make any complaints about problems they encounter without fear of reprisals.

Nursing Home Abuse by the Numbers

Around 40% of all nursing homes in Maryland receive three or more formal complaints in a given year but that is matched by the 29% who receive no complaint at all. At the national level every one in three nursing homes has cases of elderly abuse. When compared to other states, Maryland is in the medium range where it ranks 25^th out of 50 states. Its score is 3.3 out of 5 when aggregated. Residents expect quality for the average $8,500 monthly payment the make for a placement. Some residents in Baltimore have been able to sue negligent homes for up to $30 million on negligence accounts.

Get the Support You need from a Maryland Personal Injury Attorney

The bottom line is that if your loved one is not receiving the care he or she deserves, or if your loved one is being abused by his or her caretakers, you have the right to take legal action. It can be confusing to know how to proceed, but an experienced Charles County nursing home abuse lawyer can steer you and your family in the right direction. Even if you merely suspect something might be off at your loved one’s nursing home, an attorney can help you get to the bottom of it. Reach out to the Castro Law Group today.