Gaithersburg Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a serious violation that affects some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. Families trust Gaithersburg nursing homes and assisted living facilities to provide compassionate care, medical attention, and a safe environment for their elderly loved ones. 

Tragically, that trust is often broken when residents suffer physical assault, emotional manipulation, neglect, or financial exploitation by those responsible for their well-being. In severe cases, abuse can lead to serious physical injuries, long-term emotional trauma, or even death.

This betrayal of trust can leave families feeling helpless and unsure of how to protect their loved ones or seek accountability. This reality is why it’s essential to seek legal assistance from a Gaithersburg nursing home lawyer. 

An experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorney understands the specific challenges of nursing home abuse cases, including Maryland’s regulations, and can guide families in pursuing justice and monetary compensation for their loved ones.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to helping victims of nursing home abuse obtain justice and rightful compensation. Our skilled legal team brings years of experience to each case, achieving substantial settlements and verdicts with a sensitive approach.

We conduct comprehensive investigations to fully address every aspect of the abuse, including medical costs, emotional suffering, and any other damages. With extensive knowledge of nursing home abuse claims, our attorneys handle each case with precision and determination, relentlessly advocating for your rights.

We offer compassionate, clear support throughout the legal process so you and your loved ones feel informed, protected, and confident at every step.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Gaithersburg Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers

Nursing home abuse occurs when elderly residents in nursing homes suffer harm due to the actions or negligence of caregivers. Abuse can take many forms, each having serious consequences for the victim’s well-being. Our lawyers are experienced in handling a range of nursing abuse and neglect cases to help families hold these facilities accountable.

Physical Abuse

Elder physical abuse involves intentional harm or excessive use of force that causes pain, injury, or impairment. This type of abuse can include hitting, slapping, or using physical restraints on nursing home patients.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Elder emotional abuse involves actions that cause psychological distress or harm. This psychological abuse may include verbal assaults, threats, isolation, or humiliation.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes is any form of non-consensual sexual contact with a resident. Elderly individuals with cognitive impairments or physical limitations are particularly vulnerable to this form of abuse, which includes inappropriate touching, sexual assault, or harassment.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a nursing facility fails to provide appropriate medical care, leading to harm. Common examples include untreated bedsores, improper medication dosages, or failure to address urgent health concerns.

Negligence

Nursing home negligence occurs when nursing staff fails to meet a resident’s basic care needs, resulting in harm or distress. Neglect can include a lack of proper hygiene, insufficient nutrition, lack of hydration, and inadequate supervision, which may lead to elopement (wandering off from the facility unsupervised).

Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation occurs when someone takes advantage of a resident’s finances without consent, often for personal gain. Examples include unauthorized withdrawals, misuse of funds, or pressure to change wills or financial documents. 

A nursing home staff member or even another resident may exploit a vulnerable individual’s assets, leaving them without the resources they need for their care.

Wrongful Death

When a resident dies due to a facility’s failure to provide proper care or supervision, families can seek justice and compensation for their devastating loss. Wrongful death claims hold nursing homes accountable for their actions, helping to protect other residents from similar harm.

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

In nursing home abuse and neglect cases, various entities can be held accountable.

• Nursing Home Staff Members: Caregivers, nurses, and aides may be directly responsible for abuse, such as physical harm, neglect, or financial exploitation. For instance, a staff member who uses excessive physical force or fails to provide necessary daily care may be held accountable for the injuries caused.
• Nursing Home Management and Administrators: Facility management is responsible for hiring qualified staff, training employees, and monitoring care practices. If management fails to screen employees or adequately address reports of abuse, it may be liable for allowing an unsafe environment to persist. For example, if administrators ignore reports of resident neglect, they can share responsibility for any harm that results.
• The Nursing Home Facility or Corporation: The facility itself can be liable for failing to maintain adequate care standards, ensure safe living conditions, or provide necessary medical attention. A nursing home that is understaffed or lacks proper safety protocols can be held responsible if residents suffer from neglect or injuries due to inadequate care.
• Third-Party Contractors: Many nursing homes hire third-party providers for physical therapy, medical care, or security services. The contractor and the nursing home may be liable if a contractor engages in neglect or abuse. For example, if a contracted physical therapist causes injury by providing improper treatment, they could be held accountable alongside the facility.
• Pharmaceutical and Medical Suppliers: When improper medication administration or faulty medical devices cause harm, liability may extend to the suppliers or pharmacists involved. For instance, a pharmacy that dispenses the wrong medication to a resident, leading to severe health issues, may share responsibility with the nursing home for the resident’s injuries.

Determining liability in nursing home abuse cases is essential to achieving justice and protecting residents’ rights. Our Gaithersburg nursing home neglect attorneys have the experience to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable for the harm they cause.

How Our Gaithersburg Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At Nursing Home Law Center, our Maryland nursing home neglect attorneys are dedicated to advocating for victims of such cases. With a strong background in handling these complex cases, we understand the challenges families face when seeking justice and monetary compensation for their loved ones.

Our law firm has a proven track record of holding negligent facilities accountable and achieving favorable outcomes for victims.

Free Case Evaluation

Our law firm offers a free initial consultation to review your case and help you understand your options and the best course of action. During this evaluation, our attorneys will discuss the details of the suspected abuse, address your concerns, and provide an honest assessment of your case’s potential. 

This no-obligation consultation is an opportunity to get answers and learn how we can help protect your loved one’s rights.

Case Investigation

A thorough investigation is essential for building a strong nursing home abuse case. Our legal team gathers critical evidence, such as medical records, staff employment history, and facility inspection reports, to understand the full extent of the abuse or neglect. We also interview witnesses and examine facility practices to identify any failures in care. 

By conducting a comprehensive investigation, we can uncover signs of abuse and neglect that have impacted your loved one.

Filing the Claim

Once we have gathered the necessary evidence, we handle all aspects of filing a claim on your behalf. Our personal injury lawyers ensure that all documentation is accurately completed and submitted within Maryland’s deadlines. 

Properly filing a claim is crucial to seeking financial compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, lost wages, and other damages your loved one has suffered.

Settlement Negotiation

Many nursing home abuse cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, where we work directly with the nursing home’s representatives and insurers to secure a fair settlement. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who fight to ensure that the settlement fully compensates for the harm caused. 

Our priority is to obtain a favorable agreement that meets your family’s needs without requiring a lengthy trial.

Trial Representation

Our nursing home neglect attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. With extensive courtroom experience, we are dedicated to presenting a compelling case to the judge and jury. Our goal is to hold the nursing facility accountable and secure a verdict that provides justice and compensation for your loved one’s suffering.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

In Gaithersburg, there are 104 Medicare-certified nursing homes. Of these, 40 (38%) have an overall score below or much below average. Fourty-four facilities (42%) fall short in health inspections, and 31 nursing homes (30%) have inadequate staffing. Seventeen facilities (16%) are rated poorly in quality measures. [1]

Elder abuse in nursing homes often goes unnoticed, as elderly residents may be unable or too afraid to report it. Family members and loved ones must stay alert for common nursing home abuse signs.

• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers
• Sudden mood swings or uncharacteristic behaviors
• Fearfulness around certain staff members
• Personality changes
• Signs of malnutrition or dehydration
• Worsening chronic health issues
• Unusual bank activity
• Theft of cash, jewelry, or other belongings
• Changes to a will, power of attorney, or beneficiary designations

If you observe any of these signs in your loved one’s life, you must act immediately. A Gaithersburg nursing home neglect lawyer can help you investigate the situation, protect your loved one’s rights, and seek accountability for any harm suffered.

The worst-rated nursing homes in Gaithersburg include:

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you believe that a loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing home, taking swift action is crucial. Here are the steps you should follow to ensure their safety and begin the process of seeking justice:

• Call 911 if there is immediate danger
• Report the abuse to the nursing home administrator or management
• File a complaint with your local Ombudsman’s office 
• Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer

Contact a Gaithersburg Nursing Home Neglect Attorney Today!

At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys are committed to advocating for victims and their families. With extensive experience handling complex nursing home abuse cases, our law firm understands the challenges and emotional toll that families face.

We have a proven track record of securing fair compensation and holding negligent nursing facilities accountable for the harm they cause. Our compassionate, knowledgeable team will guide you through every step, fighting for your loved one’s rights and well-being.

If you suspect abuse or neglect in a Gaithersburg nursing home, don’t wait to take action. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form.

References: [1] Medicare