Urbana, Maryland Nursing Home Neglect/Abuse Lawyer

Skilled Attorney Fighting for Victims of Nursing Home Mistreatment in Urbana

Discovering that your loved one has been injured in a nursing home can come with emotions of anger, fear, and grief. Taking legal action to hold these facilities accountable for the harm they cause is not easy, but an Urbana, Maryland nursing home injury attorney can help you follow all of the right steps in a personal injury claim to get justice for your loved one.

At Serafini Law, we can help you compile evidence and build a case against a negligent nursing facility. Our case results show how hard we have fought for our clients in complicated injury claims, including a $175,000 result from a falling accident at an elder care facility.

Signs of Abuse and Mistreatment in Elder Care Facilities

Residents in nursing homes may experience abuse or neglect in subtle ways before more obvious harm becomes apparent. Physical indicators often include unexplained bruises, cuts, or fractures, especially around the wrists, arms, or hips. You might notice pressure ulcers that worsen despite routine care or signs of dehydration such as dry skin and sunken eyes.

Emotional and behavioral cues can be equally telling. A once-lively loved one may become withdrawn, anxious, or depressed. They might flinch at sudden movements or seem unusually fearful around certain staff members. Changes in sleep patterns, appetite loss, or sudden weight loss can also point to mistreatment.

Neglect shows in the basics of daily care. Unsanitary living conditions, such as soiled bedding or clothing, suggest that staff are failing to maintain hygiene and contributing to malnutrition. Missed medications or inconsistent medical record-keeping can lead to serious health consequences.

Types of Nursing Home Injuries

Elder care facilities present unique risks that can lead to a variety of injuries. Falls remain one of the most common causes of harm. Unsafe flooring, inadequate lighting, or failure to use bed rails can cause a resident to suffer head injuries, hip fractures, or spinal damage.

Pressure sores (also known as bedsores) develop when staff fail to reposition immobile residents regularly. These wounds can progress quickly, leading to infections or even sepsis if left untreated. Poor nutrition and lack of mobility exacerbate these injuries.

Medication errors are another significant hazard. Staff may administer the wrong dosage, mix incompatible drugs, or fail to monitor side effects. Such mistakes can trigger strokes, heart issues, or severe allergic reactions.

Emotional neglect and financial exploitation also inflict harm. Isolation, social deprivation, or theft of personal funds undermine a resident's dignity and security. Though less visible, these types of injuries carry profound psychological and financial consequences.

Compensation in a Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect Claim

Families pursuing a claim for nursing home abuse or neglect can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include medical bills for emergency care, ongoing rehabilitation costs, and expenses for corrective surgeries. Non-economic damages address pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Even if your loved one survives a serious injury, the psychological trauma and reduced quality of life should be recognized as well.

The path to compensation typically begins with a thorough investigation, which may entail gathering medical records and witness statements. Our experienced nursing home injury attorney can guide you through filing deadlines, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, present your case at trial. Time limits in Maryland are strict, so it is crucial to act promptly once you suspect abuse or neglect.

Contact an Urbana, MD Nursing Home Injury Attorney

If you believe your loved one has suffered harm in an Urbana, Maryland nursing home, reach out today to discuss your rights and options for holding the facility accountable. To schedule a free consultation with Serafini Law, call us at 240-744-1600 or contact our Urbana nursing home abuse/neglect lawyer.