Physical Injuries in Maryland Nursing Homes

There are approximately 230 certified nursing homes here in the Old Line State, serving just over 24,500 residents. The average number of deficiencies per certified facility is 12.4, far above the national average of 8.0 and better than only six other states. Deficiencies are defined as problems that can result in a negative impact on the health and safety of residents and include such issues as not being free of accident hazards, not establishing an infection control program, not having drug regimens free of unnecessary drugs, failure to prevent and treat wounds, failure to assess and change care plans, reporting significant changes to physicians, failure to obtain emergency treatment and employing people guilty of abuse.

Nursing home abuse can take many forms. It may happen only once (such as a physical attack) or may be a pattern of ongoing neglect. The most prevalent and easiest to identify is physical abuse, which results in physical injuries.

If your loved one has physical injuries that may have resulted from mistreatment while being cared for in a nursing home, contact the Baltimore nursing home physical abuse lawyers at the Law Offices of Roger S. Weinberg, LLC, to arrange a free, confidential consultation.

Despite some injuries being accidental, some may reveal negligence during an investigation. For example: The facility may have failed to properly assess a care plan to prevent falls. We have compassionately and aggressively handled countless nursing home abuse and neglect cases, getting our clients answers, finding out what really happened, and preventing similar injuries from needlessly happening to other residents. Put our experience to work for you by calling 410-825-31619 or filling out this online form.

Common Physical Injuries Due to Abuse

Anyone concerned about someone in an assisted living situation should be familiar with some of the possible warning signs indicating abuse. Cases often go unreported because the patient may not be able to communicate the abuse due to physical or mental limitations, may be threatened by the abuser, or may not want to burden their families. Question any of the following injuries that are common to negligent nursing home care:

• Unexplained cuts or bruises
  • Bilateral bruises on the arms (maybe from shaking)
  • Bilateral bruises on the inner thighs (possible sexual abuse)
  • “Wrap around” bruises on the arms, legs, or torso (as if restrained)
  • Multicolored bruises (indicating injuries over a period of time)
• Sprains, dislocations, fractures, or broken bones
• Slap marks
• Bite marks
• Burns or blisters
• Multiple injuries
• Internal injuries evidenced by pain
• Traumatic hair or tooth loss
• Injuries that healed without appropriate medical care.

Common Physical Injuries Due to Neglect

Nursing home patients may also be harmed by the failure to have their needs met. While abuse is an active mistreatment, neglect is a passive indifference. Common physical injuries due to neglect include:

• Pressure sores or bedsores
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Skin rashes
• Poor personal hygiene (dirty clothing, nails, or skin)
• Untreated infections
• Unattended fractures.

Why Do Physical Injuries Happen?

While nursing home mistreatment has many causes, the majority are related to not having enough qualified employees. It can be overwhelming to insufficiently trained or inadequately supervised employees as well as for those who are unable to cope with the emotional aspects of the job. Understaffing can lead to overworked employees who take their stress out on the patients, and it can result in neglect because there is less time for individual care.

Contact Central Maryland Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Attorney Roger Weinberg for Help

Every resident of a Maryland nursing facility has a right to live a life free from physical, mental, sexual and verbal abuse. Besides the fact that it is just the most humane approach, it is also the law. The Code of Maryland Regulation states that “a nursing facility shall provide care for residents in a manner and in an environment that maintains or enhances each resident’s dignity and respect, and in full recognition of the resident’s individuality.”

If you have witnessed physical injuries that make you think a nursing home resident’s rights are being violated, contact the MD nursing home negligence attorneys at the Law Offices of Roger S. Weinberg, LLC. We are a recognized elder abuse litigation law firm that primarily focuses on holding nursing homes and assisted living facilities accountable for their negligent actions.

Our founding attorney, Roger S. Weinberg, has been a lawyer for over 30 years. He has lectured nationally on the subject of nursing home abuse and has written educational articles for the American Association for Justice and the Maryland Association for Justice. In 2001, he founded and was the first chairperson of the Maryland Trial Lawyer’s Association’s Nursing Home Litigation Section (now MAJ). Call 410-825-3161 or fill out this online form and let Roger S. Weinberg help you by evaluating your case for free. He will answer your questions and discuss with you how best to protect the legal rights involved.