Nursing Home Abuse in Maryland? Get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call Attorney Michael Siddons for a FREE consultation: (610) 255-7500. No fee unless we win.
Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Maryland
Nursing home abuse and neglect in Maryland is compounded by the state’s contributory negligence rule, which some facilities try to use to avoid accountability. Maryland’s growing elderly population means more residents in long-term care facilities, and unfortunately, abuse and neglect remain persistent problems. Attorney Michael Siddons fights for Maryland’s most vulnerable residents, building strong cases that overcome every defense nursing homes and their insurers try to raise.
Maryland Nursing Home Abuse Laws
Maryland law provides protections for nursing home residents through multiple statutes. The Maryland Protection of Vulnerable Adults Act allows for criminal prosecution of abusers and supports civil claims. Victims can pursue civil lawsuits under negligence, medical malpractice, and wrongful death theories. The statute of limitations is generally three years. Maryland’s contributory negligence defense can theoretically be raised but is rarely applicable in nursing home cases since residents are typically in the facility’s complete care. Maryland also requires compliance with federal nursing home regulations and state licensing requirements. The Maryland Office of Health Care Quality investigates complaints against nursing facilities.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse Cases We Handle
We handle all types of nursing home abuse cases in Maryland including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, medical neglect, bedsores, falls, medication errors, malnutrition, elopement, and wrongful death from abuse or neglect.
Compensation Available in Maryland Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Maryland nursing home abuse victims may recover medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of dignity, relocation costs, wrongful death damages, and punitive damages. While Maryland caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, many nursing home claims proceed under general negligence theories without these caps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does contributory negligence apply to nursing home cases in Maryland?
While Maryland’s contributory negligence rule technically applies, it is very difficult for nursing homes to argue that a vulnerable, often cognitively impaired resident was at fault for their own abuse or neglect. Courts generally view nursing home residents as being in the complete care and control of the facility.
What is the statute of limitations for nursing home abuse in Maryland?
Three years from the date of injury or discovery. Wrongful death claims have a three-year statute from the date of death. Claims against state-operated facilities may have shorter notice requirements.
How do I report nursing home abuse in Maryland?
Contact the Maryland Office of Health Care Quality at 1-877-402-8218 or Adult Protective Services through your local Department of Social Services. You can also file complaints online through the Maryland Department of Health.
Are bedsores always a sign of neglect?
Severe bedsores (Stage 3 and Stage 4) are almost always preventable with proper care. Their presence is strong evidence of neglect. Even Stage 1 and Stage 2 bedsores can indicate that the facility is not following proper repositioning and skin care protocols.
Can I sue a nursing home if my loved one died from neglect?
Yes. If your loved one’s death was caused by the facility’s negligence — such as failure to treat infections, bedsores, malnutrition, or falls — you can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the surviving family members.
Ready to Fight for Your Rights? Contact Siddons Law Firm today for your FREE nursing home abuse consultation. Call (610) 255-7500. We serve all of Maryland. No fee unless we win.