It's never an easy decision to place a loved one in a nursing home. Unfortunately, many people are left with little choice once their family member's condition has deteriorated past the point where home-based care is a viable option. Although nursing homes assure family members that their loved one will receive the very best care, patients are often neglected or actually abused. In fact, you don't have to look further than your television to find current examples of elder abuse committed by the very nursing homes that we've entrusted with the care of our most fragile loved ones.
If you suspect neglect, it can be hard to prove because your family member may not be able to tell you what's happening. When visiting your disabled family member, look closely for signs of neglect including unexplained bruising, bed sores, weight loss, or unexpected mental deterioration. Keep in mind that some neglect will be hard to detect because the staff will almost always act differently when a family member is present. Some family members have even resorted to leaving behind recording devices to prove their case in extreme situations.
Both the owners of nursing homes and their staff are held to high standards when it comes to caring for the elderly and the disabled. When they fail to fulfill their responsibilities, it may be due to medical malpractice. Unfortunately, this happens all the time and our loved ones are left to pay the price. If you suspect that your loved one has been neglected in their nursing home, contact the Baltimore medical negligence lawyers today. The attorneys at our law firm will review the records and investigate the situation to help you determine if your loved one has been a victim of nursing home malpractice. If they find this to be the case, they will seek justice for your family member and take steps to make sure that this tragic course of events doesn't turn any other patient into a victim.