Of the unthinkable crimes that are committed in Maryland, some of the most disgusting occur with the vulnerable members of society, including those in nursing homes. Nursing home abuse is deplorable because those who commit these acts are in a position of trust. What’s more, the victims are often unable to express what is happening.

However, family members and staff members can be aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and create a front line against the mistreatment of nursing facility residents. For example, if you notice your loved one becoming suddenly withdrawn or that they have unexplained bruises, you might consider whether they are a victim of nursing home abuse.

Nursing home abuse cases can be highly complex. If you have a claim against a nursing home, you may find yourself fighting against a large company and its experienced attorneys. Many victims and their loved ones are afraid to report the abuse because they fear the retaliation that could ensue. However, you don’t have to be afraid, and you don’t have to go through this alone.

With our talented nursing home abuse lawyers, you can have allies on your side who have been through this fight before. We will shoulder the heavy burden of this complex legal issue and provide legal advice and emotional support. At our law firm, you can get answers to your questions and hope for your family. Call 866-311-8640 right away to learn more in a free case review.

What Are Some Forms of Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse comes in many forms. Like any abusive situation, the victim could suffer from physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and other painful issues. For the elderly, the abuse can lead to severe harm or even death. Victims may also experience emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of funds, and more.

Some common forms of nursing home abuse include:

• Physical abuse – Sadly, physical abuse sometimes occurs in Maryland nursing homes. While there is no excuse for such behavior, the abuse often occurs because the employee is tired and frustrated. Physical abuse includes pushing, restraining with straps or ties for extended periods of time, kicking, punching, and shoving the victim. For older people in a nursing home, recovering from physical abuse may take a long time and involve a great deal of pain and anguish. Contact our law firm immediately if you suspect your loved one of being physically abused
• Sexual abuse – Sexual abuse is often unreported because of the stigma that goes with this form of abuse. Unfortunately, many victims suffer in silence, either because they can’t communicate what’s happening or because they’re afraid to. Sexual abuse in a nursing home includes unwanted sexual touching, groping, forced nudity, and rape. Loved ones may notice certain symptoms as signs that the individual is being abused, including bruises on the thighs and genitals, sexually transmitted diseases that weren’t previously present, and unexplained depression or anxiety. If you suspect a nursing home of engaging in or permitting sexual abuse, you have a legal duty to speak up and protect the victims. Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer right away to learn more about your rights and duties in these cases
• Nursing home neglect – Another occurrence that is all too common in Maryland nursing homes is neglect. When staff members are careless in their medical services, individuals could receive the wrong dose or wrong medication, leading to illness or death. Other residents suffer from bed sores, malnutrition, and dehydration because of nursing home neglect. Contact our law firm right away for help holding negligent nursing homes responsible for the injuries they cause
• Emotional abuse – Emotional abuse is insidious because it is not readily apparent but causes a great deal of damage to victims. Some examples of mental and emotional abuse include engaging in insulting or degrading language, name-calling, and minimizing the person’s right to control their life. Nursing home residents who experience emotional abuse may feel a great deal of emotional distress, including mental illness
• Financial abuse – Financial abuse occurs when a person steals from an older person, such as a resident in a Maryland nursing home. For example, staff members or other residents may steal valuables from the person’s room. On the other hand, financial abuse also occurs within families when someone with power of attorney abuses their power and takes funds without permission. Call our legal team right away if you suspect financial abuse in a Maryland nursing home

Does Sexual Abuse Commonly Occur in Maryland Nursing Homes?

The unfortunate truth is that nursing home abuse occurs all too commonly in Maryland. While physical abuse and neglect are more apparent, sexual abuse can be difficult to detect. For this reason, sexual abuse cases are often undiagnosed and unreported. Even when the victim can communicate what is happening, they are often not taken seriously or are afraid to bring up the matter because of the fear of social stigma. Additionally, friends, family members, and nursing staff often don’t know what signs to look for that could point to abusive situations.

The good news is that the symptoms of sexual abuse are becoming more widely discussed so trusted individuals can recognize when a victim is suffering from this horrible crime. If you believe that a loved one is the victim of sexual abuse in a nursing facility, you can act now to protect them and seek justice. Your first duty should be to protect the individual by calling the police and getting them to safety. Next, you should consult with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer who can advise you on your legal rights and responsibilities.

What Actions Constitute Nursing Home Sexual Abuse According to Maryland Law?

According to the Maryland legal code, individuals in Maryland nursing homes have specific rights that must be protected. These include receiving adequate medical treatment, enjoying a positive quality of life, enjoying visits from friends and family, and living life free from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

Because the freedom from abuse and right to positive living facilities is listed in the law, you and your family have legal recourse if you or a loved one experienced abuse in a Maryland nursing home. Some actions that are considered abusive include unwanted kissing, groping, nudity, rape, and sexual assault. If you aren’t sure whether your situation constitutes sexual abuse or if you are afraid of bringing a claim, you can reach out to a nursing home abuse attorney for help. Your attorney can investigate to uncover evidence that backs up your claim and gets you the maximum compensation you deserve.

It is important to remember that the law limits nursing home abuse claims from being pursued if the incident occurred more than three years ago. This is known as the statute of limitations and is critical in elder abuse cases. Please don’t delay in seeking action if your loved one was abused in an assisted living facility. Taking immediate action can help guarantee that your claim doesn’t fall outside the statute of limitations and may be able to prevent future victims from suffering abuse and nursing home negligence.

What Injuries Does Sexual Abuse Cause Nursing Home Residents?

A nursing home resident who experiences abuse may undergo many physical injuries. These damages can cause a great deal of pain and suffering, including a long recovery and years of emotional trauma. In the worst cases, the victim may pass away because of their injuries.

Some examples of injuries caused by sexual assault in a nursing home are:

• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Bruises
• Scratches and lacerations
• Broken bones
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Loss of enjoyment of life

You can help prevent sexual abuse by speaking up if you suspect abuse in nursing homes. You can also reach out to a nursing home abuse lawyer about seeking justice through a lawsuit. Personal injury claims can lead to financial compensation for victims and their families, and they can also stop abusers from having access to potential future victims.

Call Andreozzi + Foote immediately to hold liable parties responsible for the serious injuries they cause in nursing homes. You can schedule a free consultation with our caring, capable legal team and learn more about how to move forward when you or a loved one has suffered abuse in a Maryland nursing home.

Do Abuse Victims Have Legal Recourse in Maryland?

Federal and local laws protect individuals in nursing homes from many forms of elder abuse. This includes financial abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. However, the legal process can be lengthy and complicated. Matters become even more difficult when you are up against a large nursing home with ample funds to protect their reputation.

However, you can work with a nursing home abuse lawyer to hold the nursing home accountable and protect other innocent residents who may fall victim to abuse. Our legal team will help you collect medical records, surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and other pieces of evidence to prove that you and your loved one deserve financial compensation for your injuries.

A nursing home facility should provide excellent medical care and not endanger its residents. Please take action now to ensure the law is upheld and negligent or criminal nursing facilities are held liable for their actions. Call our law office immediately if you notice physical signs of abuse in your loved one’s nursing home.

Who May be Guilty of Sexual Abuse in Maryland Nursing Homes?

One of the trickiest parts of sexual abuse cases is identifying the perpetrator. In many assisted living facilities, numerous staff members and other residents could have access to the person. Visiting family members may also be the ones engaged in abuse. Your nursing home abuse attorney can help investigate to determine who is responsible for abusing your loved one.

Some potential individuals who could be guilty of sexual elder abuse are:

• Staff members – Nursing home abuse often occurs when staff members take advantage of their access to elderly individuals in their care. Patients may be afraid to turn down the advances or unable to fight off unwanted sexual contact
• Administrative employees – Nursing home administrators have the duty to hire responsible individuals and train them adequately for the residents’ protection. If the administrators of a Maryland assisted living facility fail to vet their employees or train them, they could be held liable for sexual abuse that occurs in the nursing home
• Another resident – In some cases, a victim is sexually abused because another resident takes advantage of their easy access to that person’s living quarters
• Family member – A family member that visits the assisted living facility could engage in inappropriate sexual contact, leading to physical, psychological, and emotional injuries

No matter who sexually abused you or your loved one, you have legal rights that must be upheld. Our law firm can help identify the person who engaged in the abuse and hold them responsible for their actions.

How Much Money Am I Owed in My Nursing Home Abuse Case?

The abused individual and their close relatives may be eligible for compensation if the nursing home fails to uphold the law and protect the resident from sexual abuse. These cases involve a wide range of damages, including medical expenses, lost time at work, and the emotional trauma of such an ordeal.

While we can’t specify how much money you’ll get without meeting with you in person, we can outline some damages commonly compensated in successful nursing home abuse cases. These lawsuits typically result in economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Most people think of economic damages when considering a personal injury claim. These damages are related to actual expenses and are easy to calculate.

Some examples of economic damages in a nursing home abuse case include:

• Medical expenses, both past and future
• Lost wages from time missed at work
• Medications
• Hospitalization
• Charges for physical therapy
• Counseling for mental health issues
• Relocation costs
• Funeral and burial costs (within reason)

Non-Economic Damages

Insurance companies and even victims often ignore non-economic damages. However, these damages are crucial to making a full and complete recovery. Although non-economic damages are difficult to calculate, they are still important in a nursing home abuse claim.

Some examples of non-economic damages for nursing home abuse include:

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Wrongful death

Punitive Damages

In some cases, the nursing home facility may be criminally charged for their part in the sexual abuse. If this is the case, the victim could be eligible for punitive damages.

What Signs or Symptoms May Indicate Sexual Abuse in a Nursing Home?

Understanding the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse in nursing homes is a crucial part of ending the abuse and helping victims get to a complete recovery. Sometimes, family members are the only ones involved enough to recognize these signs and take action. If staff members and loved ones do not take notice of critical symptoms, the abuse could go on unabated.

Some examples of signs and symptoms of nursing home sexual abuse are:

• Bruises on the victim’s thighs and genitals
• Foul odors
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss
• Sudden, unexplained depression or anxiety
• New, unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
• Increased panic attacks
• Withdrawal from social interactions
• Torn or bloody clothing

Please don’t hesitate to act if you notice any of the above in a Maryland assisted living facility. You should notify the authorities, ask questions at the nursing home, and consult with a nursing home abuse lawyer like those at Andreozzi + Foote. We will help seek justice and protect your loved one from being a victim of further abuse.

What Actions Should I Take if My Loved One is a Victim of Nursing Home Abuse?

Knowing when the abuse is happening is half the battle. When a family member suspects abuse, they also need to know where to turn and how to act to get their loved one to safety and hold the abuser responsible. You should know that sexual abuse in a nursing home is illegal and that you have several options to protect the victim and recover financial compensation.

Please take the following steps if you suspect sexual abuse in your loved one’s nursing home:

• Notify the police
• Ask the nursing home administrator to address the problem
• Collect evidence, including photos of the victim and eyewitness testimony
• Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer for legal representation

Bringing sexual abuse allegations against a large company can be intimidating. A nursing home abuse attorney is an excellent ally as you confront this challenge. Your elder abuse attorney can provide emotional and legal support as you fight to hold negligent nursing homes accountable for the abuse that goes on within their walls. A lawyer can also help find a suitable new home for your loved one and fight for the financial compensation you and your family deserve.

What Is Maryland’s Statute of Limitations for Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home residents in Maryland are protected by laws that prohibit abuse of any kind in assisted living facilities. However, victims have a limited amount of time to seek compensation. In Maryland, the statute of limitations prevents victims from bringing a claim if the action occurred more than three years prior.

Taking legal action can be complicated. The legal process often takes months or even years as both sides try to negotiate terms. If the matter goes before a judge, it can get even more complicated and expensive. Acting quickly to start the process early is crucial in recovering the funds you need to compensate for lost time at work, medical bills, and more.

Reach out to our nursing home abuse lawyers immediately to learn how we can help in a free case review. You can trust our compassionate legal team to give you honest advice and stand by your side no matter what obstacles arise during the legal process.

Do I Need to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Nursing Home Abuse?

Taking on a legal battle can be overwhelming and scary. On the other hand, turning a blind eye to sexual abuse in nursing homes is not an option. When you suspect that sexual abuse is occurring in your loved one’s nursing home, you need counsel and support from someone who understands what you’re going through and how the laws apply in your case.

When you hire a personal injury lawyer, you get a trained professional in your corner. This can take a huge burden off your shoulders, allowing you and your loved ones to focus on resting and recovering from this ordeal. You can put your attention to getting the abused victim into a safe situation and helping them make a complete physical and emotional recovery.

Some other benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer include:

• Legal advice based on years of handling nursing home abuse claims like yours
• Negotiating power with the insurance company
• Confident representation if the case goes to trial
• Help holding liable parties responsible for the nursing home abuse
• Protection in case the nursing home retaliates against you
• Legal assistance in handling the nuances of the case, such as collecting evidence, dealing with insurance agents, and submitting the claim

Don’t delay in taking action with so much at stake. Call our law firm for emotional support and legal counsel at this challenging time.

Why is Your Law Firm Unique?

The law firm of Andreozzi + Foote is unique from other personal injury firms in the area. We solely handle sexual assault cases where the liable party is a large organization, which is not common among many legal practices. This focus gives us a wide range of experience within a very narrow field, allowing us to handle the most complex sexual abuse cases confidently. Our proven record of success shows that we are capable of taking on your case.

You can also rely on our legal team for compassionate service that goes above and beyond what you’d get from many other law firms. We treat our clients like valued individuals, not just case numbers. We understand that your case represents deep suffering, and we promise to use our knowledge, skill, and experience to get the best results possible in your case.

We are prepared to hold nursing homes and other large organizations responsible for the damage they cause when they allow sexual abuse to continue unabated. Please get in touch with us immediately for a free case review regarding your unique circumstances.

What Is Your Approach When Defending Victims of Nursing Home Sexual Abuse?

Our team of nursing home abuse lawyers is one of the nation’s leading law firms representing abuse victims. We believe that our success comes from caring about individuals, and we apply this principle in each and every case. We treat abuse survivors with dignity and respect so we can be a place of safety in a world of confusion.

Each client has different backgrounds and goals, so we take the time to ask meaningful questions to understand where that person is coming from and what their ideal results would be. We then align our legal strategy to match their idea of justice, working tirelessly to meet that client’s needs and expectations. We provide honest answers and realistic views to give victims and their families an idea of what to expect during the legal process.

Our law firm leaves no stone unturned as we manage complex sexual abuse cases, including sexual assault in nursing homes. We will leverage our skill, honesty, and dedication to get you and your family the results you need.

Will Your Attorneys Fight for Me and My Loved One in a Sexual Abuse Case?

You can count on the legal team at Andreozzi + Foote to represent you with confidence and determination. We are renowned for our aggressive legal representation and compassion for our clients. We believe that abuse survivors deserve justice, and we stop at nothing to get the results our clients need.

We believe that our success can be measured by the legal and emotional outcomes our clients enjoy. We will not rest until we have applied every strategy possible to seek justice and recover the losses you and your family have experienced. Our approach involves honed negotiation techniques to get results without going to court, if possible. We don’t compromise on results but fight fiercely for our client’s best interests.

Our team comprises talented litigators, so if your case goes to trial, we will be there for you. We will handle your case with confidence and dedication both in and out of the courtroom. Moreover, we charge on a contingency basis, so you won’t pay us a thing unless we win. Please don’t go it alone with so much at stake. Call today for a free case evaluation.

Should You Hire Our Maryland Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer?

When your loved one has been subjected to sexual abuse at a nursing facility, you can’t waste any time in taking action. Please report the issue immediately and act quickly to get your loved one to safety. Once the person is in a safe situation, you should protect your legal rights by consulting with the trusted nursing home abuse lawyers at Andreozzi + Foote.

We hold negligent nursing home facilities and other organizations liable for damages caused by sexual abuse. We are proud to help abuse survivors find healing, justice, health, and full financial recovery. Many of our clients are relieved to finally have someone who will listen and take action on their behalf.

You can trust our team of nursing home abuse attorneys to stand as strong allies in your corner. We will apply our knowledge, experience, and skills to get you the results you and your family deserve. Don’t think that you have to live with the emotional and physical pain of nursing home abuse/neglect. You can speak up and recover your dignity and sense of worth.

Call 866-311-8640 to schedule your free case review today!