Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in La Plata

Discovering that a loved one may be experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing home is deeply troubling. You might feel overwhelmed, angry, and uncertain about how to protect them.

At Jenner Law, we understand the gravity of these situations and are here to offer the compassionate legal support you need.

Our La Plata personal injury lawyers are dedicated to seeking justice for your family member and ensuring that their rights are respected. Call our injury law firm today for a free consultation.

You Only Have Three Years to File a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit

When you suspect nursing home abuse, time is of the essence. Each state has its own deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, which dictate how long you have to file a lawsuit.

Maryland law gives you three years from the date you discover the abuse to take legal action (Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. Code § 5-101). This limited window underscores the importance of contacting a nursing home abuse lawyer swiftly to protect your loved one’s rights and well-being. Jenner Law is ready to help you navigate these timelines and ensure that your case is filed promptly.

For a free legal consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer call,
(888) 585-2188

How Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At Jenner Law, our commitment is to you and your family. Our nursing home abuse attorneys in La Plata bring decades of experience to your case, combining deep legal knowledge with a compassionate understanding of the challenges you face.

We are dedicated to holding abusers and negligent facilities accountable, using our skills and experience to build a strong case on your behalf.

Our approach is personalized; we know that each situation is unique. By focusing on your individual needs, we ensure that the strategy we develop is tailored to your family’s circumstances.

Whether it’s gathering evidence, negotiating with care facilities, or representing you in court, our team is by your side every step of the way. Our promise to you is clear: we know how to win, and we’re prepared to fight for the justice your loved one deserves.

You Don’t Pay Us Anything Upfront for Our Help

We know that you don’t need any more expenses or surprises right now. That’s why, at Jenner Law, you don’t pay anything upfront. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means our fees are contingent upon the outcome of your case.

You only pay if we secure compensation for you and your family. This policy allows you to pursue justice without the added stress of immediate legal fees, ensuring that your focus remains on the well-being of your loved one.

Click to contact our La Plata Personal Injury Lawyers today

The Five Types of Elder Abuse

Nursing home abuse can manifest in various forms, each harmful in its own way. It’s crucial to recognize these types to protect your loved ones:

Physical Abuse: Physical abuse is any physical contact that intends to do harm. This includes biting, pinching, punching, kicking, hitting, slapping, burning, unnecessary restraints, and a refusal to give a resident food, water, or medicine.
Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse is conduct that intends to do emotional harm. Emotional abuse can include isolating, humiliating, threatening, or harassing a resident.
Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse is any non-consensual sexual contact, such as forced nudity, non-consensual touching, rape, or forcing a resident to watch pornography.
Financial Exploitation: Financial exploitation is taking advantage of an elderly person’s vulnerability and stealing their money or getting them to change a will or power of attorney.
Nursing home neglect: Neglect can be intentional or unintentional. Examples include failing to give residents their food, water, or medication, failing to change bed sheets, failing to regularly move patients to avoid bedsores, and accidentally isolating residents.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

What Signs of Nursing Home Abuse Should I Look Out For?

Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved ones. As stated above, abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or due to neglect, and it often goes unnoticed because the elderly may be unable or unwilling to report it. Here are detailed indicators to help you identify potential abuse.

Physical Abuse

Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
Frequent injuries, with the explanation of “accidents”
Signs of restraint, such as marks on wrists or ankles
Broken bones or sprains

Emotional Abuse

Withdrawal from normal activities or unusual changes in behavior
Sudden fear or anxiety, particularly around certain staff members
Reluctance to speak in the presence of caregivers
Unexplained depression or isolation

Sexual Abuse

Bruises around breasts, genitals, or thighs
Unexplained sexually transmitted infections
Torn, stained, or bloody underwear
Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding

Financial Exploitation

Sudden changes in bank account balances or financial documents
Unauthorized withdrawals of money or transfers
Items or cash missing from the senior’s room
Sudden changes in wills or other financial documents

Neglect

Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor personal hygiene
Unsanitary living conditions, such as soiled bedding or dirty clothes
Malnutrition or dehydration
Being left dirty or unbathed

Signs of Overmedication or Undermedication

A resident appearing overly sedated or groggy
Noticeable decline in cognition not associated with a diagnosed condition
Medication not being administered as prescribed

Awareness and recognition of these signs are the first steps toward taking action against abuse. If you notice any of these indicators, it’s important to document what you see, speak with your loved one if possible, and seek professional advice to determine the next steps.

What to Do If You Think Your Loved One Is Being Abused

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, taking immediate and informed action is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure that you respond effectively:

Document the Evidence: Keep a detailed record of all signs and instances of abuse. This includes taking photographs of any physical injuries, documenting your loved one’s accounts of abuse, and noting any sudden changes in their financial situation or emotional well-being.
Talk to Your Loved One: If possible, speak directly with your loved one about your concerns. It’s important to do this in a safe and private setting where they can feel secure to express themselves openly.
Report to the Facility: Inform the nursing home administration about your concerns. They are required by law to investigate and address complaints of abuse.
Contact the Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman: The Ombudsman program is designed to advocate for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities, and similar adult care facilities. They provide a valuable resource for addressing concerns about the quality of care or treatment from any long-term care facility. You can contact them to help resolve the situation and investigate the facility.
Call a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney: An attorney can provide guidance on how to proceed safely and legally, ensuring the protection of your loved one’s rights and well-being. At Jenner Law, our nursing home abuse lawyers in La Plata can help navigate these complex situations and offer the support needed to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Taking these steps can help protect your loved one from further harm and ensure that those responsible for the abuse are held accountable.

Learn More About What Our La Plata Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Can Do for Your Loved One

At Jenner Law, we are not just attorneys; we are advocates for the vulnerable and the wronged. If you suspect nursing home abuse, do not hesitate to seek help. Our team is ready to defend your loved one’s rights and ensure they receive the justice and care they deserve.

Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form