Several agencies play a role in keeping Maryland nursing home residents safe and regulating these facilities, including local law enforcement, Adult Protective Services, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, the Maryland Office of Health Care Quality, and others. Depending on the circumstances, any of these organizations could investigate an abuse or neglect allegation. Sometimes, multiple agencies or groups investigate these claims.
If you are unsure what to do but have concerns about the conditions in your loved one’s facility and their safety, a Baltimore nursing home abuse lawyer can help. They can provide legal advice and guidance throughout this process. They can also recommend steps to report the abuse and ensure the correct agency investigates it.
What Agencies Investigate Nursing Home Abuse Complaints in Maryland?
In Maryland, several agencies are responsible for investigating nursing home abuse and neglect complaints. If you believe your loved one suffered abuse or neglect in their Maryland nursing home, you should consider filing a complaint with one or more of the parties listed below:
Local Law Enforcement
If your loved one or another facility resident is in immediate danger of physical injuries, dial 911. The police will respond, investigate, and take action to report the suspected abuse to the proper agency or agencies.
The Facility Administrators
Nursing home facility administrators must investigate reports of abuse or neglect. They must take them seriously and work to ensure no residents are at risk of injury or emotional distress. However, some people do not feel comfortable reporting to the facility or have already, yet the issues continue to occur. In this situation, it may be wise to seek guidance from a Baltimore personal injury lawyer.
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services exists to protect elderly and vulnerable adults. To this end, the agency investigates suspected abuse or neglect in private homes, nursing homes, and other types of facilities where these individuals live.
To report suspected abuse, call your local APS agency from anywhere in Maryland. You can also dial 2-1-1 for additional information about agencies that might be able to help.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for nursing home residents, investigates complaints, and helps resolve issues related to violations of residents’ rights. This organization is a good resource for nursing home residents who want to file a complaint or family members who are not sure where to turn after discovering abuse or neglect.
The number to call to contact an ombudsman with the Maryland Department of Aging depends on the county where your loved one lives.
Maryland Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ)
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH)’s OHCQ is responsible for licensing and regulating Maryland nursing homes and long-term care facilities. This organization investigates complaints of abuse, neglect, and other quality-of-care issues.
You can call the OHCQ or file a complaint via email at nh.complaints@maryland.gov. You can also file a complaint online: OHCQ Complaints.
Maryland Medicaid Fraud & Vulnerable Victims Unit (MFVVU)
If your loved one lives in a Medicaid-funded nursing home, you may consider contacting the MFVVU. This unit investigates and prosecutes cases of Medicaid fraud, including abuse and neglect in nursing homes.
You can report neglect or abuse by calling the Maryland Attorney General, sending an email (MedicaidFraud@oag.state.md.us), or using this online reporting form.
For a free legal consultation, call,
(888) 585-2188
How Can I Help With a Nursing Home Abuse Investigation?
Once an agency begins its investigation of your loved one’s nursing home abuse, you will want to stay in touch with the agency, investigators, or ombudsman to ensure they are making progress with the case. Your role as a family member is to support the investigation, cooperate when they need you, and ensure your loved one receives proper care and treatment throughout this process.
When possible, you can take the following steps to help support the investigation:
- Write detailed notes about any suspected abuse or neglect.
- Take pictures of any physical signs of abuse or neglect.
- Keep copies of your loved one’s medical records, especially if they show unexplained injuries, missed medications, dehydration, malnutrition, or other signs of abuse or neglect.
- Give a detailed account of your concerns and the evidence you gathered if requested.
- Encourage others to speak up if they witness abuse or neglect in the facility.
Depending on the circumstances, you may also want to relocate your loved one and/or ensure they receive necessary medical care during this time.
Can a Nursing Home Abuse Victim Sue the Nursing Home Owners or Administrators?
Depending on the outcome of the nursing home investigation, the perpetrator, administrator, or owner could face serious criminal charges. However, this may not be the best way for victims to get justice. The only way to recover fair compensation for your family’s related expenses and losses is to file a civil lawsuit against the facility and hold its operators legally liable.
Working with a nursing home abuse attorney is the best way to navigate this process while also ensuring your loved one gets the care and support they need after this traumatizing experience.
When you hire a personal injury attorney to build a case based on your loved one’s injuries, they will:
- Handle all communication with the other involved parties
- Develop a compelling argument to show abuse occurred
- Document your loved one’s recoverable damages
- Negotiate for a settlement
- Prepare the case for trial, if necessary
- Answer your questions and provide regular case updates
- Work based on contingency
You generally have up to three years to file a lawsuit under Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101. If your family decides to sue a Maryland nursing home, your attorney will manage this process, including producing the complaint and any other necessary paperwork. They will represent your loved one’s best interests and fight for justice for you.
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Talk to Our Maryland Nursing Home Abuse Legal Team Today for Free
Jenner Law represents individuals and their families in nursing home abuse and neglect cases in Maryland and throughout the country. We can help you understand your loved one’s rights and what you should do next to protect their dignity and get justice for them. Discuss your case with our team to learn how our nursing home abuse lawyers can help.
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