Many people in Baltimore entrust the care of their loved ones to nursing homes, with the anticipating that they will receive attentive care. Sadly, many nursing home residents are neglected, and such neglect often results in significant bodily injuries. When it does, it often constitutes grounds for pursuing malpractice claims against the nursing home. In a recent Baltimore nursing home malpractice case, a jury delivered a substantial verdict for the plaintiff, demonstrating that nursing homes will be held accountable for the harm they cause. If you or a loved one sustained injuries due to the carelessness of a nursing home, it is wise to confer with a Baltimore medical malpractice attorney regarding your rights.
The Case Against the Baltimore Nursing Home
Reportedly, a Baltimore City jury awarded damages in the amount of $1.5 million to a deceased Baltimore nursing home resident’s estate in a negligence and medical malpractice lawsuit. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff, represented by the personal representative for the estate, against the nursing home, alleging negligence in the care and treatment of the deceased individual, which led to his death.
Allegedly, the complaint stated that the resident died from a bone infection caused by pressure wounds that developed due to the nursing home staff’s failure to turn and reposition him, resulting in a stage 4 pressure ulcer. The complaint also highlighted staffing concerns and allegations of negligence, including the failure to treat the resident’s wounds and implement safety precautions. The nursing home denied the allegations, attributing the resident’s health conditions to the pressure ulcer and subsequent death, but the jury ultimately rejected their arguments, finding in favor of the plaintiff.
Elements of a Nursing Home Malpractice Case
To establish a nursing home malpractice case in Maryland, certain essential elements must be demonstrated. These include establishing that the nursing home owed a duty of care to the resident, which is typically established upon the acceptance of responsibility for the resident’s care. It must be shown that the nursing home breached this duty by failing to provide an adequate standard of care, which could involve acts of negligence such as inadequate staffing or neglecting the resident’s needs.
Moreover, there needs to be a clear link between the nursing home’s breach of duty and the harm suffered by the resident. This harm may encompass physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, and other losses. Additionally, it is essential to illustrate that the nursing home failed to meet the standard of care expected in the industry, comparing its actions to what a reasonable and prudent nursing home would have done. Finally, it must be established that the harm suffered by the resident was reasonably foreseeable based on the nursing home’s actions or omissions. This element emphasizes the nursing home’s awareness or should have been aware of the risks associated with its conduct.
Meet with a Capable Maryland Attorney
Nursing homes, like all Maryland healthcare providers, have a duty to abide by the applicable standard of care, and if they neglect to do so, thereby causing their residents harm, they should be deemed responsible for any losses incurred. If you or someone you love suffered injuries due to the negligence of a nursing home, it is smart to meet with an attorney as soon as possible. The capable Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at Arfaa Law Group possess the skills and resources needed to help you seek a just outcome, and if you hire us, we will work tirelessly on your behalf. To arrange a conference, you can reach us through our online form or by calling (410) 889-1850.