Placing a loved one in a nursing home is a decision made with the expectation that they will be treated with proper care and respect. Unfortunately, there are times when that trust is broken, and abuse or neglect becomes a reality. Families may feel uncertain about what steps to take, but legal options are available to address these situations. With the right approach, families can protect their loved ones and hold responsible parties accountable. For those seeking local support, speaking with a Baltimore, MD nursing home lawyer can be an important first step.

Recognizing The Signs Of Abuse

The first step in addressing abuse is recognizing when something is wrong. Signs may include sudden weight loss, unexplained bruises, emotional withdrawal, poor hygiene, or repeated infections. These red flags often indicate that a resident is not receiving proper care. By staying attentive and documenting these issues, families can gather evidence that may later be used in a legal claim.

Taking Immediate Action

If we suspect abuse, acting quickly is important. Families can request meetings with nursing home staff, file complaints with the state’s regulatory agencies, and seek immediate medical treatment if necessary. Removing a loved one from a harmful environment may also be required in serious situations. Swift action can prevent further harm and begin the process of addressing accountability.

Building A Case For Legal Action

Documenting everything is critical when preparing to pursue legal remedies. Families should keep records of medical conditions, take photographs of injuries, and write down conversations with staff or administrators. Witness statements from other residents or visitors can also provide valuable support. This documentation helps attorneys develop a more solid case for the resident.

How Legal Support Can Help

Legal representation is often essential in these cases. At Brown Kiely LLP, the firm handles nursing home abuse claims with a focus on protecting residents and their families. Their team also assists clients with personal injury and elder abuse cases, offering tailored support to meet individual needs. They have experience taking claims to trial when settlements are not possible, giving families confidence that their concerns will be fully addressed.

Working Toward Resolution

Families have options for pursuing justice. In some cases, settlements may be reached with the facility, compensating victims for medical costs, pain, and suffering. In other situations, litigation may be necessary to bring lasting change and accountability. Regardless of the approach, the goal is to protect the dignity and safety of those in long-term care.

Standing Up For Your Loved One

Families should never feel without options when abuse or neglect takes place in a nursing home. By recognizing the signs, taking immediate steps, and seeking legal support, we can help our loved ones receive the care they deserve. If you are facing this situation, reaching out for guidance is a critical step. The attorneys at Brown Kiely LLP are available to review your case, answer your questions, and help you move forward. Contact us today to speak with a team that understands how to protect your family’s rights.

Managing a business involves staying on top of contracts, vendor agreements, employee matters, and day-to-day operational choices. When legal disputes arise, they can shift that attention away from daily work and toward damage control. Commercial litigation brings significant disruption, not just in time and money, but in how a business operates. At Brown Kiely LLP, we’ve represented business owners dealing with contract breaches, partner disputes, employment claims, and issues involving fraud or misrepresentation. These matters affect more than just the legal bottom line—they can change how a company functions on a daily basis. If you’re operating in this region, the stakes involved in Washington, DC commercial litigation are often high and carry lasting operational consequences.

Disruption To Daily Operations

One of the most immediate effects of commercial litigation is disruption to the company’s daily workflow. When owners or executives are required to spend time in depositions, respond to document requests, or assist in case strategy, it takes time away from their usual responsibilities. Staff may also be involved, especially when internal documents, employee emails, or business records are requested. Depending on the nature of the case, customer-facing roles may be impacted, particularly when a dispute involves a product, service, or public representation.

Impact On Business Reputation

Litigation, particularly when made public, can affect how vendors, clients, and partners view a company. Even when a dispute is baseless, the perception of internal conflict or allegations of misconduct can impact confidence in the brand. Businesses often need to manage communications carefully during this time to protect ongoing relationships. For companies operating under service contracts, this can sometimes result in premature terminations or lost renewals while litigation is pending.

Cost To Operations And Future Planning

Legal fees, court expenses, and related costs can add up quickly, particularly when a case extends over time. But even beyond the direct legal expenses, there’s often a financial toll from delayed product launches, slowed project development, or withdrawn investor interest. Some businesses may need to put growth plans on hold while resources are diverted to legal matters. Depending on the circumstances, a lawsuit can also lead to stricter internal policies or a complete reevaluation of contract terms with third parties.

Shifts In Internal Management Practices

Commercial disputes can also trigger internal reviews of management practices. For example, a lawsuit involving a breach of fiduciary duty may lead to changes in oversight procedures, meeting protocols, or financial reporting processes. Similarly, employment-related disputes may require updated training policies or HR documentation systems. These shifts can be time-consuming but often result in improved operations going forward.

Why Litigation Strategy Matters For Business Health

Choosing how to respond to commercial litigation is not just a legal issue—it’s a business decision. The direction a case takes can influence long-term business outcomes. Settling early might preserve a customer relationship, while litigating fully may be the right move to protect key assets or enforce a critical contract. Either way, the strategy has operational consequences. That’s why it’s important for businesses to work with legal counsel who understand their industry, workflow, and goals.

Protecting Business Continuity During Legal Disputes

Litigation often comes at a difficult time, but the way we handle it can influence the outcome. Proactive communication with stakeholders, careful documentation, and informed decision-making can help keep a business stable while legal issues are addressed. Attorneys like those at Brown Kiely LLP can attest to the importance of aligning legal strategy with daily operations. For those dealing with commercial litigation, it’s vital to work with a team that can help maintain business continuity while addressing the dispute head-on. Reach out today to learn how we can support your business during this process.

Companies depend on well-defined contracts, shared trust, and effective communication to keep their operations on track. When one of these elements breaks down, disputes can arise, threatening relationships and financial stability. Our team has worked with businesses of all sizes across industries, and we know how disagreements can quickly escalate if they’re not addressed. At our firm, we provide thorough contract reviews and aggressive representation when conflicts become unavoidable. By helping clients pursue or defend claims related to breach of contract, shareholder disagreements, and partnership disputes, we aim to keep businesses focused on growth. These issues are central to Washington, D.C. commercial litigation.

Poorly Drafted Or Ambiguous Contracts

One of the most common causes of disputes stems from vague or incomplete contracts. When terms aren’t clearly defined or leave room for interpretation, each party may come away with different expectations. Disagreements about obligations, deadlines, payment terms, or performance standards often follow. Clear, specific contracts that lay out each party’s responsibilities are the best way to avoid future litigation.

Breach Of Contract Allegations

When one side fails to meet its agreed-upon obligations, accusations of breach of contract can lead to lawsuits. Breaches can involve missed payments, failure to deliver products or services, or violating exclusivity agreements. Even small misunderstandings can become significant if not resolved promptly, so it’s important to document performance and address problems early.

Disputes Between Partners And Shareholders

Businesses owned by multiple partners or shareholders are particularly vulnerable to conflicts. Disagreements about the direction of the company, how profits should be distributed, or decisions about hiring and expansion can turn personal. These disputes can escalate quickly, affecting day-to-day operations and relationships. Having clear partnership or shareholder agreements—and revisiting them when changes occur—can reduce the chances of litigation.

Intellectual Property Issues

Intellectual property conflicts frequently center on claims of stealing or improperly using trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, or patents. These issues can arise internally when former employees use proprietary information, or externally when competitors infringe on protected assets. Protecting your company’s intellectual property rights and respecting others’ rights is critical to avoiding expensive legal battles.

Employment-Related Claims

Employment issues like wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, or unpaid wages can lead to disputes with serious financial and reputational consequences. Written policies that comply with federal and state laws, combined with fair treatment of employees, help reduce the likelihood of these conflicts turning into lawsuits. If a claim does arise, businesses should respond swiftly and seek legal advice to limit liability.

Vendor And Client Disagreements

Disputes with vendors or clients about pricing, quality of goods or services, delivery times, or compliance with specifications can escalate into legal conflicts. These disagreements often damage business relationships that took years to build. Open lines of communication, clear purchase orders, and written agreements are key to preventing misunderstandings.

Reducing Dispute Risks

Companies that prepare solid contracts and maintain open communication are more likely to prevent disputes from turning into lawsuits. However, even with the best preparation, conflicts can still happen. That’s why it’s important to work with a legal team that understands your industry and can develop strategies that match your business goals. Our friends at Brown Kiely LLP discuss how early intervention and practical solutions can help resolve disputes efficiently. If your company is facing a disagreement or wants to minimize the risk of litigation, reach out to us today to learn how we can support your business through every stage of a conflict.

Commercial litigation refers to legal disputes between businesses or entities regarding contracts, trade practices, partnerships, and other business-related issues. These cases can involve a variety of issues, such as breach of contract, intellectual property rights, partnership disputes, or corporate governance matters. Commercial litigation can be complex and requires a deep understanding of both legal principles and the intricacies of business operations. The outcome of such cases can have a significant impact on a company’s reputation, financial standing, and future operations. Below, we explore the key aspects of commercial litigation through a series of frequently asked questions. Contact an attorney specializing in Washington, DC commercial litigation law for more detailed information about your situation.

What Is Commercial Litigation?

Commercial litigation is the process of resolving disputes that arise between businesses or organizations. These disputes can involve a variety of issues, such as breach of contract, fraud, partnership disagreements, or intellectual property violations. Commercial litigation cases may involve large corporations, small businesses, or even individuals in their business dealings. Common commercial litigation matters include contract disputes, shareholder disputes, antitrust issues, and business torts.

Businesses often face legal challenges that disrupt operations, and litigation is one way to resolve these disputes. However, litigation can be time-consuming and costly, which is why many businesses attempt to resolve issues through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution methods, such as arbitration or mediation, before resorting to litigation.

How Does The Commercial Litigation Process Work?

The commercial litigation process typically involves several stages. Initially, a business or individual will file a complaint if they believe they have been wronged in some way. After the complaint is filed, the defendant will have an opportunity to respond to the claims. Discovery follows, where both parties exchange information relevant to the case. This stage may involve depositions, document requests, and interrogatories.

Once discovery is complete, the case may proceed to trial, where each party presents their arguments and evidence. However, many commercial litigation cases are settled out of court, either through a negotiated settlement or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. If the case goes to trial, the court will issue a judgment. Depending on the complexity of the case, the process can take months or even years to resolve.

What Are Common Causes Of Commercial Litigation?

Commercial litigation can arise from many different sources. Some of the most common causes include:

• Breach of Contract: This is one of the most frequent causes of commercial litigation. A party may sue another for failing to fulfill the terms of a legally binding agreement, resulting in financial loss or other damages.
• Intellectual Property Disputes: These involve conflicts over patents, trademarks, copyrights, or trade secrets. Companies may litigate to protect their intellectual property from unauthorized use or infringement.
• Partnership Disputes: When businesses form partnerships, disagreements over business decisions, profit distribution, or business direction can lead to litigation.
• Fraud and Misrepresentation: Allegations of fraudulent business practices, such as misrepresentation of financial conditions, can lead to legal battles.
• Antitrust Violations: Companies that violate antitrust laws by engaging in anti-competitive practices may be subject to commercial litigation.

How Can A Business Protect Itself From Commercial Litigation?

There are several ways a business can protect itself from the risks of commercial litigation:

• Clear Contracts: Ensuring that contracts are clear and detailed helps prevent misunderstandings that can lead to disputes.
• Dispute Resolution Clauses: Including clauses in contracts that specify how disputes will be resolved, such as through mediation or arbitration, can avoid lengthy litigation.
• Legal Compliance: Staying up-to-date on relevant laws and regulations, especially those related to business practices, intellectual property, and labor law, is essential in preventing litigation.
• Risk Management Plans: A risk management plan can help identify potential legal risks early and mitigate them before they escalate.

Call Our Office For Legal Assistance

If your business is facing commercial litigation or you are concerned about protecting your business from potential legal disputes, it’s crucial to consult with a skilled commercial litigation attorney from Brown Kiely LLP. With the right legal guidance, you can navigate complex business disputes effectively, protect your interests, and achieve a favorable resolution. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help your business address its legal challenges.

When a business faces a legal dispute, the effects often extend well beyond the courtroom. Public perception, client relationships, and overall brand trust can all shift quickly once litigation becomes public. Even when a company is confident in its legal position, the fact that it’s involved in a lawsuit can raise questions among clients, investors, and partners. At our firm, we’ve worked with clients facing disputes involving breach of contract, shareholder disagreements, and trade secret issues, helping them protect not just their legal rights, but their reputation as well. Legal action is sometimes unavoidable, but how a business responds to it can shape public and professional trust. For companies operating in the nation’s capital, reputation concerns often influence decisions about whether and how to proceed with Washington, DC commercial litigation.

Reputation And Public Perception During A Dispute

Litigation can quickly attract attention, especially when the business is well known in its field or community. News reports, online chatter, and industry gossip can all affect how people view the company, sometimes before all the facts are known. This is especially true in disputes involving employees, customers, or other businesses. We often advise clients to be proactive in how they manage communication, staying consistent in their public and internal messaging. Even in cases where no public statement is required, internal consistency is key. Employees, contractors, and long-term partners take notice of how a business handles conflict, and their perception can shape broader community views.

Internal Morale And External Confidence

Legal disputes can impact staff morale, particularly when they disrupt daily operations or create uncertainty about job stability. When employees start to worry about the future of the business, it can impact productivity and retention. On the other hand, a confident and well-managed legal response can provide reassurance. Externally, vendors and customers may also become hesitant. They may question the stability of ongoing agreements or consider other options if they believe the company is distracted or at risk. That’s why we often focus on helping businesses maintain regular operations and fulfill obligations during the litigation process.

Trust, Credibility, And Long-Term Impact

Reputation isn’t just about short-term opinions, it can shape long-term growth. Future business deals often rely on trust, and that trust is built through a company’s track record. A business that handles a legal dispute with professionalism and transparency may earn greater credibility, even in the face of conflict. In contrast, one that mishandles the situation, delays communication, or overreacts to the legal threat may face lasting damage. We’ve seen how a well-planned legal approach combined with clear communication can help businesses maintain their reputation throughout a dispute.

Why Reputation Strategy Matters As Much As Legal Strategy

A commercial dispute isn’t just a legal issue, it’s a moment that can reshape how people view your business. That’s why we work closely with clients to address both legal and public-facing concerns. Our friends at Brown Kiely LLP discuss the value of aligning litigation goals with business values, particularly when reputation is on the line. If your company is considering or responding to a legal dispute, we encourage you to speak with a team that understands how to protect both your legal interests and your public standing.

Litigation is an incredibly wide field in law, focused on resolving conflicts between two parties.  Although a civil lawsuit is an adversarial process similar to a criminal investigation and trial, it is used when criminal violations are not involved. The litigation law firm in Washington, DC of Brown Kiely Law LLP has a 20-year track record of success in personal injury and individual as well as commercial litigation.

All individuals have the right to file a complaint and argue their case in court on their own. However, it is not a wise course of action , even if that person has legal training and credentials. Experienced litigators not only have the expertise and training to navigate through the filings and conduct any investigation that may be necessary, but they also bring an objective, outside perspective to what may be emotional issues. Although some cases are emotionally-charged (especially those involving personal injury), the court cares only for facts and figures. While a jury may be swayed by emotional factors, in the end, jurors decide a case based on what is known as a “preponderance of evidence.”

You may recall that in criminal cases, the standard is “reasonable doubt,” which is a very high standard.  Because of abuses in English criminal courts of the 18th Century, the Framers and Founders of the Constitution deliberately made the rules to favor the accused. Although innocent people are convicted from time to time, the majority of criminals are convicted on virtually irrefutable evidence.

Preponderance of evidence is a lower standard. Simply put, it means that based on the evidence presented, the court decides that the facts of the case are more likely to be true than not. In contrast, a criminal trial is decided when the prosecutor successfully demonstrates that based on the evidence, a clear-thinking and rational person accepts the suspect’s guilt with near-certainty. In addition, the verdict in a criminal trial must be unanimous; in a civil trial, a majority is sufficient. This is why O.J. Simpson was cleared of his ex-wife’s murder during the famous criminal trial but was held liable for wrongful death when her family brought a lawsuit against him.

The Best Outcome

Our litigation law firm in Washington, DC strives to avoid going to court whenever possible; indeed, most civil cases never make it to trial. Instead, the two parties reach an out-of-court settlement. This can require a great deal of negotiation and several meetings, but your attorney will do his best to make sure these are kept to a minimum. One alternative to litigation is arbitration or mediation, which involves a neutral third party. You may consider going this route if your attorney believes it is the best way to resolve your case.

Depending on the strength of your case and your financial situation, Brown Kiely Law LLP can represent you on a contingency basis. This means you pay nothing upfront; instead, your litigation law firm in Washington, DC takes a percentage of any recovery.

What Do Litigation Lawyers Do? 

Most people when they think of a litigation lawyer think of the ones in the courtroom dramas. The only thing that the dramas got right is that they are there to help you file a legal claim or defend against a legal claim. They are the ones in the courtroom who are either prosecuting or defending their client. Their job is to help guide you through filing a case or defending against one.

These lawyers help explain the process and also help you identify and inform you of any potential pitfalls or defenses the other side may use. They also won’t let you hire them if you don’t have a need for them. These lawyers don’t want to waste your time or theirs over a case that won’t get far or has no real grounds for a case.

Why Should You Hire a Litigation Lawyer? 

There are many reasons that someone would turn to hire a litigation lawyer. One of the top reasons is peace of mind. Going through a court case is stressful and it can get complicated rather quickly. Knowing that someone who has the years studying law and then years practicing can give you peace of mind. Defending yourself can get messy, and you are more likely to lose your case if you do.

Another reason is the experience. Lawyers went to school and then spend a lot of time in courtrooms They know how to speak to judges, and how to keep calm during the case. They also know how to file court documents and deal with other producers that happen. The only thing you have to worry about is being there and giving them the information they need. Navigating a lawsuit is difficult alone, and having a lawyer there can truly save you time and money.

How do You Know You Have the Right Lawyer? 

Going through the process of finding the right lawyer for you can be difficult. However, there are ways you can know that you have the right lawyer for you. The first thing that you should be doing is interviewing lawyers. Don’t settle on the first one you meet as you may not have the one that will work best with you.

Find someone that is easy to understand, takes the time to explain things in a way you understand, is responsive, and has the experience to take on your case. Don’t settle for less as that can cost you your case.

If you are in need of a litigation lawyer don’t hesitate to reach out to Brown Kiely LLP for an experienced litigation law firm in Washington, D.C. If you are unsure about what we can do to help reach out and we will talk to you about your options and how we can help you get what you deserve.

If you want to protect your business, consult with a Maryland Breach of Contract lawyer. One step businesses may take is to have employees sign a non-compete agreement. The agreement prohibits the worker from working for a competitor for some period of time. When such an agreement is breached, you may look for advice from the best breach of contract lawyer Maryland. The team at Brown Kiely LLP is experienced in such circumstances and here we offer some guidance on what to do next.

What Is a Non-Compete Agreement

The non-compete agreement is an agreement between the employee and employer. The agreement states that one party will not compete against the other within the same industry. Now, most states require these agreements to be reasonable. Additionally, the business needs to have information to protect, like trade secrets or client lists.

When the Non-Compete Agreement Kicks In

Normally, the employee has to leave the company for the non-compete agreement to go into effect. Now, in some cases, an employer might remind the employee of their obligation and agreement. If you conduct an exit interview, you can take the time to remind your former employee of what he or she agreed to. You may also remind them that you may take action in the event the agreement is violated. If he or she winds up violating the agreement, there are steps you can take, starting with a consultation from the best breach of contract lawyer Maryland.

Speak to the New Employer

If you learn that your former employee is working for a competitor, you can always reach out the business to explain the contractual obligations. This alerts the employer that the employee is violating your agreement. If you do this promptly, he or she may not hire the employee and you may not have to worry about the violation.

Cease and Desist

If contacting the employer doesn’t work, then you can send a cease and desist. This will state that the employee has violated the agreement. In addition, it will order the employee to stop work. Usually, you would hire the best breach of contract lawyer Maryland to craft this letter to ensure it’s done professionally and legally. If that doesn’t work, then you may have to go to arbitration or mediation. These processes will help stop the violation.

Litigation Process

If none of that works, then you may have to file a lawsuit. Before you file a lawsuit, you should contact the best breach of contract lawyer Maryland and make sure that you have a deep understanding of the law. Your lawyer will be able to look over the agreement to make sure that it’s enforceable.

If you have an employee that breaches a non-compete agreement, there are steps that you can take against the employee. It’s important to first discuss it with the best breach of contract lawyer Maryland to ensure you’re doing the right thing with litigation. For more information on non-compete agreements, contact Brown Kiely LLP today.

Have you arrived at a point in your career where you’re considering selling your business? If you’re about to embark on a sale of your business, you might feel overwhelmed. This is likely because you don’t know how the process works. To be a business owner is challenging, so you might not expect the sale to be easy. However, to know the challenges you’re about to face might make the whole situation run smoothly. As a leading business lawyers Maryland trusts, here’s what you should know:

The Right Buyer

As business lawyers in Maryland might explain to you, it may take some time to find the right buyer. When it comes to selling your business, you have to plan, prepare, and put forth effort into making the sale. There is no easy way to find the best price for your company. Most of your initial offers are going to be from competitors or someone who is looking for a bargain. If you want to sell the company for what it’s worth, you aren’t going to sell it right away.

Business Health

Often, one of the challenges that business owners face is keeping the business healthy during the sale. You want to keep the business afloat and successful while going through the sale of the entity. This is particularly important if the sale of your business is dependent on the viability of the company. This gets complicated because many business owners wonder why they would sell the business if they could rely on the profits. It’s important that you carefully prepare so that you can benefit the buyer and yourself. If you don’t know how to prepare, please call the business lawyer Maryland business owners trust from Brown Kiely LLP.

Sale Security

It’s important that you offer adequate security. This can be done in the form of guaranties and promissory notes. You also need to make sure that liabilities are avoided in terms of what you’re liable for with third parties. You need to be removed from all third parties, lines of credit, and tax records. It’s important to remove yourself as a liable party. You are not only selling your business, but you are selling the risk to another person or entity. If you’re in the middle of a project, consider finishing the project before selling the business. This will keep you from being liable for the project if the new owners fail.

To sell a business takes a lot of legal work and preparation. If you’re prepared to sell your business, you may want to call business lawyers Maryland recommends to help you with the more complicated aspects of the sale. After all, you are dealing with finances and legal agreements. You need to ensure that you have received the best deal and that you won’t be liable for anything in the future. Contact the business lawyers Maryland entrepreneurs and companies rely on today about your business sale.

The best Baltimore, MD Nursing Home lawyers from Brown Kiely, LLP have vast experience handling the delicate nature of nursing home abuse cases. We can imagine that as a loved one of someone who is elderly, seeing signs of abuse can be emotionally triggering and you may not be sure how to handle the situation. You can rest assured knowing that we are here to offer the guidance and legal insight that you need. We can help you get your loved one out of an abusive nursing home, while also holding the offender responsible. You and your senior loved one are in good hands with us.

Nursing home abuse can include physical, emotional, abandonment, neglect, sexual abuse, and financial abuse. Physical abuse is when a caregiver inflicts harm by slapping, pushing, hitting, or restraining them against their will. Emotional abuse may not always have physical signs, so it’s important to keep a close eye on how your loved one’s behavior has changed. If your senior relative appears jumpy, looks fearful, doesn’t talk in front of certain staff members, or isn’t acting like themselves, they may be experiencing yelling, threats, or intimidation behind closed doors by a caregiver at the facility.

The other types of nursing home abuse that our Nursing Home Lawyer, Maryland families trust can assist with include:

• Abandonment: leaving a senior resident by themselves without a care plan.
• Neglect: when caregivers do not respond to the resident’s needs, whether that be social, food, medications, physical, emotional, or access to care.
• Sexual Abuse: when a caregiver engages in non-consensual sexual contact with the resident, or forces them to watch sexual material.
• Financial Abuse: money and belongings may be taken from the senior resident by care staff, including forging checks, taking benefits, using credit cards, transferring money out of a bank account, or pressuring them to change names and information on estate planning documents.

The Targets of Abuse

We understand that talking about abuse can be really difficult. It can be even harder to imagine that your loved one is experiencing abuse. However, it is vital to your senior relative’s life to intervene quickly and with legal help before the situation can worsen. Abuse left to continue for long periods of time can result in immense pain and suffering, and even death. The targets of nursing home abuse include mostly women (but this doesn’t mean men should be disregarded), those without family or friends who visit often, and people with disabilities.

Next Steps To Take

If your loved one is suffering from nursing home mistreatment, please take prompt action without hesitation. If you aren’t sure whether this is happening or not, we can help investigate. Call our MD best nursing home lawyers in Baltimore at Brown Kiely, LLP today so the abuse can halt and offenders can be held responsible.

One of the most difficult decisions you will ever make as an adult child of an aging parent is whether or not your mother or father needs to be admitted to a nursing home facility. You may have already exhausted every other option, the nursing home being the ‘last resort’. Before entering your parent into a home, you may have researched it first by talking to references and reading reviews.  Afterward, you may have felt reasonably confident that your choice of that facility was the right one. At Brown Kiely LLP, we understand how difficult this scenario can be for family members. Call us at 410-625-9330 to speak with a compassionate nursing home lawyer, Maryland families turn to for help. Then the unthinkable happened. You now suspect the facility is negligent in the care of your parent. In addition to feeling unbelievably guilty for admitting your parent to this facility in the first place, you may be frightened for their safety and very angry at the facility’s administration for allowing the abuse to occur. What kind of action can you take? What are the legal rights of your loved one? What can you do? A nursing home lawyer in Maryland from our firm can answer your questions and address your concerns. In Need of a Nursing Home Lawyer?

The Rights of Nursing Home Residents

• If your loved one receives Medicare benefits, they have the right, by law, not to be abused verbally, sexually, physically or mentally.
• They cannot be restrained physically or chemically restrained for discipline or convenient purposes. Prescription drugs are only to be used to treat a medical condition.
• A doctor can prescribe the use of restraints but the order must include the duration and the reason for the use of the restraints. This should only be done to ensure the safety of your loved one or those around them. Talk to a nursing home lawyer in Maryland if you feel your loved one’s rights were violated in this way.

Do I, as a visitor to the nursing home facility, have any claim against the facility if I am injured while visiting a resident?

• This would likely be a result of unsafe or dangerous conditions at the property.
• A civil claim can be filed against the facility under the law of “premises liability”. This covers injuries incurred while at a facility owned and maintained by others.

What happens if my parent complains that they are being abused or neglected?

• Every state has a system that specifies how to report accusations of abuse and neglect of the elderly. They use this reporting system to investigate the allegations.
• The investigation includes interviewing your parent, family members, staff and management of the nursing home. A nursing home lawyer in Maryland from Brown Kiely LLP can review the investigation’s findings to make sure that it was handled correctly.
• If the accusation is found to have merit, adult protective services will be called in to help your parent and the nursing home staff resolve the complaint and work on ways to prevent a recurrence.

Why are abuse and neglect complaints common in nursing home facilities?

• Elderly residents are hesitant to report any abuse because they are afraid or embarrassed
• The facilities may have staff that are not trained properly or are not fully qualified
• Staff members with anger issues
• Understaffed facilities
• Residents are often isolated or feel as if they are isolated

What happens if I discover the nursing home staff is misusing my parent’s funds or property?

• This is called exploitation, or using the funds for profit or advantage. Each state defines exploitation a little differently, some specifying that exploitation occurs when the funds are gotten without the consent of the resident or they are obtained under false pretenses

A Nursing Home Lawyer, Maryland Trusts

If you suspect your parent or loved one is suffering from abuse, neglect or being exploited and you are concerned for their safety, contact an attorney from Brown Kiely. Call us today to discuss your family’s situation and how we may be able to help.