Maryland Nursing Home Lawsuit Moves Forward

A federal judge has ruled that a landmark class-action lawsuit against the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) over missed nursing home inspections can proceed, marking a significant victory for nursing home residents and advocates for elder care reform. At KBD Attorneys, our team of experienced nursing home abuse attorneys is closely monitoring this case because it underscores a larger issue we frequently encounter: systemic neglect in long-term care facilities.

Federal Court Greenlights Class-Action Over Missed Inspections

On April 22, 2025, U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox denied the Maryland Health Department’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by five nursing home residents. These residents, all of whom have mobility-related disabilities, allege that the state’s failure to conduct federally required annual nursing home inspections resulted in significant harm, including lack of supervision, neglect of personal hygiene, and social isolation.

Judge Maddox’s decision also certified the lawsuit as a class action, allowing approximately 9,000 similarly situated Maryland residents to be represented as the case moves forward. According to the advocacy group Justice in Aging, this is a pivotal step toward holding the state accountable for violations that have put countless seniors at risk.

In his ruling, Judge Maddox stated: “At this early stage of the litigation, the Court finds the facts alleged in the Complaint sufficient to draw a chain of causation between MDH’s oversight and enforcement failures and Plaintiffs’ particularized and unique injuries and risks as mobility-impaired residents of nursing facilities.”

What the Lawsuit Alleges

The plaintiffs argue that the MDH failed to perform annual inspections on more than half of Maryland’s 220 nursing homes. In some extreme cases, facilities had gone more than four years without a comprehensive review. The complaint outlines disturbing examples of neglect, including residents being left in soiled clothing, missing scheduled hygiene assistance, and being isolated in their rooms due to lack of staff support.

One plaintiff, a 75-year-old man identified as “Herman Dressel,” had extensive mobility issues and required assistance for basic daily activities. Sadly, he passed away during the course of the litigation. While his death has not been directly attributed to the neglect outlined in the complaint, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of this population.

According to Justice in Aging attorney Liam McGivern, “When complaints are not timely investigated, it often means that they’ll never be meaningfully investigated.” Delays in state oversight often result in lost records, staff turnover, or even facility ownership changes—all of which obstruct justice for the affected residents.

Why Nursing Home Oversight Matters

Annual inspections are not bureaucratic formalities; they are essential for safeguarding vulnerable residents. When these inspections lapse, negligent practices can go unnoticed, unreported, and unresolved. The failure to uphold these standards is not just a matter of policy oversight—it is a form of nursing home neglect that may violate both federal regulations and civil rights protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

At KBD Attorneys, we frequently represent families of residents who suffer because a facility fell through the cracks of the regulatory system. Whether it’s untreated bedsores, preventable falls, or emotional abuse, we know how to uncover the truth and fight for justice.

KBD Attorneys: Trusted Advocates for Victims of Nursing Home Abuse

Our firm is built on a mission: to protect the most vulnerable and hold negligent institutions accountable. We have handled many cases involving:

• Pressure ulcers and untreated bedsores
• Falls resulting in fractures or brain injuries
• Dehydration, malnutrition, and medication errors
• Sexual abuse and financial exploitation
• Wrongful death due to systemic neglect

Our nursing home abuse attorneys work with medical experts, former regulators, and investigators to build airtight cases. We pursue both civil damages and, when appropriate, systemic reform to protect future residents.

When you hire KBD Attorneys, you get:

• Decades of experience in elder law and nursing home litigation
• Proven results with multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
• Compassionate representation every step of the way

KBD Attorneys — We Never Back Down. We Fight for Families.

If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a Maryland facility, especially in light of the ongoing inspection failures, you may have legal options. Don’t wait. Contact our team for a free consultation.

How This Affects Maryland Families

This case puts a spotlight on a long-standing issue: the fragility of the nursing home inspection system. Maryland health officials acknowledge that they are working through a years-old backlog, but for many families, progress has come too late.

The failure to conduct timely inspections means that residents could be suffering in unsafe conditions without anyone knowing. Families often don’t realize there’s a problem until it’s too late. And when records disappear or staff have left, proving abuse becomes much harder.

Contact a Maryland Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today

If your loved one is living in a Maryland nursing home and you suspect neglect or abuse—especially in light of missed inspections and regulatory delays—contact KBD Attorneys today.

We offer free consultations, and we are ready to help you:

• Determine whether your facility is under investigation
• Secure medical records and facility inspection reports
• File a lawsuit for damages and injunctive relief