What To Know About Wrongful Deaths in Nursing Facilities

Grappling with the loss of a loved one is always a heart-wrenching experience, especially when that loss could have been prevented. Wrongful deaths do occasionally occur in nursing facilities, leaving families facing grief, anger, and confusion. What should you know about wrongful deaths in nursing facilities? Rossman Law Group aims to shed light on how these incidents occur, and what legal recourse you may have.

What Is Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death is an incident in which a person’s demise is directly linked to the negligence, incompetence, or intentional harm perpetrated by another party. In nursing homes and assisted care facilities, residents can fall victim to any of the following:

• Broken bones due to falls
• Dehydration
• Improper or inadequate medical care
• Physical assault at the hands of staff members
• Malnutrition

In particular, malnutrition and dehydration are particularly concerning, as they often stem from insufficient assistance provided to residents during mealtimes.

Why Do These Deaths Occur?

A myriad of common issues can lead to a nursing home resident’s wrongful death. The nursing facility may be understaffed, or individual staff members may be unhelpful or even neglectful in the resident’s care.

In many instances, these problems are systemic and indicate broader issues within the facility or the larger healthcare system. Understanding why your loved one’s wrongful death occurred can play a significant role in preventing future deaths and holding the facility accountable.

What Are Your Legal Options?

If a dear friend or family member has suffered a wrongful death in their nursing facility, you have a legal right to seek justice. Consult a hospital negligence attorney to determine the strength of your case. If the evidence suggests that abusive or negligent treatment occurred, your attorney can help you file a lawsuit against the facility or the staff member in question.

The key to a successful wrongful death suit lies in demonstrating the negligence of the party who had a duty of care toward the deceased resident. Partner with an attorney to gather that evidence and draw a connection between the negligent party’s actions and your loved one’s passing.

What Evidence Do You Need?

To initiate a wrongful death suit against a nursing facility or an individual staff member, you must present tangible evidence that proves negligence or abuse. Examine your loved one’s medical records, secure testimony from eyewitnesses and expert third-party witnesses, and gather photographs or video footage if applicable.

An attorney with expertise in wrongful death cases related to nursing facilities can guide you and your family through the evidence-gathering process.

Vigilance and advocacy cannot be overstated when it comes to protecting your loved ones in nursing facilities. When wrongful deaths do occur, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the aftermath, but remember, you are not alone. Rossman Law Group’s hospital negligence experts will guide you through everything you need to know about wrongful deaths in nursing facilities as you build your case.