It is unfortunate, but some Chester County nursing home residents meet their untimely deaths because of injuries sustained due to abuse, neglect, or preventable accidents. Not every surviving family is aware of their legal rights or what options are available. In addition to potential criminal charges, the staff, doctors, or administrators of a nursing home could be held accountable for their conduct through a wrongful death lawsuit.
At the Reiff Law Firm, our Chester County nursing home wrongful death lawyers are committed to helping people who lost a loved one due to the misconduct of the staff, doctors, or administrators of an assisted living facility. If you believe your family member or a loved one was the victim of a wrongful death, call (215) 709-6940 to schedule a free consultation.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Chester County
Wrongful death is legally defined as occurring when a person dies because of the actions, carelessness, or negligence of another person or entity. Where a person died does not necessarily matter. In many cases of wrongful death lawsuits brought against nursing homes or its staff, the death occurs at a hospital or other healthcare facility. It is not uncommon for a resident to die due to complications from abuse or neglect at a nursing home only to have the nursing home attempt to pass the blame onto the hospital where your loved one succumbed to their injuries. Having our experienced wrongful death attorney representing your interests will help ensure the appropriate party is held accountable for your loved one’s death.
Wrongful Deaths in Chester County Nursing Homes
When a nursing home resident dies due to an intentional injury, it is devastating to surviving family members. Another common cause of wrongful deaths in nursing homes is often attributed to the negligence of the staff or administrators.
Improper Medical Care
Because residents of assisted living facilities require medical care and attention, wrongful deaths occur if they are misdiagnosed or given the incorrect medication. Some other common reasons our office files a wrongful death are listed below.
Physical Abuse
People are often shocked to hear that the staff of a nursing home would physically abuse the residents. When a staff member strikes or restrains an elderly resident, the resulting injuries could cause severe medical complications or death.
Neglect
In many cases, the abuse takes the form of neglecting to provide adequate care. This lack of care could be because the staff purposefully ignored a resident or the facility is understaffed, resulting in residents not receiving the care they need. If a resident’s nutritional needs are neglected or their personal hygiene is not looked after properly, serious complications could arise. Infections, dehydration, and malnourishment could easily cause untimely and preventable death.
Inadequate Maintenance or Safety Protocols
Older adults are liable to suffer injuries from falls. A nursing home should have protocols in place and measures installed throughout the facility to ensure the health and safety of its residents. Slippery floors that pose a danger to the young and healthy could prove deadly to an elderly resident. If your loved one suffered an injury because of a poorly maintained nursing home, the facility could be held accountable for the harm and any related consequences, including death.
Signs of Abuse in a Chester County Nursing Home that Lead to a Wrongful Death
One of the challenges in proving a wrongful death claim involving a nursing home resident is to demonstrate that the death was preventable and not caused by the resident’s natural decline in health. If you lost a loved one in a nursing home, you might not know if you have a wrongful death claim. Not every case is a clear sign of neglect or abuse. However, some indications could be evidence that your loved one suffered an untimely death.
If there was a change in your loved one’s behavior, mood, or physical appearance in the weeks or months up to their death, it could be signs that they were experiencing some type of abuse. A rapid decline that occurred after a medication change or a new prescription could indicate that a doctor made a mistake or a nurse administered an incorrect dosage. If you recall anything that appeared abnormal or strange, be sure to bring it to the attention of our wrongful death attorney.
Damages Available in a Chester County Nursing Home Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Surviving family members of a victim of a wrongful death at a Chester County nursing home are entitled to seek financial compensation from the facility, staff, or a possible third party. More specifically, a family member could recover expenses associated with medical treatment and hospital care, along with funeral and burial costs. Additionally, surviving family members could seek compensation for the loss of income contributions to their household.
Family members could also recover for noneconomic damages. For example, a surviving child could seek compensation for the loss of parental guidance or moral upbringing. In broader terms, a surviving member could recover for the loss of society or comfort the wrongful death victim provided. Our attorneys will help determine what damages could be available.
Call Our Chester County Nursing Home Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Consultation
The death of a family member is always tragic. However, when the death was preventable or caused by the negligent conduct of the staff, doctors, or administrators of a nursing home, grief is often replaced with anger. Our Chester County nursing home wrongful death lawyers at the Reiff Law Firm have represented those who untimely lost loved ones for decades. To understand your legal rights and options, call (215) 709-6940 to schedule a free appointment.
