Justice After Fatal Negligence or Abuse in Nursing Homes
When an elderly loved one dies due to neglect or abuse in a nursing home, families face a particularly painful betrayal of trust. We place our vulnerable family members in long-term care facilities expecting they will receive attentive, compassionate care in their final years. When nursing homes prioritize profits over resident safety or fail to properly train and supervise staff, the consequences can be deadly. If your loved one died due to nursing home negligence or abuse, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim. At Dermer Law, we combine elder care knowledge with legal expertise to help grieving families pursue justice against negligent facilities. Our commitment to “Clients. Not Cases.” means we provide personalized, respectful support while fighting determinedly to hold negligent nursing homes accountable.
Nursing homes have a legal and ethical obligation to provide proper care, supervision, and a safe environment for their residents. When they breach this duty through negligence or abusive practices and a resident dies as a result, the facility can be held liable for wrongful death.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Nursing Homes
Nursing home fatalities due to negligence can occur in various ways. Some of the most common causes include:
Falls and Related Injuries
Inadequate supervision, improper transfer techniques, or environmental hazards leading to fatal falls.
Medication Errors
Administering incorrect medications, improper dosages, or failing to provide prescribed treatments.
Malnutrition and Dehydration
Failure to monitor food and fluid intake or provide assistance with eating and drinking.
Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers)
Neglecting to regularly reposition immobile residents, leading to severe infections and sepsis.
Choking Incidents
Inadequate supervision during meals or failure to follow dietary restrictions.
Physical or Chemical Restraint Injuries
Improper use of physical restraints or unnecessary sedative medications leading to death.
Wandering and Elopement
Insufficient security measures allowing cognitively impaired residents to leave the facility and suffer fatal injuries.
Inadequate Emergency Response
Delayed reaction to medical emergencies or failure to transfer residents to hospitals when needed.
Physical Abuse
Intentional harm caused by staff members or other residents due to inadequate supervision.
Infections and Disease Outbreaks
Poor infection control practices leading to preventable disease transmission.
Proving Liability in a Nursing Home Wrongful Death Case
To successfully pursue a wrongful death claim against a nursing home, you must establish that the facility's negligence directly caused your loved one's death. At Dermer Law, we help families prove:
Duty of Care
The facility failed to meet accepted standards of care through negligent actions or omissions.
Breach of Duty
The facility failed to meet accepted standards of care through negligent actions or omissions.
Causation
The facility’s negligence directly caused or significantly contributed to your loved one’s death.
Damages
Your family has suffered emotional and financial losses due to your loved one’s death.
Compensation for Nursing Home Wrongful Death Claims
While no amount of money can truly compensate for your loss, a successful claim can provide a sense of justice and financial recovery. Families may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical Expenses
Costs of emergency care and treatment before death.
Funeral and Burial Costs
Expenses related to laying your loved one to rest.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress your loved one experienced before death.
Loss of Companionship
Damages for the loss of love, guidance, and emotional support that the deceased would have provided.
Punitive Damages
Additional compensation in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
At Dermer Law, we pursue maximum compensation while also advocating for improved care standards to protect other vulnerable residents.
Steps to Take After a Suspected Nursing Home Wrongful Death
If you believe your loved one died due to nursing home negligence or abuse, taking appropriate actions can strengthen your claim:
Request Medical Records
Obtain complete copies of all facility and hospital records.
Document Everything
Gather photographs of injuries, written communications with the facility, and your own observations.
Report the Incident
File complaints with the appropriate state agencies that oversee nursing home regulation.
Autopsy Consideration
In cases where the cause of death is unclear, consider requesting an autopsy.
Preserve Personal Items
Keep any clothing, bedding, or personal effects that may contain evidence.
Consult an Attorney
Speak with an experienced nursing home negligence attorney who understands the specific regulations and standards governing long-term care facilities.
Contact Dermer Law Today
At Dermer Law, we understand the complex emotions—grief, anger, and guilt—that families experience after losing a loved one to nursing home negligence. Our team approaches each case with meticulous attention to detail, thoroughly investigating facility records, staffing levels, care plans, and regulatory compliance.
We maintain forthright communication throughout the legal process, ensuring you always understand your options and the status of your claim. We believe in accountability—both for facilities that fail our vulnerable elders and in our commitment to transparent representation.
Our attorneys handle the complex legal aspects of your case with respect and sensitivity, allowing you to focus on honoring your loved one’s memory. We are committed to not only securing justice for your family but also to improving standards of care for all nursing home residents.
If you’ve lost a family member due to suspected nursing home negligence or abuse, don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact Dermer Law today for a free, compassionate consultation. We’re here to fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
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