It’s estimated that nearly 1800 deaths occur each year due to elder abuse in nursing homes. When a loved one dies at the hands of negligent attendants or as the result of unsafe or poor conditions in a nursing home, most families look to the law for justice.

State law can provide remedies when nursing home residents lose their lives because of negligence, improper care or unsafe conditions. Often such claims of wrongful death and negligence can secure hefty economic damages as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

It’s important to remember that the death of a loved one in a nursing home setting has warning signs that can be spotted in order to prevent a nursing home death. However, if death does occur, a qualified personal injury attorney should be hired to investigate and litigate the matter to the fullest extent of the law.

The Role of Elder Abuse in Nursing Home Deaths

One of the chief signs that a nursing home death has occurred based on illegal practices is elder abuse. Bruises, sprains, unexplained fractures and falls, and uncharacteristic aggressive behavior may all be signs that a resident is experiencing elder abuse from a nursing home attendant or official.

When these signs appear, concerned individuals should report them immediately. Without prompt reporting and recourse, prolonged elder abuse can lead to the death of a resident.

When this happens a number of individuals can and should address the matter in court. Family members, life partners, those affected financially and even distant relatives all have a right to sue a negligent nursing home based on a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits and Nursing Home Deaths

In addition to elder abuse, a nursing home may be held liable for a wrongful death claim due to a number of other circumstances. The nursing home may fail to follow safety protocols or may display negligence in the care of certain conditions such as bedsores or other serious health matters. As these issues and conditions increase in severity, the death of a resident may result.

A wrongful death claim against a nursing home may also coexist with claims of fraud if officials attempt to conceal evidence of elder abuse or failure to properly follow or implement safety procedures and practices. Each of these issues should be thoroughly investigated prior to filing a claim.

Getting the Help You Need for Nursing Home Deaths

A nursing home death is an injustice that can be a huge burden for family members and other interested parties to bear. When families suspect that a nursing home resident has been the fatal victim of elder abuse, neglect, negligence or other forms of misconduct, they need reliable legal counsel to guide them.

The expert attorneys at Shegerian & Associates understand the complexities of such cases and are willing to fight for the right of families and concerned loved ones forced to deal with a nursing home death. If you’re in need of excellent legal services and trustworthy representation to address the death of a loved one, contact Shegerian & Associates today.