Coping with the death of a loved one is always difficult, especially if their death was possibly preventable. If a nursing home was caring for your loved one at the time of their death, it is possible another party could be partially responsible. While not every nursing home death is preventable, in some cases, improper care, medical mistakes, abuse, or neglect are factors in the tragic passing of nursing home residents. Wrongful death victims’ families are sometimes entitled to compensation.
If you would like to find out whether you have a case for compensation, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to see how a Detroit death lawyer can help you at (800) 842-6336.
Nursing Homes Must Give Your Loved One Proper Care
Life in a nursing home can serve as a wonderful option for adults who need help with their medical needs and daily life. Trained aides work around the clock to provide specialized care for each resident at nursing homes. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are over 15,000 facilities and approximately 1.3 million residents.
But not every nursing home resident has a good experience. Sadly, abuse and neglect are all too common occurrences. This can endanger your loved one and, in tragic cases, could even lead to death. There are many ways in which abuse or negligence can contribute to a wrongful death. Understanding these factors is important if you think the death of your loved one was preventable.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim on Behalf of Your Loved One
While many nursing home deaths are due to natural causes, sometimes preventable factors contribute to the loss of a life. The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) estimates that as many as 10% of elderly adults over 65 years old are the victims of abuse during any given year. This does not take into account unreported cases, meaning this already alarming number could be even higher in reality. Sometimes abuse or neglect can be fatal. While a settlement cannot change the pain and suffering you are experiencing, it could help with your financial obligations following your loved one’s passing.
A wrongful death claim is a filing against a party whose irresponsible or potentially criminal conduct contributed to the death of another individual. Whether intentional conduct or accidental circumstances lead to the death of your loved one in a nursing home, another party could be liable for your suffering.
You may have even noticed unusual signs that something was wrong prior to the death of your loved one. It is important to consider if you noticed suspicious behavior, as this could be an indicator that another party was involved.
For a free legal consultation with a Wrongful Death Lawyer serving Detroit, call (800) 794-0444
Signs of Abuse or Neglect
If you noticed any of the signs or symptoms of abuse or neglect prior to your loved one’s death, another party could have been involved in your tragic loss:
- Signs of injury such as unexplained bruises, cuts, scrapes, or injuries
- Fear or complaints about a particular caregiver or person working at a nursing home facility
- Personality changes, unkempt appearance, or decrease in personal hygiene
- Loss of appetite
- High staff turnover at a facility
- Unanswered phone calls or staff avoiding questions
- Poor training or indications of incompetence among staff
- Lack of supervision
- Mistakes in medication administration
It is the responsibility of your loved one’s nursing home to provide the highest possible standard of care for all residents, in accordance with the Nursing Home Reform Act, a federal law. If your loved one was abused or neglected in a way that put their health in danger and possibly contributed to their death, you could have grounds for legal action. To learn more about what you and your family can do next, contact the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
Detroit Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Determining Liability
An important factor in the outcome of death cases is determining who was at fault. There are several potentially liable parties, including a caregiver, another staff member, another resident, a visitor, and the facility itself. In most cases, the facility itself will share liability as it had a duty to protect your loved one from abuse or neglect and failed to do so.
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Recoverable Compensation
Successful claims can lead to settlement money as you cope with the tragic, unfortunate loss of your loved one. There are several factors that can affect the outcome of a case and the compensation for family members. Because every situation is unique, it could be beneficial for you to discuss your case with the office of a Detroit death lawyer.
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Understanding Your Legal Options
When you made the difficult decision to place your loved one in a nursing home, you and your family put their well-being in the hands of others. While you deserved to be able to trust that your loved one was taken care of, this sadly may not have been the case. Nothing can change the past. However, remember that you could have legal options available to seek justice for a brighter tomorrow.
If you want to learn more about how to file a claim, a member of our team can help you understand and evaluate your legal options to make an informed, educated decision that is right for you. Call (800) 842-6336 today to learn more about how a Detroit death lawyer can help you during a free, no-obligation consultation with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
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