Losing a loved one is always difficult, but when their death is the result of nursing home negligence, the grief is compounded by anger and unanswered questions. Nursing home residents rely on caregivers for their daily needs, medical attention, and safety. When facilities fail in their duty of care, fatal consequences can occur. At Michael Hill Trial Law, we fight to hold negligent nursing homes accountable and seek justice for families who have lost loved ones due to wrongful death.

What Constitutes a Wrongful Death in a Nursing Home?

Wrongful death occurs when a resident’s passing is caused by negligence, abuse, or neglect. This means the facility or its staff failed to provide adequate care, resulting in fatal consequences. Common causes of wrongful death in nursing homes include:

• Medical Negligence: Failure to provide timely medical care, misdiagnoses, or medication errors.
• Neglect: Poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, and lack of basic care leading to preventable conditions.
• Falls and Injuries: Unsafe premises, lack of supervision, and failure to assist residents with mobility can result in deadly falls.
• Bedsores and Infections: Untreated bedsores, sepsis, or respiratory infections can escalate to life-threatening conditions.
• Physical or Emotional Abuse: Intentional harm or prolonged mistreatment by staff or other residents.

Recognizing Signs of Wrongful Death

In many cases, families are unaware that their loved one’s passing may have been preventable. Some warning signs that could indicate wrongful death include:

• Sudden, unexplained deterioration in health.
• Significant weight loss or signs of malnutrition.
• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or fractures.
• Frequent infections or untreated medical conditions.
• Lack of communication from the facility regarding health changes.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In most states, the following individuals may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit:

• Spouse or domestic partner of the deceased.
• Children or grandchildren of the deceased.
• Parents or siblings, if no direct dependents exist.
• Estate representatives acting on behalf of the deceased’s beneficiaries.

If you suspect that nursing home negligence led to your loved one’s death, seeking legal counsel is crucial to understanding your rights.

Proving Negligence in a Wrongful Death Case

To establish a wrongful death claim, our legal team investigates:

• Medical Records: Reviewing diagnoses, treatments, and physician reports.
• Staff & Facility Practices: Examining training, staffing levels, and protocols.
• Incident Reports & Surveillance Footage: Identifying possible neglect or abuse.
• Expert Testimonies: Consulting with medical professionals and elder care specialists to establish a breach of duty.

Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case

Families who file a wrongful death lawsuit may seek compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Costs related to treatment before death.
• Funeral & Burial Costs: Expenses associated with laying their loved one to rest.
• Pain & Suffering: Compensation for the emotional trauma endured.
• Loss of Companionship: The emotional and financial loss of a loved one.
• Punitive Damages: Additional penalties for gross negligence or intentional harm.

How Michael Hill Trial Law Can Help

At Michael Hill Trial Law, we understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one. However, holding nursing homes accountable ensures that other families do not suffer the same tragedy. Our legal team provides:

• Comprehensive Investigations to uncover negligence and wrongdoing.
• Strong Advocacy to fight against corporate legal teams protecting negligent facilities.
• Compassionate Support to help families through the legal process with care and understanding.

Case Example: Fighting for Justice

One of our clients, Margaret, lost her father due to untreated infections in a nursing home. Despite repeated complaints from the family, staff failed to provide necessary medical attention, leading to fatal sepsis. Through our investigation, we uncovered chronic understaffing and record falsifications, which resulted in a significant settlement for the family and forced the facility to implement stricter patient monitoring policies.

Take Action Today

If you believe your loved one’s death was due to nursing home negligence, do not hesitate to seek justice. The legal process can be complex, but our team at Michael Hill Trial Law is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward holding negligent nursing homes accountable.