Did someone you love pass away while in the care of a nursing home? Do you suspect that abuse or neglect contributed to your loved one’s death? Consider contacting an Atlanta nursing home wrongful death lawyer for legal advice.
At Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law, we recognize that nursing homes should be places you can trust to provide a safe and nurturing environment for elderly residents. However, there are times when the trust families place in these facilities is violated, resulting in wrongful deaths.
If this sounds like your situation, call us today to speak with an Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer who can help you seek justice. We have years of experience handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases, and we’re here for you.
What is a Wrongful Death in a Nursing Home?
Wrongful death occurs when someone’s life is taken as a result of the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another person. In nursing homes, wrongful deaths can result from a wide range of issues, including neglect, physical abuse, medical malpractice, and insufficient care.
These are common factors that may contribute to wrongful deaths in nursing homes:
- Improper staffing
- Failure to monitor patients
- Inadequate training of staff
- Failure to provide proper medical care
But who has the power to bring a lawsuit on behalf of deceased family member? In the case of a nursing home wrongful death, a family member may be entitled to compensation for the loss of their loved one.
If the death was the result of abuse or neglect, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party. This often means either the nursing home as an establishment or any individuals who are responsible for the death—if not both.
For a free legal consultation with a nursing home wrongful death lawyer serving Atlanta, call
What Does Neglect in Nursing Homes Look Like?
When staff members fail to provide the care and attention that nursing home residents need, there can be serious physical and emotional consequences. Elderly individuals are often dependent on nursing home staff for basic needs:
- Nutrition
- Hydration
- Hygiene
- Medical care
Neglect can take many forms, including the failure to feed or hydrate patients properly, not administering prescribed medications, or refusing to help a resident with personal hygiene.
Malnutrition, dehydration, and untreated bedsores are just a few of the conditions that can result from neglect. These conditions can worsen over time, leading to serious complications such as infections, sepsis, organ failure, and death in some cases.
Atlanta Nursing Home Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (678) 823-7678
Recognizing Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Families should learn about the signs of abuse and neglect in nursing homes. That way, they can take action if they suspect something is wrong.
Here are common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect:
- Bruises, fractures, or cuts
- Poor hygiene, unkempt appearance, or foul odors
- Weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration
- Withdrawal, depression, or anxiety
- Unexplained financial changes or missing possessions
- Unsanitary living conditions or unsafe environments
If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing home, connect with a nursing home wrongful death law firm in Atlanta right away. A lawyer can investigate the situation at hand and determine what legal action you can take to protect your family member.
Legal Process for Nursing Home Wrongful Death Claims
The legal process for pursuing a nursing home wrongful death claim can be time-consuming, especially if you try to figure it all out on your own. However, when you hire an Atlanta nursing home wrongful death attorney, you’ll have someone on your side at all times.
A lawyer can help you understand the intricacies of nursing home laws. In many cases, your legal counsel will start the process by conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
This often entails reviewing medical records, speaking with witnesses, and gathering evidence of abuse or neglect. Once the evidence has been collected, your attorney will work to build a strong case to prove that the nursing home or its staff acted with negligence.
Compensation Options for Nursing Home Wrongful Death Cases
In a nursing home wrongful death lawsuit, the surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for various damages:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills
- Lost financial support
- Emotional distress
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the nursing home’s actions were particularly egregious or if the abuse is found to have been intentional. While no amount of money can bring back a loved one, compensation can help alleviate the financial burden.
It also serves as a form of justice for the victim who lost their life at the hands of nursing home negligence. Holding nursing homes accountable for their actions is a way to protect current residents while preventing abuse and neglect from happening in the future.
Contact Our Atlanta Nursing Home Wrongful Death Law Firm Today
If you believe that your loved one’s death was the result of nursing home abuse or neglect, give Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law a call at your earliest convenience. When you reach out to our law firm, we can provide you with legal resources as soon as possible.
We can guide you through the legal process, help you gather evidence, and advocate for your right to seek the compensation you deserve. When you meet with us, we can tell you more about our firm and how to take the first step toward justice for your loved one.
