Errors in nursing homes are tragic. Not only can they lead to serious injury, but they can also cost the life of a loved one. Whether it is due to a medication error, slip and fall, neglect, abuse, or another form of negligence, family members can hold nursing homes accountable for their actions.
One of the more common causes of a wrongful death in a nursing home is that of a medication error. Medication errors occur during prescribing, packaging, labeling or dispensing, administering, and even monitoring in the nursing home. With so many patients to manage and multiple prescriptions, these errors are much more common than people may realize.
Nursing home lawyers can help family members if they lose a loved one because of a negligent nursing home facility or employee.
Common Nursing Home Errors that Cause Injuries
Nursing homes can be cited throughout the year for various violations of standards. Unfortunately, most errors and injuries to patients occur as a result of these violations.
The most common nursing home violations that lead to catastrophic injuries include:
- Infection Control Programs – Those in nursing homes often have ailing health and poor immunity; therefore, it is common to see them contract an illness. While common, it is the nursing home’s role to ensure that these patients are not infected by a disease due to poor control, such as gastrointestinal diseases from poor handling of food.
- Professional Standard Violations – When the facilities professional standards in terms of service and care are violated, that means they are not giving their patients proper care. Clearly, this could result in serious injuries.
- Accident Hazards – All nursing home facilities must be free of accident hazards. Sadly, slip and falls are the most common cause of serious injuries in nursing homes. One report estimates that 17,331 violations were cited in a single year.
- Unnecessary Drugs – Medication errors do happen, but sometimes nursing home patients are given medications that are unnecessary for their condition or overall treatment. When this happens, the patient can suffer other health complications and possibly death.
- Abuse – Nursing homes must carefully screen all employees and take accusations of abuse seriously. One common injury to nursing home occupants is abuse.
- Bedsores and Unsanitary Conditions – Patients that are immobile or have limited mobility should receive proper turning and bedsore prevention. When a patient develops these harsh bedsores, it can lead to secondary infections, painful ulcers, and potentially, a wrongful death.
When Does Wrongful Death Apply?
If you have a loved one that has died in a nursing home, you may wonder if your case qualifies as a wrongful death claim or not. It is important that you speak with a lawyer regarding your case. All cases are different, and sometimes a nursing home death, while a tragedy, might not be a matter of wrongful death.
Contact a Nursing Home Errors Lawyer About Your Wrongful Death Case Today
To explore your options for compensation, speak with an attorney that understands what you are going through. Contact the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld P.A. for a free consultation (561) 960-5515(561) 960-5515 or request more information online.
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