Nursing Home Abuse Leads to Wrongful Death

(Newswire.net — January 14, 2016) Philadelphia, PA — The death of a resident at a physical rehabilitation facility is at the center of a major lawsuit. The plaintiffs allege that the deceased, an elderly man, was not properly monitored or cared for and that these factors led directly to his death. They have hired Ginsburg & Associates to represent them in court.

The Dangers of Elderly Falls

Elderly individuals can be particularly vulnerable to falls. Age often weakens the bones, which means that such falls can result in serious injury or death. Factors associated with advanced age, like exhaustion or disorientation, can also make falls more likely.

A fall can occur in an instant. It is for this reason that care centers are obliged to constantly monitor their residents. Rooms must be arranged to minimize the risk of these and other potentially injurious incidents. Failure to do so can be considered negligence, and the nursing home may be held liable in court.

Nursing homes are established to provide round-the-clock care to their residents. This may be because the resident’s family lacks the time or money to provide proper care. Nursing home negligence occurs when the care providers fall short of their responsibility. Examples may include lack of proper treatment, or a failure to maintain safe premises. Such negligence can be considered a form of nursing home abuse.

In this particular case, the facility understood that the resident was at risk for falls. Procedure dictated that he be placed in a room that met certain safety standards. The plaintiffs believe that the facility failed to meet this need and that this makes them liable for the resident’s death.

The Issue of Wrongful Death

Wrongful death lawsuits are typically filed by the family members of the deceased. The purpose of these lawsuits is to allow living victims to receive compensation that they can use to support themselves while coping with the loss. A lawsuit can also provide a sense of closure.

In this particular case, the lawsuit emphasizes the responsibilities that all care facilities have towards their residents.