It can be difficult to place a loved one into a nursing home. In most cases, family members do that as a last resort when they cannot provide care to family members. Nursing homes are expected to provide a high level of care to their residents.
However, many nursing homes fail in their duties. It is not uncommon for nursing homes to neglect their patients, who may then ultimately pass away as a result of the neglect. Preventing premature deaths in nursing homes is not difficult. If a premature death happens as a result of poor treatment, it is critical that the nursing home be held accountable for their actions.
Nursing home residents have common issues that can hasten their deaths. If a nursing home resident is not receiving proper nutrition or hydration, the resident’s existing medical issues can worsen, or they may face new issues. Bedsores are another condition that is very preventable. Bedsores don’t often cause death, but they can be extremely painful and can cause infections. Nursing homes often try to hide bedsores rather than preventing and treating them. In severe cases, a resident could die from an infection caused by the bedsore.
Another common problem in nursing homes is issues with medication. Nursing homes are often understaffed. The employees in charge of prescribing the medications or giving them to residents may be rushed. Patients may not know what they are taking, and they could receive the wrong medication entirely or the wrong dosage.
If a nursing home resident’s death is the result of an intentional act or negligence, the individual’s family has the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the wrongdoer. Call me, Los Angeles nursing home malpractice attorney Conal Doyle at 310-385-0567. I can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation on your case.