Did Your Loved One Die Because of Nursing Home Negligence?
A nursing home is supposed to be the safest place for your elderly parent or disabled family member, a haven with medical care and round-the-clock supervision. You should not have to worry that your loved one's life is in danger.
If you are suspicious about a loved one's unexpected or unexplained death in an elder care facility, the law firm of Galligan & Reid has the means and the experience to pursue justice. We have held nursing homes across Iowa accountable for wrongful death stemming from neglect or negligence. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Des Moines, Iowa, Nursing Home Wrongful Death Attorneys
Many people who are admitted to nursing homes are not long for this world because of grave illness or multiple health problems. But when a parent or relative in relatively good health takes a dramatic turn for the worse, or dies from a fall or other accident, you may have your doubts.
Our veteran trial lawyers have brought successful wrongful death claims in a number of nursing home cases. We can investigate the circumstances of any suspicious death to identify how the facility may be liable:
- Dehydration or malnutrition — Did anyone chart fluid and food intake? Did your loved one need help eating or drinking? Did the facility fail to administer an IV or summon emergency medical care.
- Head injuries from falls — Was your loved one dropped by staff members? Was he or she walking without assistance despite known fall risks?
- Infections and sepsis — Did your family member have bedsores or other signs of neglect? Did the nursing home fail to transfer him or her to a hospital?
- Undiagnosed conditions — Did the staff follow up on patient complaints? Did nurses and doctors miss telltale signs of illness or acute medical conditions? When was the last time a staff physician examined your loved one?
- Failure to thrive after a broken hip — Many people enter a nursing home after hip surgery. Was the staff vigilant for signs of infection and other complications? Did your loved one fall after the surgery? Did staff follow the physical therapy regimen?
Holding Nursing Homes Accountable for Preventable Death
A wrongful death lawsuit seeks damages for conscious pain and suffering your loved one endured prior to death, as well as reimbursement of the estate for funeral expenses and hospital bills. While the damages are different than they would be for a spouse or child, surviving spouses or children of the deceased can be compensated for the loss of an elderly parent's love, companionship and support.
Our experienced and compassionate lawyers can explain your rights, conduct a thorough investigation and vigorously pursue legal action against the nursing home for its shameful neglect or mistreatment of your loved one. Our Des Moines firm handles cases throughout Iowa. Please contact us today for a free consultation.
