Jun 01, 2017
Wrongful DeathAfter an injury or illness that requires hospitalization, it is possible that an individual will be placed in a California nursing home or treatment facility until ready to return home. While a resident in one of these facilities, it is assumed that the individual will receive the care needed to recuperate and recover. Unfortunately, several California facilities have recently come under scrutiny and are now answering to complaints of wrongful death.
In 2014, a 68-year-old mother was released from the hospital after complaining of chest pains. She was placed in a nursing facility to give her the opportunity to recuperate and rehabilitate. Rather than get better, she developed pneumonia and suffered dehydration. Five weeks after being placed in the facility, she died.
This woman’s daughter has now filed a wrongful death claim against the owner of the nursing home in which her mother was placed. According to reports, the owner of this nursing home has faced similar problems in several of his other facilities. Several of these facilities have been decertified and have lost their Medicare eligibility. There appear to be questions regarding these facilities’ adherence to industry standards and regulations.
In this particular case, a patient entrusted to the care of one nursing home lost her life. Claiming that this was the fault of the facility, the daughter has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. California residents who find themselves in a similar situation may want to discuss their concerns with an attorney experienced in handling claims of nursing home abuse or neglect. Although a wrongful death claim will not undo what has already occurred, it can help to address the concerns and relieve some of the financial burden.
Source: CBS News, “Centinela West, largest California nursing home chain, accused of wrongful death, abuse“, May 18, 2017
