What Should I Do if I Suspect Neglect Led to Death in a Nursing Home?

It can be very shocking to learn that a loved one has passed away while residing in a nursing home, particularly if the death was unexpected. However, the loss can be all the more traumatic if you suspect that neglect by staff members led to your loved one’s death. All too often, the missteps or poor care provided by staff members can lead to medical conditions such as bedsores, dehydration, or abrasions, some of which can turn deadly. Medical neglect, such as allowing sores and cuts to become infected, also can occur in the context of a nursing home.

In the state of Wisconsin, you should contact the Division of Quality Assurance or the Office of Caregiver Quality through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services about possible nursing home neglect. Wisconsin also has a Long Term Care Ombudsman whom you can contact with your concerns. There is also a helpline in every county through which you can make a report of neglect of an elderly nursing home resident.

You also should have a frank and detailed discussion with the physician who most recently treated your loved one or the coroner who responded to your loved one’s death. You have the right to ask for a copy of your loved one’s medical records, as well as any incident reports that the nursing home completed throughout your loved one’s residency. Similarly, you should document the medical condition of your loved one at the time of death, as well as the events that occurred just prior to the death. Make a list of all regular caregivers involved with your loved one prior to his or her death.

The nursing home neglect lawyers of Boller & Vaughan pride themselves on advocating on behalf of clients who have been neglected in some way while residing in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or other similar institution. We can seek compensation for you through the wrongful death claim process, while you and your family can concentrate on healing, recovering from any trauma that you and your family might have experienced, and moving on with your lives. Don’t hesitate to call our office today and learn how we can help.