Why a Nursing Home Medication Error Justifies a Wrongful Death Claim

When you place your senior in the care of a nursing facility, you're doing so because you hope that your loved one will receive the care they need. Unfortunately, some hospital administrators and staff are often negligent, especially when it involves the administration of drugs. If your loved one passed away in nursing home care as a result of the administration of the wrong medication, you have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

The Effects of a Wrong Medication

Seniors are often on multiple medications, so nursing homes can unfortunately give patients medication at the wrong time. Medications can often come with harsh side effects. The dosage of certain medications is critical and administering an excessive amount of a particular medication can lead to an overdose. 

Medications can also mix poorly with other medications and can potentially be fatal. Losing a loved one is always difficult, but it is even worse if you would still have your loved one with you if they received better care.

Justifications for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

There are several reasons to seek compensation for wrongful death. The most common reason is that you will receive compensation. However, litigation serves other purposes. For example, you may inspire the nursing home to enact reforms that will reduce the risk that this will happen again. You may also make headlines and bring more attention to the issue.

Compensation for Wrongful Death

Compensation for wrongful death is different from compensation for personal injury. You did not experience pain and suffering directly from the nursing home, but instead experienced pain and suffering from losing your loved one. You may also have medical bills as a result of additional health problems your loved one might have faced as a reaction to the medication. 

Legal Representation

If you are seeking compensation for wrongful death, you'll want to speak with a lawyer who has experience both with nursing home cases and wrongful death. The lawyer will help you make sure that evidence isn't destroyed and will also help you file to the right courts that have jurisdiction over your case. You will be able to work more quickly toward a conclusion because your wrongful death lawyer will know the nursing home laws. 

Your lawyer can also attempt to determine if the nursing home gave your senior the wrong medication by mistake or if this was done intentionally. For example, some nursing home staff have improperly sedated patients, which can be lethal.

Learn more by contacting a local wrongful death lawyer. 

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