Close

Upper Darby Nursing Home Wrongful Death Lawyer

Table of Contents

    Having a parent or grandparent pass away while in a nursing home is a painful experience that will impact your life and your family’s lives. When you believe the death was preventable or the result of mistreatment, your grief could quickly turn to frustration and anger. You would have legal recourses if your relative was the victim of a wrongful death because of another’s negligent conduct or inaction.

    The Upper Darby nursing home wrongful death lawyers at the Reiff Law Firm have helped those who have suffered an unjustifiable loss for decades. Our attorneys and staff provide professional and compassionate representation for people looking for closure after an untimely death. Call (215) 709-6940 to schedule a free consultation and to review your legal options.

    Nursing Home Wrongful Death Claims in Upper Darby

    If your relative died in an Upper Darby nursing home, and you believe it resulted from inadequate treatment or a lack of sufficient care, you could have a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim is a civil action in the Pennsylvania court system meant to hold a person or entity responsible for their negligent or intentional conduct that resulted in a preventable death. While the conduct in question could constitute criminal behavior, a wrongful death claim is not a criminal act. While a criminal conviction or charge could improve your chances of success in a civil lawsuit, it is not required.

    Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Upper Darby Nursing Homes

    Wrongful death in a nursing home could occur for various reasons. Often, the cause is related to more than one factor.

    Intentional Abuse by the Staff

    Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a staff member to abuse the older adults in their care. This abusive conduct includes physically hitting, kicking, or restraining a resident of the facility. In other cases, a staff member will intentionally neglect to provide care or treatment. When this behavior results in or contributes to a resident’s death, the staff member could be held liable for the harm committed.

    Carelessness or Mistakes

    In other situations, the conduct is not intentional, but the result of carelessness or an inexcusable mistake. When a nursing home is understaffed or hires inexperienced caregivers, accidents, and errors occur. Carelessness is not an excuse to provide residents with a negligent level of care. If your family member died because of a mistake, it could constitute negligence.

    Complications of Neglect

    Wrongful death does not always occur immediately after the abusive or negligent conduct. Many victims who die in an Upper Darby assisted living facility suffer prolonged harm when a treatable injury or illness is permitted to worsen over time. Unfortunately, a resident’s medical complications from an injury will result in a preventable death weeks or months after the negligent behavior.

    For example, a common cause of death in the elderly is complications from a fracture. Suppose a resident’s hip was broken because of the negligence of a staff member. In that case, they could eventually pass away due to complications from a surgical procedure to treat the fracture or from the consequences of being immobile for weeks or months after the injury. If your relative suffered from any injuries before their death, they could have been the victim of negligence on the part of the facility’s staff or doctors.

    Nursing Home Maintenance

    Another common cause of an untimely death is a severe head injury. When an older person slips or falls, they can suffer trauma to their head or brain. If a nursing home does not properly maintain its stairwells, handrails or provide adequate safeguards to prevent falls, the facility could be held accountable for any injuries or deaths that occur.

    Liable Parties for an Upper Darby Nursing Home Wrongful Death

    As stated above, there are many reasons why a wrongful death could occur in a nursing home. The facts of your circumstances will determine who could be held liable for your relative’s suffering. If the wrongful death resulted from a staff member or doctor’s conduct, they could be held accountable. However, it could also be possible to hold the facility responsible depending on the employment relationship and the nursing home’s protocols.

    In some cases, third parties could be held liable for wrongful death. For example, if a resident died because the facility administered defective medication, the pharmaceutical manufacturer could be held responsible for the wrongful death. Similarly, if a resident suffered a fracture that ultimately resulted in death because of a defect in a handrail or safety system, the manufacturer or company that installed the system could be held accountable. Our experienced nursing home wrongful death attorneys will thoroughly investigate every possible cause and liable party.

    People that Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against an Upper Darby Nursing Home

    To bring a wrongful death lawsuit against a facility or staff member, you must be a personal representative of the victims’ estate. Pennsylvania law sets forth the procedures for filing a wrongful death claim, including what damages are available and how the victim’s estate would distribute them.

    In an Upper Darby wrongful death lawsuit, a person who is permitted to bring a claim is known as a “real party in interest.” Typically, these include family members, such as a husband, child, or grandchild. However, this could extend to the victim’s financial dependents, despite traditional family relationships, such as life partners. In most cases, if the death resulted in financial hardship, the person suffering the economic harm is entitled to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.

    Call Our Upper Darby Nursing Home Wrongful Lawyer for a Free Consultation

    Losing a loved one is never easy. When the death was preventable or caused by the negligent conduct of the staff or doctors of the nursing home where they resided, it is especially painful. If you believe your relative died because of the decisions or actions of the assisted living facility, contact our Upper Darby nursing home wrongful death lawyer immediately. Call the Reiff Law Firm to at (215) 709-6940 to schedule a free appointment to review the facts of your case.

    5.0/5.0
    personal injury lawyer

    ...without them I would have been lost.

    I can’t say enough great things about the Attorneys at the Reiff Law Firm. They made me feel at ease when I was going through a very difficult time in my life. Never being in a situation like this I was so unsure of where to start and how to go about the process. Justin gave me options where I thought I had none and explained everything in a way that I could understand. Justin and the team helped me arrange all of the treatment and therapy that I needed, without them I would have been lost. My attorney John went to bat for me like no one else could have, his knowledge and professionalism is unmatched. If anyone is ever in need of a team of attorneys the Reiff Law Firm is my ONLY recommendation.

    5.0/5.0
    personal injury lawyer

    ...what started as a small settlement ended $100, 000 more than expected.

    I greatly appreciate the care and compassion the Reiff Law Firm has given to my family at a very difficult time. They left no stone unturned in their investigation and what started as a small settlement ended $100, 000 more than expected. They did not give up and treated us like family.

    5.0/5.0
    personal injury lawyer

    I’m very comfortable to say there’s no better in the city.

    Before meeting with Jeffrey Reiff and Bob Szostak from the Reiff law firm I’ve consulted with a few other injury attorneys in the Philadelphia region. Difference was, these guys know their stuff! I was absolutely blown away by how compassionate and welcome this law firm makes you feel. Once signed with them I never went a single week without staying in the loop with the progress and updates these guys have on your case. Working with them for some time turned what was an injury case, into a family! From calls and meetings, to just calling in to say “hi how’s everything going” I’ve never felt like a beat was skipped. I’d recommended the Reiff law firm 100%! I’m very comfortable to say there’s no better in the city. The awards they’ve earned over the years speaks for itself! I can never thank the Reiff law firm and Bob Szostak enough for everything they’ve done, their professionalism, compassion and all of their knowledge and experience! Highly rated! Best in the city! I look forward continuing our relationship in the future. Thanks again My Reiff family!

    5.0/5.0
    personal injury lawyer

    ...I want to say that the Reiff Law Firm changed my entire life with handling of my legal case.

    As a former client, I want to say that the Reiff Law Firm changed my entire life with handling of my legal case. I was in a very serious automobile accident with severe injuries to neck and back areas. I contacted the law firm and asked what to do with the medical bills and how do I get the correct representation against the individual who rear-ended my car. In short, the firm took complete control of the case contacting my insurance company and asking for all the medical bills and legal matters be sent directly to them. I was able to get treatment from my doctor without worrying about the legal stuff. Furthermore, two years later the case was settled for a substantial amount of money. My life was much better due to the firm handling of my case. My attorneys at Reiff Law Firm are absolutely the best and I have recommended to my family friends. Thanks Reiff Law Firm.

    5.0/5.0
    personal injury lawyer

    What started out as a time for me that included a lot of doubt, questions and hopelessness has turned into one of a hopeful future.

    I highly recommend the team at the Reiff Law Firm. Both Jeff and Robert were there to guide me through a very difficult time. What started out as a time for me that included a lot of doubt, questions and hopelessness has turned into one of a hopeful future. The team at the Reiff Law Firm made me feel at ease and I had no doubts trusting them with various concerns. They kept me informed every step of the way without making me feel overwhelmed or anxious. Don't hesitate to contact them for your legal needs - especially if you want a team that has the utmost concern and compassion for their clients.

    5.0/5.0
    personal injury lawyer

    THE REIFF FIRM IS AN OUTSTANDING LAW FIRM!

    I was referred to the Reiff Law Firm by a friend who had previously been a client of the firm. My friend told me that the Reiff Firm had done an incredible job handling his case and treated him like family. My friend's recommendation was spot on. I am going to miss them now that my case is over. Attorney Reiff and Attorney Toczydlowski are excellent attorneys. They really care. They got me an INCREDIBLE RESULT. Most importantly they were there for me during some extremely dark and difficult times in my life. I highly recommend the Reiff Law Firm to anyone seeking the very best legal representation for injuries they suffered in an accident.

    Verdicts & Settlements

    $13 Million

    Auto Defect/Product Liability

    Read More
    $8 Million

    Auto Defect/Product Liability

    Read More

    Our Offices

    1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd #501
    Philadelphia, PA 19102
    Get Directions

    Get a Free Case Review

    "*" indicates required fields

    Name
    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.