Nursing Home Abuse Can be Fatal

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Nursing Home Abuse Can be Fatal

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Nursing home abuse is a growing problem in the United States, and many people learn that their loved ones suffered injuries at the hands of abusive nursing home staff or other residents. However, some families receive even more tragic news – that their loved one died due to preventable injuries. 

Of course, most nursing homes will not readily admit that the resident died due to abuse. Instead, they might try to provide another reason to cover up what truly happened. If you are suspicious about why your loved one passed away, discuss the matter with a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer right away. 

Types of Fatal Abuse

Nursing home abuse takes many forms, including verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. While all forms of abuse are extremely harmful to residents, physical abuse is the most likely to result in fatalities. Specifically, the following types:

Pushing or striking – While you might not think that simply pushing or hitting someone would be fatal, the circumstances are very different when it comes to older adults who might not be as strong or balanced. Often, the slightest push can knock a resident down and cause them to potentially suffer a life-threatening spinal or head injury. Hitting a resident, especially in the head, can cause fatal brain hemorrhaging and damage. 

Choking – There are incidents that have occurred involving an angry nursing home staff member choking or strangling a resident. These actions might be fatal, and there is often little sign that the resident will pass away until it is too late. Even if a resident survives the incident, they might not survive having a crushed windpipe or other complications.

Isolating – Some cases of nursing home abuse involving isolating or even restraining residents alone in their rooms. If a resident is ignored for a long period of time, the facility might not know when they have a medical emergency, and they might suffer preventable death. 

Restricting food or water – Some nursing homes neglectfully fail to provide proper nutrition, but food and water might also be withheld from certain residents out of abuse. Malnutrition can cause many health issues that are life-threatening, and it does not take long for someone to pass away from malnutrition.

Overdosing – In drastic cases, a nursing home staff member might intentionally give a resident too much medication, possibly to cause them to be sedated or sleep longer. However, overdosing is extremely dangerous and can be fatal in many cases.

If you do not accept the explanation given to you for your loved one’s death in a nursing home, do not wait to speak with a Chicago nursing home attorney who can help clarify the situation and advise you of your rights. 

Consult with a Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Immediately

Families who lose a loved one due to nursing home abuse have the right to file a claim for wrongful death and hold the facility accountable for their loss. Malman Law is ready to help, so please call (312) 629-0099 or contact us online for more information as soon as possible.