Wrongful Death Due to Nursing Home Negligence in New Jersey: What Families Need to Know

In a society that values care, compassion, and dignity, it’s particularly tragic when the most vulnerable members – our elderly loved ones – fall victim to negligence. When that negligence leads to wrongful death in a nursing home setting, the pain is amplified tenfold. New Jersey has specific legal provisions in place to protect the rights of families who have lost a loved one due to nursing home negligence. Sugarman Law is committed to guiding and representing families through these difficult times.

Understanding Nursing Home Negligence

Before diving into legal remedies, it’s essential to understand what constitutes negligence in a nursing home setting:

• Inadequate Care: If the nursing home fails to provide the standard care required and this leads to harm or death, it is considered negligence. This could be anything from not providing medications on time to failing to tend to wounds.
• Abuse: Any form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse that results in injury or death can be classified under negligence.
• Negligent Hiring: If a nursing home employs staff without proper background checks or adequate training, and this leads to harm, the institution can be held liable.
• Environmental Hazards: Poorly maintained facilities, unclean premises, or unsafe structures leading to accidents and subsequent death can also be considered negligence.

New Jersey’s Stance on Wrongful Death in Nursing Homes

The Garden State takes a robust position on nursing home negligence, and families can claim both compensatory and punitive damages under the New Jersey Wrongful Death Act and the Survival Act. Here’s what these entail:

• New Jersey Wrongful Death Act: This allows families to claim damages for the loss of financial and emotional support. This can include the deceased’s earnings, services they provided, companionship, and guidance.
• Survival Act: It lets the estate of the deceased recover damages for the pain and suffering endured by the deceased from the time of injury till their death.

What Should Families Do Following a Suspected Wrongful Death?

Following a suspected wrongful death, families often experience a storm of emotions—grief, anger, confusion, and more. Amidst the heartache, it’s crucial for families to take certain steps to ensure they protect their rights and hold the responsible parties accountable. Here are the steps families should consider:

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if the cause of death seems apparent, it’s important to have an official medical examination. This will not only provide a clearer understanding of the cause of death but will also serve as an essential piece of evidence should the family decide to pursue a legal claim.

• Document Everything: Begin collecting and organizing all relevant information, including:
  • Medical records leading up to the death
  • Photos or video evidence, if applicable
  • Correspondence or communication with involved parties (e.g., healthcare providers, eyewitnesses, etc.)
  • Any other relevant documents that might be pertinent to the case.

• Notify Authorities: If you suspect the death resulted from a crime or negligence, notify the police or relevant regulatory bodies. They can conduct an independent investigation, which can be invaluable for any subsequent legal action.

• Seek Legal Counsel: Engaging a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney as soon as possible is crucial. They can guide you on your next steps, inform you of your rights, and help ensure essential evidence is preserved.

• Avoid Discussing Details Publicly: While the urge to share and discuss the tragedy might be strong, especially on social media, refrain from doing so. Publicly available comments or posts might inadvertently affect the legal aspects of your case.

• Gather Support: Lean on your support system, be it family, friends, or support groups. They can provide emotional support, help with decision-making, or assist with tasks that might be challenging during this time.

• Consider Counseling: The emotional weight of a wrongful death can be overwhelming. It’s advisable to seek grief counseling or therapy to help process the trauma and guide you through the grieving process.

• Secure Financial Records: This is especially crucial if pursuing a wrongful death claim, as these records can help establish financial losses and potential future earnings.
• Stay Organized: As documents, receipts, and other pertinent details come in, keep them organized. Having a dedicated folder or binder can be beneficial.

• Communicate with the Attorney Regularly: Stay in regular contact with your legal counsel. They’ll keep you informed about the progress of the case, advise on any required documents or evidence, and guide you on any statements or depositions you might need to give.

• Take Care of Yourself and Family: Lastly, and most importantly, ensure you’re taking care of your well-being and that of your family. The legal process can be lengthy and draining. Prioritizing self-care, emotional health, and ensuring basic needs are met is paramount.

The Role of Sugarman Law in Nursing Home Negligence Cases

Sugarman, Barry (Sugarman Law) is at the forefront of representing families in their darkest hours. Our commitment:

• Thorough Investigation: Our team delves deep, working with medical professionals, investigators, and other experts to understand the full scope of the negligence.
• Compassionate Representation: We understand the emotional toll such events take. Sugarman Law prides itself on providing compassionate, understanding, and patient representation.
• Aggressive Advocacy: Our commitment is unwavering when it comes to seeking justice. We fight aggressively in courtrooms to ensure that negligent nursing homes are held accountable.
• Legal Guidance: Navigating the legal system can be challenging. Our team guides families at every step, ensuring they are informed and involved throughout the process.

Contact an Experienced Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer at Sugarman Law for a Free Consultation About Your Case Today

Wrongful death in nursing homes due to negligence is a harrowing experience that no family should endure. In New Jersey, the law is on the side of victims, ensuring that justice is served and negligent parties are held accountable.

Sugarman Law stands as a beacon of hope and justice for such families, offering dedicated, aggressive, and compassionate representation. If you suspect that your loved one’s death in a nursing home was due to negligence, know that you are not alone. Reach out to us, and together, we’ll ensure that their dignity, memory, and justice are upheld.