It can be a difficult decision for Oregon residents to put an aging family member into a nursing home. Family members are trusting that the individuals working in the chosen nursing home will take good care of their loved one, which includes seeking medical attention for them if needed. If a family member dies while in the care of a nursing home and/or hospital, an investigation might be in order to determine whether nursing home or hospital negligence contributed to or caused that death.
An elderly woman — who was not from Oregon — died while in the care of a nursing home and hospital. Her surviving family members believe that she did not receive the accepted standard of care from either facility. The complaint filed by the executor of her estate filed a lawsuit against the facilities for wrongful death.
It is alleged that the elderly woman suffered pressure ulcers and skin breakdown that either caused or contributed to her death. The complaint goes on to accuse the Illinois facilities of failing to ensure that the woman was properly monitored by staff. It will be up to the court to determine whether the care the woman received constituted medical malpractice.
As would be the case here in Oregon, if the court determines that nursing home and/or hospital negligence occurred, an award of damages could be considered. Any monetary restitution received could help defray any financial losses incurred as a result of the woman’s death. Furthermore, a ruling in favor of the estate could help ensure that another vulnerable elderly person does not end up receiving substandard care that could lead to death or permanent injury.
Source: cookcountyrecord.com, “Wrongful death claim alleges negligence by hospital, nursing home“, Louie Torres, Aug. 19, 2016