Representing Families in New York After a Tragic Loss
When a family member goes into the hospital, extended care facility, or nursing home, you expect them to receive the care they need. What you should not expect is to receive the news that they passed away due to preventable injuries or complications. However, hospital patients do suffer life-threatening injuries due to the negligence of medical professionals and facilities.
If you unexpectedly lose a loved one and a hospital or nursing home is to blame, you may have the right to take legal action under New York law. The NYC wrongful death lawyers at Sinel & Olesen, PLLC, can evaluate your options and represent you throughout the entire legal process. We handle your legal case so you can focus on your grief and working through your loss. Call today for more information about how we might help.
Medical-Related Wrongful Death
Hospital patients and nursing home residents can suffer fatal injuries in many ways due to medical negligence. Some common causes of wrongful death in a medical environment include:
- Surgical errors
- Medication errors and overdoses
- Hospital-acquired infections
- Contaminated equipment or substances
- Inadequate security
- Birth injuries
- Inadequate monitoring or response time
When a preventable death occurs in a hospital or nursing home, family members should always learn about their rights.
Bedsore Complications Can be Fatal
One possible cause of wrongful death that many people may not consider is complications from bedsores. Bedsores themselves are not fatal injuries, though the complications that can arise might be life-threatening. A bedsore begins as a shallow crater on the skin, though the condition can progress quickly if not sufficiently treated. Stage two bedsores go beneath the top layer of the skin, stage three sores affect fat tissue, and stage four sores can affect ligaments and muscles.
As the bedsores progress, there can be signs of infection, including the skin turning black, red edges of the sore, foul odor or pus from the bedsore, skin that feels hot, drainage from the sore, and more. Serious bedsores can result in several complications, including bone infections, necrosis, gangrene, and more. If the infection is not addressed, the patient may not survive.
Wrongful Death Laws in New York
Each state has its own laws regarding wrongful death claims, and New York law allows claims by a surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased individual. Wrongful death claims can seek compensation for many types of damages, including:
- Medical bills for treatment prior to the death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of services and support
- Loss of companionship and love
Each case is different, and a dedicated wrongful death lawyer can advise you of the potential value of your case.
Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation with Our Experienced New York City Wrongful Death Lawyers
TESTIMONIAL
QUESTIONS/ANSWERSFrequently Asked Questions
Bedsores occur when individuals don't receive proper care, leading to open wounds and skin irritation caused by friction or pressure on the skin. Common areas for bedsores include the backside, buttocks, and bony areas like heels, ankles, hips, and the head.
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