Representing Families in New York After a Tragic Loss

NYC Wrongful Death Lawyers

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

At Sinel & Olesen, PLLC, we help families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. If you would like to learn about a possible case, please call (844) 512-4098 or contact us online. We are ready to help.

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What causes bedsores and pressure sores?

People develop bed sores when they don’t receive adequate medical attention. This results in an open wound and irritated skin patches that are caused by friction or unrelieved/prolonged pressure.

Although a bed sore can develop almost anywhere, the most common areas of the body to develop them are:

  • the backside
  • the buttocks
  • heels
  • ankles
  • hips
  • the head

Diagram showing bedsore causes

Can I sue for bedsores?

Yes. Once a family places a loved one in a nursing home, they should expect that they will not be injured due to neglect or abuse.
Bedsores are one of the most common preventable, avoidable injuries in nursing homes.

Why are some people at risk for bedsores or pressure sores?

Anyone who relies on heathcare staff to reposition them is at greater risk since failure to do this can cause bedsores to develop.

Even for elderly and immobile patients, bedsores are completely preventable if the staff uses proper precautions and ensures that residents receive adequate care.

Frequently Asked Questions

People frequently develop bed sores when they do not receive adequate medical attention. This injury results in open wounds and irritated skin patches that are caused by friction, unrelieved pressure, or when prolonged pressure is placed on the skin. Although a bed sore can develop almost anywhere, the most common areas of the body prone to develop the wounds include the backside and buttocks as well as bony areas such as heels, ankles, hips and head.

Absolutely. Once a family has made the difficult decision to place a loved one in a nursing home, they have a right to expect that their loved one will not be injured as a result of neglect or abuse. In fact, bedsores are one of the most common preventable, avoidable injuries in nursing homes.

Aside from bed sores, the elderly are also at risk for associated complications like:
• Inadequate wound care leading to infections
• Dehydration, malnutrition, and failure to provide sufficient quantities of food
• Over or improper medication
• Lack of supervision due to their immobility from bedsores, leading to falls
• Poor hygiene

Elderly and immobile patients rely on heath care staff at nursing homes and hospitals to reposition them at least every two hours and provide a level of care that meets required standards in New York. Failure to do this often causes bedsores to develop. In almost every case, bed sores are completely preventable if the health care staff implements the proper precautions and ensures that the resident receives adequate care.