When a loved one enters a nursing home, families trust that they will receive the care, attention, and dignity they deserve. Sadly, that trust is sometimes broken. When neglect or abuse in a nursing home leads to the loss of a loved one, the pain is overwhelming, and the need for answers becomes urgent.
A wrongful death lawsuit can help families find accountability, uncover the truth, and receive the financial support needed to move forward. Understanding what happens during this type of lawsuit can give grieving families clarity during a challenging time.
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim brought when a person dies due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. In the context of nursing homes, wrongful death may result from:
In Wisconsin, certain family members – such as a spouse, children, or parents may be eligible to file a claim.
These cases are often complex because nursing homes may try to deny wrongdoing or hide evidence. That’s why having an experienced attorney is crucial.
The process begins with a free consultation where the attorney listens to your story and gathers details about the nursing home’s conduct and your loved one’s symptoms, injuries, or decline. Families often feel overwhelmed – this step is meant to bring clarity, compassion, and support.
A thorough investigation is one of the most important parts of a nursing home wrongful death case. The attorney may:
The goal is to uncover exactly how the neglect occurred and whether the nursing home violated state or federal care standards.
Responsibility may fall on:
Often, multiple parties may be at fault for systemic neglect.
Once evidence is gathered, your attorney files the official lawsuit. This document outlines:
This step begins the formal legal process.
Nursing homes and their insurance companies often aggressively defend these cases. They may claim the resident’s death was due to age, medical conditions, or “natural causes.”
Your attorney handles all communication, pushing back against these tactics and negotiating compensation for:
Many cases settle out of court, allowing families to move forward with closure.
If negotiations don’t result in a fair settlement, the case proceeds to court. At trial, the attorney presents evidence, expert testimony, and a clear explanation of how neglect caused the wrongful death.
A judge or jury then determines liability and awards damages.
Once the case concludes, either through settlement or trial, families receive compensation meant to support them and hold the nursing home accountable. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, justice can bring peace, answers, and long-term protection for other residents.
Cases involving nursing home neglect require a unique combination of legal experience, medical understanding, and deep compassion. Martin Law Office, S.C. is trusted throughout Wisconsin for wrongful death and nursing home neglect cases because:
If you believe nursing home neglect contributed to your loved one’s death, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Martin Law Office, S.C. is here to help you understand your rights, investigate what happened, and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
Call 414-856-4010 for a free, confidential consultation or visit martin-law-office.com for more information.