Losing a loved one is never easy. While we would like to see our loved ones reach an old age and die peacefully, the sad fact is that some people in nursing homes in Atlanta are dying due to nursing home negligence.
For this reason, some families are considering filing legal claims against the long-term care facilities their loved ones died in, amid reports of inadequate staffing and inadequate protection. However, some states have laws on the books that protect health care providers from being liable for deaths during a public health emergency, and some lawmakers are looking to extend such protection to nursing homes.
Lawmakers aim to protect nursing homes
Some lawmakers both in the U.S. Congress and at least 15 states favor extending protection to nursing homes. They say it will prevent frivolous lawsuits during a time of emergency. In addition, some claim that such protection is essential for nursing home workers to do their jobs.
Advocates for nursing home residents say more accountability is needed
However, advocates for nursing home residents state that nursing homes currently have limited accountability due to a reduction in visits by family members who could note signs of injury, illness or declined health. In addition, advocates for families pursuing lawsuits against nursing homes state that these legal claims to not target specific workers, but rather those in upper management. They believe that these legal claims will help nursing home residents receive the best care possible.
Pursuing a legal claim after a wrongful death
If you lost a loved one due to nursing home negligence, you may want to determine if filing a wrongful death claim is an option. In a wrongful death claim, you argue that your loved one died due to someone else’s negligence and that this death caused you to suffer damages. However, like any legal filing, a wrongful death claim can be complex. This post does not offer legal advice, so those in Atlanta who want to learn more about wrongful death claims in the context of nursing home negligence may want to consult with an attorney.