The average life expectancy in a nursing home depends on factors such as the age and medical conditions of the resident, but most residents live about two years in a nursing home. Understanding what factors affect life expectancy in a nursing home is important.
If you believe that neglect or abuse led to the wrongful death of a loved one in a nursing home, the Los Angeles nursing home abuse lawyers at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can help.
What’s the Average Life Expectancy in a Nursing Home?
According to a study examining mortality in nursing home residents, the average life expectancy in a nursing home is just over two years. However, the average length of a stay in a nursing home is much shorter. Several factors affect these numbers.
For example, if a loved one is recovering from a stroke or injury, the intention may be for them to return home once they are recovered. On the other hand, those with Alzheimer’s or more limiting medical conditions may be living the rest of their lives in a nursing home facility.
Abuse and neglect in nursing homes can lead to shortened life expectancy. For example, dangerous conditions may lead to falls, or unchecked bed sores can lead to life-threatening infections. When this happens, a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can seek financial accountability from the nursing home.
What Affects Life Expectancy in a Nursing Home?
The life expectancy of a person in a nursing home depends on several factors. These include:
- Their age when admitted.
- Their gender.
- Their overall health and medical conditions.
- Their dependency on assistance with their activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Their risk of social isolation.
- The facility size.
- The care at the facility.
Overcrowded facilities or those with substandard hiring and training practices can be a significant factor in the health and safety of residents.
How Does Abuse or Neglect Shorten Life Expectancy in Nursing Homes?
Some impacts of neglect or abuse that can lead to wrongful death include:
- Bedsores.
- Falls.
- Injuries from physical abuse.
- Weight loss related to emotional abuse or lack of nutritional standards.
- Medication errors.
- Generally poor medical supervision.
If you suspect that a loved one’s death was due to abuse or neglect at their nursing home, a lawyer from Omega Law Group can help you pursue a wrongful death claim.
How Can You Prove Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?
To prove abuse or neglect, your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of your loved one’s death and the circumstances leading to it. They may gather evidence like:
- Witness statements from family members, other residents, and staff.
- Video footage.
- Medical records.
- Staffing records.
- Previous complaints or incident reports.
- Patient notes.
- Communications from the nursing home, such as e-mails or text messages discussing your loved one’s care or condition.
- Photos of unsanitary or unsafe conditions.
- Expert testimony.
In some cases, an individual may be the sole at-fault party. However, in other cases, the nursing home administration may be the at-fault party. Omega Law Group will determine all liable parties.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered in Nursing Home Abuse Cases?
If you lost a loved one due to abuse or neglect at a nursing home, you may be able to hold at-fault parties financially accountable for the harm they’ve caused. You may be able to recover compensation for losses like:
- Medical expenses related to the abuse or neglect, and for end-of-life care.
- Funeral costs.
- Burial or cremation costs.
- Loss of companionship.
- Your loved one’s pain and suffering.
- Your loved one’s emotional distress.
In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. This is compensation in cases where extreme abuse, gross neglect, or intentional harm was involved. The lawyers at Omega Law Group will seek the full scope of damages your family is entitled to.
How Can a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Help With Your Case?
Your family should be able to focus on grieving your loved one, not on complicated legal processes. A lawyer steps in to handle the entirety of your case. They can:
- Investigate and gather evidence.
- File all necessary paperwork.
- Handle all communication with the nursing home and their legal team or insurers.
- Negotiate for fair compensation on behalf of your family.
- Represent your case in court when necessary.
Omega Law Group works on contingency. This means there aren’t any upfront costs. Instead, you only pay their fees if they are able to recover compensation for you.
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(310) 526-8383 What Is the Timeline for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cases?
In California, you generally have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit involving abuse or neglect in a nursing home. This clock typically starts from the date of the death. However, in some cases, the deadline may be shortened, so always discuss what’s expected with your attorney.
Gathering evidence and preparing a strong wrongful death case can take months, so it’s helpful to get started on your case as soon as possible.
Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Los Angeles Today
What is the average life expectancy in a nursing home? While the average is around two years, abuse and neglect can tragically shorten life expectancy. If your loved one passed away due to negligence at a nursing home facility, Omega Law Group is here to help.
We will handle the entire legal process and fight to hold negligent parties accountable. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
