Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque Nursing Home Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one is painful. Losing them unexpectedly, in a place that was supposed to keep them safe, can leave a family with questions that are hard to answer alone. When a death in a nursing home or assisted living facility does not make sense, a careful review of what happened can help bring understanding.
When a Death May Warrant Further Investigation
Not every death in a nursing home involves wrongdoing. Residents are often elderly and seriously ill. But some deaths raise questions, particularly when the death was unexpected or followed a pattern of concern.
A death may deserve a closer look when it followed a serious fall, an untreated infection, an advanced pressure wound, or a sudden decline that staff could not explain. It may also warrant review when the family was not informed of changes in condition until it was too late.
The goal of an investigation is not to assume the worst. It is to understand, as clearly as the records allow, whether the care provided contributed to what happened.
Patterns We See
Circumstances That Can Lead to a Wrongful Death
Several kinds of failures in care can, in the worst cases, contribute to a resident's death. Each is discussed in more detail on its own page.
Falls
A fall that leads to a fracture or head injury can set off a decline that ends in death, particularly when complications follow.
Sepsis and untreated infections
An infection that is not recognized or treated in time can progress to sepsis and become fatal.
Pressure wounds
Advanced pressure injuries can lead to life-threatening infections, including bone infections and sepsis.
Malnutrition and dehydration
Severe, prolonged deficiencies can weaken a resident until the body can no longer sustain itself.
Choking
Residents with swallowing difficulties may choke when given inappropriate food or left unsupervised during meals.
Medication errors
A wrong dose, an overdose, or a dangerous interaction can cause a fatal reaction.
Wandering and elopement
A resident who leaves a facility unsupervised may suffer exposure, injury, or death.
Delayed medical treatment
Failure to send a deteriorating resident to a hospital in time can turn a treatable condition into a fatal one.
Understanding What Occurred
Records That May Help Explain What Occurred
After a death, the records created during a resident's care can provide insight into what happened in the days and weeks before. An autopsy, where one was performed, may also offer important medical information about the cause of death.
We do not promise access to records that may not be legally obtainable. Where appropriate, records can be requested and reviewed through proper channels.
- Medical charts and nursing notes from the facility
- Hospital records, including emergency department documentation
- Care plans and risk assessments
- Medication administration records
- Incident reports leading up to the death
- Staffing and scheduling records
- The facility's regulatory inspection history
- An autopsy report, where one was performed
Potentially Responsible Parties
Responsibility for a wrongful death may extend beyond a single caregiver. A thorough investigation considers everyone who played a role in the resident's care.
- The nursing home or assisted living facility
- Facility management and corporate operators
- Individual staff members
- Contracted medical providers
- Pharmacies or medication management contractors
Damages, Without Promises
Depending on the circumstances and applicable New Mexico law, damages in a successful wrongful death claim may potentially relate to several kinds of loss. No outcome can be guaranteed.
- Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
- The loss of the deceased's companionship and guidance
- Pain and suffering experienced before death
- Other legally recoverable damages under New Mexico law
Timing Matters
Why Families Should Consider Acting Promptly
Evidence can fade, memories can blur, and records can become harder to obtain as time passes. Legal deadlines also apply, and they vary based on the circumstances. Speaking with qualified legal counsel promptly helps preserve information and protects a family's rights. We do not state a specific deadline here because the rules depend on individual facts and can change.
FAQ
Wrongful Death — Frequently Asked Questions
You Lost Someone You Love. You Deserve to Understand Why.
If a death in an Albuquerque nursing home doesn't make sense, tell us what happened. A conversation can help determine whether the circumstances deserve a closer look. We will listen, and we will treat your family's loss with the care it deserves.
Confidential. No obligation. Speaking with us does not create an attorney-client relationship.