Two Montana nursing homes recently reached a mid-trial settlement in a wrongful death case arising out of allegations that nurses and staff at the nursing home were negligent in the provision of health care to 87-year-old Ralph Seewald.  The lawsuit, brought following Mr. Seewald's November 2005 death from an infection, alleged that nurses failed to properly monitor and support Mr. Seewald during a transfer from his wheelchair, omissions that led to him falling and breaking his neck.  As a result of this incident, Mr. Seewald was forced to be bedridden for a period of months.  During this time, however, nursing staff negligently permitted him to develop severe pressure ulcers/sores that gradually worsened.  Ultimately, the untreated pressure ulcers caused Mr. Seewald to develop a fatal case of gangrene (a blood infection).  In the lawsuit, Mr. Seewald's surviving family members sought damages associated with his pain suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, medical and funeral expenses and loss of companionship. 

As experienced medical malpractice/negligence lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland, our team of lawyers has handled numerous cases of nursing home negligence or neglect.  These instances of medical malpractice all too often result in the development of bed/pressure ulcers, which, if untreated, can lead to the death of elderly patients.  In many instances, these pressure sores develop after a patient has suffered a severe fall (either prior to the nursing care or as a result of negligent care) and is forced to be bedridden for an extended period of time.  In circumstances in which the patient dies, certain surviving family members are, in many instances, entitled to recover for their loved one's pain, suffering and emotional distress, not to mention medical bills/expenses and their own loss of companion with their family member.  If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical negligence or neglect, call the lawyers at STSW for a free consultation.