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Care home wrongful death claims

The decision to place a loved one in a care home is often made with trust that they will receive the highest level of care and support. Sadly, there are occasions where standards fall below acceptable levels, resulting in serious consequences, including the untimely and avoidable death of a resident. If you have lost a loved one due to neglect or substandard care in a nursing or residential home, you may be entitled to make a care home wrongful death claim.

At Stephensons, we understand the emotional impact of losing a family member due to the negligence or failings of others. Our specialist personal injury and fatal accident solicitors work with compassion, diligence and expertise to help families seek justice and compensation following such devastating circumstances.

 

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What is a care home wrongful death claim?

A care home wrongful death claim arises when a resident dies as a result of neglect, abuse or substandard care delivered by a care home provider. This could include medical negligence, failure to prevent falls, poor hygiene leading to infection, undernourishment, medication errors, or lack of supervision.

Unlike natural causes or unavoidable medical issues, wrongful death occurs when the actions or inactions of the care home staff or management directly contribute to or cause the death of a resident. Such incidents may result from systemic failings, understaffing, lack of training, or gross misconduct. In these unfortunate circumstances, close relatives or dependents may have grounds to pursue a legal claim to hold the care provider accountable and to seek compensation for their loss.

Can you claim compensation for wrongful death in a care home?

Yes, if a loved one has died in a care home and their death was caused by negligence or due to a breach of duty of care, you may be able to make a compensation claim. Under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, certain relatives  such as spouses, children, or financially dependent family members  can seek damages for the pain and suffering of the deceased, funeral expenses, bereavement award, and loss of financial dependency or services.

Successful claims may also prompt regulatory review and improvements in care standards, potentially preventing similar tragedies from affecting other families.

Why choose Stephensons?

Stephensons is a leading national law firm with extensive experience in personal injury and fatal accident claims, including complex cases involving care home negligence. Our solicitors are accredited by the Law Society and hold memberships with APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers), reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of legal service and client care.

We understand that losing a loved one is overwhelming and pursuing a care home wrongful death claim may feel daunting. Our team provides clear, honest legal advice in plain English, and we work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the support and compensation they deserve.

We offer conditional fee arrangements (no win no fee) which means there will be no upfront cost to start your claim.

How we can help

Our dedicated team of fatal injury solicitors will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death. This includes reviewing medical records, speaking to witnesses, and instructing independent experts if necessary. We will handle all aspects of the legal process on your behalf, ensuring the claim is progressed efficiently and with sensitivity.

We also work alongside inquest specialists who can support families during the coroner’s inquiry, helping to gather vital evidence that may support a civil claim for compensation.

Next steps – contact us

If you believe your loved one’s death in a care home may have been the result of neglect or substandard care, we are here to help. Call us today on 0161 696 6235 to speak to a member of our dedicated team or fill in our enquiry form to request a callback at a time convenient for you. We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to assess your case and explain your options.

Frequently asked questions about care home wrongful death claims

Who can make a claim for a wrongful death in a care home?

Claims can typically be made by immediate family members such as spouses, children, parents, or anyone who was financially dependent on the deceased. In some cases, the executor or administrator of the estate can also bring a claim on behalf of the estate.

How long do I have to make a wrongful death claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of death or from the date you became aware that negligence contributed to the death. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to avoid missing important deadlines.

What evidence do I need to support my claim?

Evidence may include medical records, care home logs, witness statements, expert medical opinions, and conclusions from any inquest proceedings. Our solicitors will guide you through the process of gathering the necessary information to support your case.

Will there be a court case?

Many care home wrongful death claims are settled out of court. However, if the case cannot be resolved through negotiation, we will prepare to represent you in court and ensure your interests are fully protected.

Can a claim help prevent future negligence in care homes?

Yes, legal claims can bring attention to systemic failings and encourage regulatory bodies to take action. This can lead to improved care standards and prevent similar incidents affecting other vulnerable residents in the future.

We're here to help

At Stephensons, we recognise the emotional and practical challenges that follow the loss of a loved one due to negligent care. Our team is devoted to securing justice and compensation for families during these difficult times. Contact our experienced wrongful death solicitors on 0161 696 6235 today or fill in our enquiry form to arrange a confidential, no-obligation discussion.

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