Losing a loved one is always painful — but when the loss is caused by nursing home negligence or abuse, grief is often mixed with anger and a need for answers. Far too many nursing home deaths in Dayton happen because facilities fail to provide basic care, supervision, or timely medical treatment.
At Nancy Iler Law Firm, we help families uncover what went wrong, hold negligent nursing homes accountable, and fight for justice. Our goal is to give you the closure you deserve and push for safer conditions so no other family suffers the same tragedy.
What Causes Wrongful Death in Nursing Homes?
A wrongful death occurs when a resident dies due to neglect, reckless actions, or deliberate harm by nursing home staff or management. In our experience, many Dayton nursing home wrongful death cases involve:
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Untreated infections (such as sepsis)
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Severe dehydration or malnutrition
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Bed sores that became infected
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Medication mistakes or overdoses
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Falls caused by poor supervision or lack of safety measures
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Failure to transfer residents to a hospital during medical emergencies
If you suspect your loved one’s death could have been prevented, it’s time to investigate.
Holding Dayton Nursing Homes Accountable
Nursing homes have a legal duty to provide proper care and protect residents from harm. When they fail, Ohio law allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim. These claims can help recover compensation for:
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Medical expenses related to the fatal injury or illness
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Funeral and burial costs
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Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
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Emotional suffering and mental anguish
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Loss of financial contributions the resident provided
Our firm works quickly to preserve evidence, review facility records, and consult medical experts to determine what really happened.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Case
Is the Nursing Home Liable for a Resident’s Death? The Role of Medical Experts
Proving nursing home liability in a wrongful death case requires more than just showing that a resident passed away. The legal argument must demonstrate that the death was preventable and caused by negligence—meaning that the nursing home failed to meet an accepted standard of care.
How Medical Experts Establish Liability
During the trial process, medical experts (often physicians) play a critical role in carefully reviewing the resident’s medical records, physical condition, and the care they should have received. Their testimony helps establish:
- The resident’s pre-existing medical conditions and limitations before the injury or death.
- The standard of care required based on those conditions.
- How the nursing home failed to meet this standard.
- How this failure directly led to the resident’s injury or death.
For example, in the choking-related case above, medical experts would review the resident’s history and determine whether a proper dietary assessment should have been conducted. If the nursing home failed to conduct this medical assessment, ignored warning signs, or neglected proper care, leading to the resident being fed solid food despite the known risk, the facility could be held legally responsible for their death.
By presenting clear medical evidence and expert testimony at trial, we hope to demonstrate that the resident’s death was not simply an unfortunate event, but a preventable tragedy caused by the nursing home’s negligence.
Why Work with Nancy Iler Law Firm
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Unique Medical Perspective: As a former registered nurse, Nancy Iler understands care standards and can identify violations that others might miss.
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Proven Experience: 30+ years representing victims of nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death throughout Ohio.
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Relentless Advocacy: We are not afraid to stand up to large nursing home corporations and demand accountability.
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Compassionate Approach: We know this is a painful time and guide you through the process with care and respect.
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No Upfront Costs: We handle cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dayton Nursing Home Wrongful Death
Q: How do I find out if neglect caused my loved one’s death?
A: Our team investigates thoroughly by reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and examining facility inspection reports. If negligence contributed to the death, we will find out.
Q: What is the time limit for filing a wrongful death claim in Ohio?
A: Generally, you have two years from the date of death to file a claim. Acting quickly gives us the best chance to secure evidence and build a strong case.
Q: What if the nursing home denies responsibility?
A: Many facilities deny wrongdoing to protect themselves. We use expert testimony, records, and investigations to prove what really happened.
Q: Can a lawsuit improve conditions at the nursing home?
A: Yes — in many cases, legal action forces facilities to change policies, retrain staff, or face state penalties, which helps protect other residents.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Case
Client Review
“As both a nurse and an attorney, Nancy is uniquely suited to help victims of nursing home abuse. She gets in-depth in her clients’ cases, leaving no stone unturned, and her sense of empathy for what her clients and their families have gone through is what makes her stand head and shoulders above all others.”
⭐ 5-Star LinkedIn Review – S.H.