Pennsylvania tort law applies to nursing home or care facility lawsuit cases involving an accident or injury, and under usual tort law principles, plaintiffs (injured residents or their families) may be able to obtain fair and reasonable financial compensation for economic losses like medical bills and lost wages.
In addition, plaintiffs in these types of cases can make a claim for non-economic damages, or pain and suffering. Monetary compensation for pain and suffering includes compensation for physical pain, mental anguish and any loss of enjoyment of life which result from injuries.
Lost Wages & Other Economic Loss Claims
In Pennsylvania tort cases, the plaintiff has a right to make a claim for any and all economic losses incurred as a result of the negligent conduct of another party (i.e., nursing home, care facility, etc.). Economic damages claims vary from case to case and depend on the nature and extent of the losses incurred, but commonly include:
- lost wages,
- special nursing care expenses, and
- medical equipment.
Lost Wages
In certain situations, a resident of a long term care facility may lose their job or otherwise suffer loss of income. For instance, a resident of a long term care facility has a part time job. The resident is injured in an accident at the facility due to the negligence of facility employees, and as a result of the injuries, cannot return to work or can only work half of the time. So long as there is sufficient evidence of the facility’s negligence, the resident will be able to make a claim for and recover any and all lost wages which resulted from the inability to work or decrease in hours worked.
Other Economic Losses
In addition to a lost wage claim, the plaintiff in a nursing home/care facility negligence lawsuit in Pennsylvania may make a claim for any additional economic expenses incurred as a result of the accident or injury. Residents of long term care facilities like nursing homes or group homes for disabled adults naturally have special needs, such as special medical needs or special mental health needs. When an injury occurs, the individual may need additional care or special equipment.
For example, an elderly nursing home resident suffers a serious fracture after falling out of bed. The accident occurred because nursing home employees failed to raise the bed rails properly. Due to the fracture, the resident can no longer walk and now requires a walker and a wheelchair. In a subsequent lawsuit against the nursing home, the resident can make a claim for any costs associated with obtaining the walker and wheelchair.
Pennsylvania & New Jersey Nursing Home Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one was injured at a nursing home or other care facility, please call our office to arrange a free case review with our PA and NJ nursing home abuse/neglect lawyers. (215) 985-0777
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