When Neglect Leads to Tragedy: Nursing Home Wrongful Death Claims in Pittsburgh
When you entrust a loved one to a nursing home, you expect safety, respect, and attentive care. But when neglect or abuse leads to a preventable death, families are left heartbroken—and often uncertain about what to do next. We’ve guided hundreds of families through nursing home wrongful death claims.
At Shannon Law Group, we help families uncover the truth and hold negligent facilities accountable. If you’re searching for a nursing home wrongful death lawyer in Pittsburgh, this guide explains what you need to know about your rights, timelines, and the legal process in Pennsylvania.
What Qualifies as a Nursing Home Wrongful Death?
A death is considered wrongful when it results from another party’s negligence, recklessness, and/or a violation of a duty of care. In a nursing home context, this often means:
Failure to monitor or treat medical conditions (such as infections, sepsis, or dehydration).
Unsafe living conditions (falls, pressure ulcers, medication errors).
Staffing or supervision failures (leaving residents unattended or inadequately trained).
Physical abuse or neglect by caregivers or facility staff, or even other residents at the nursing home.
Even when a resident is elderly or ill, their death may still be wrongful if it was accelerated or caused by neglect that should never have happened.
The older we get, there is nothing more precious than time, and too often, older folks are robbed of that time. The Shannon Law Group understands nursing home wrongful death as and the trauma it causes the surviving family.
Who Can File a Nursing Home Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania — and When?
Under Pennsylvania law, only the personal representative (executor or administrator) of the deceased’s estate may file a nursing home wrongful death claim.
However, any damages recovered are distributed to the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents according to Pennsylvania law.
Families must also act within the statute of limitations:
In most cases in Pennsylvania, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death or survival action.
Missing this deadline may permanently bar your claim.
If you’re unsure who the legal representative is or whether the statute has expired, our lawyers in Pittsburgh can review your situation confidentially.
How Do Records, Autopsies, and Expert Testimony Help Prove a Nursing Home Wrongful Death?
The key to every nursing home wrongful death case is causation—proving that the death was directly linked to neglect or misconduct.
This often requires:
Medical records detailing the resident’s care, medication, and changes in condition.
Facility incident reports and state inspection findings.
Autopsy or coroner reports, when available.
Expert testimony from geriatricians, nurses, or pathologists who can identify what went wrong.
Our attorneys work with medical experts to trace every decision, chart entry, and failure that contributed to the tragedy.
What Damages Are Awarded in Pennsylvania in Nursing Home Wrongful Death Claims?
Pennsylvania law allows several types of damages in these cases:
Economic Damages
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
Lost income or benefits if the resident was still working
Non-Economic Damages
Emotional suffering and loss of companionship
Loss of guidance, support, and affection for surviving family members
Punitive Damages
In cases of extreme reckless or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the nursing home facility and deter similar conduct in the future.
How Do Contingency Fees Work in a Nursing Home Wrongful Death Case? What Should Families Expect?
Families pursuing justice shouldn’t have to worry about upfront legal costs.
At Shannon Law Group LLC, our nursing home wrongful death lawyers in Pittsburgh work on a contingency-fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family.
We handle the investigation, expert consultations, and litigation costs so you can focus on healing.
Will You Provide a Confidential Review at No Cost and No Obligation?
If you lost a loved one due to suspected neglect or abuse in a Pittsburgh nursing home, don’t wait to get answers.
You have the right to know what really happened—and to hold those responsible accountable.
📞 Contact Shannon Law Group for a confidential case review. There is no cost and no obligation to speak with our team. Please don’t wait. Time is critical. Call us at 412-204-7103 or click and complete the form at the bottom of our homepage.
Your loved one deserved better. Your loved one mattered. Your case matters.
