When Something Does Not Add Up
A sudden fracture. A traumatic brain injury no one witnessed. Rapid decline with shifting explanations. A call in the middle of the night telling you your loved one has passed, but no clear account of how or why.
In nursing homes, residents are entitled to safety, supervision, and transparency. When a serious injury or death occurs without a clear, consistent explanation, families are left with more questions than answers. In many cases, unexplained harm is not a mystery. It is a sign that something went wrong.
At McEldrew Purtell, we focus on uncovering the truth behind catastrophic injury and wrongful death in long term care facilities.
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What Is an Unexplained Injury in a nursing home?
An unexplained injury is any serious harm that cannot be clearly accounted for by staff, documentation, or medical records. Common examples include:
- Fractures without a documented fall
- Head trauma or brain injuries with no incident report
- Extensive bruising or lacerations without explanation
- Sudden internal injuries
- Rapid deterioration following an undocumented event
Federal regulations require facilities to investigate and report injuries of unknown origin. When documentation is missing, inconsistent, or altered, it may point to deeper systemic failures such as inadequate supervision, understaffing, abuse, or neglect.
When a Death Should Raise Red Flags
Not every death in a nursing home is preventable. But when a death is sudden, unexpected, or poorly explained, it deserves scrutiny.
Warning signs may include:
- Conflicting explanations from staff
- Delayed notification to family
- Missing or incomplete records
- Evidence of untreated injuries or infections
- Signs of trauma inconsistent with the reported cause of death
- A recent fall or medical event that was not properly evaluated
In some cases, an “unwitnessed fall” becomes the default explanation. In others, a resident’s death is attributed to natural causes despite evidence of neglect, untreated medical conditions, or trauma.
When answers are unclear, independent investigation is critical.
What to Do If You Suspect Something Is Being Withheld
If your loved one suffered a serious unexplained injury or passed away under unclear circumstances:
- Request complete medical records immediately
- Ask for incident reports and internal investigation findings
- Document conversations with staff
- Preserve photographs or physical evidence
- Seek independent legal review before accepting explanations
Time matters. Records can be altered, and surveillance footage can be overwritten.
How McEldrew Purtell Investigates
Unexplained injury and wrongful death cases require more than reviewing a chart. We conduct a comprehensive analysis that may include:
- Reviewing medical and nursing documentation
- Evaluating staffing levels and supervision
- Analyzing fall risk assessments and care plans
- Identifying breakdowns in communication or response
- Consulting with medical and forensic experts
- Assessing compliance with federal and state regulations
Our goal is to reconstruct what happened, identify preventable failures, and determine whether the injury or death could and should have been avoided.
Demand Clarity. Demand Accountability.
You are not wrong to question an explanation that does not make sense. When a nursing home cannot clearly account for a catastrophic injury or death, families deserve answers backed by evidence, not assumptions.
McEldrew Purtell represents families in complex nursing home abuse and neglect cases involving unexplained injuries and wrongful death. We approach these matters with urgency, diligence, and a commitment to uncovering the truth.
Contact McEldrew Purtell to discuss your concerns and your legal options.
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