The United States, and especially the Northeast, has been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, nursing homes are no exception. Of course, we, not unlike all others, are staunch supporters of everyone on the frontlines working to stymie and contain the outbreak. However, nursing homes are accounting for a startling portion of COVID-19 deaths across the country, and one can’t help but think that some of these are a direct result of nursing home negligence.
That being said, nursing homes everywhere are now seeking immunity from lawsuits brought against them, and New Jersey is no exception. Because of this, those with family members who have lost their lives or have otherwise been harmed by the virus feel as though they are being denied the closure they need to move on with their lives. Though nursing homes are currently immune from “standard” negligence lawsuits, it is important for families to understand that they may still be held accountable for what is known as acts of “gross negligence.”
Gross negligence is defined as the “lack of slight diligence or care” or “a conscious, voluntary act or omission in reckless disregard of a legal duty and of the consequences to another party.” That being said, if you can prove that your loved one was harmed or lost his or her life as a direct result of an act of gross negligence, there is still a chance you may be able to sue the nursing home responsible.
If you have any further questions about nursing home negligence in these turbulent times, please do not hesitate to give our experienced New Jersey personal injury attorneys a call. We are here to help you through every step of the process ahead.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW JERSEY FIRM
Stathis & Leonardis, LLC is an experienced personal injury law firm in Middlesex County, New Jersey that is committed to helping clients who have been hurt due to another party’s negligence. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or were injured on another person’s property, please do not hesitate to contact our firm today.