It is no secret that many states could have handled the COVID-19 crisis better, especially when it came to elderly people in nursing homes. New Jersey is among many states that saw many seniors lose their lives due to the pandemic, and some say that many of these lives could have been saved with better policies. While it is true that COVID-19 was an unforeseeable emergency that no one could have predicted, questions have certainly been raised.
If you lost an elderly loved one due to the pandemic, you might be wondering whether you can pursue legal action against an allegedly negligent nursing home. To answer that question, you should get in touch with a legal professional. Ideally, you should get in touch with someone who focuses on this specific practice area, such as an elder law attorney in New Jersey. During your initial consultation, we can discuss your unique situation before moving forward with targeted, personalized strategies.
New Jersey Politicians Push for Answers
On May 30th, it was reported that state senators were demanding answers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw thousands of deaths among the state’s elderly population. Both Democrat and Republican lawmakers were united on this issue, with Nia H. Gill pointing out that up to 9,000 people had died in nursing homes during the pandemic.
Nia H. Gill is a State Senator from Essex County and a Democrat. Previously, calls for an investigation into this matter came mostly from the Republicans. The fact that Democrats are now joining these calls is a sign that this is not just a partisan issue, and that the concerns are not simply an attempt to destroy the reputation of Phil Murphy – a democrat.
Despite the emotional speeches and the calls for action during the convening of the state legislature, nothing of note was achieved. Many lawmakers demanded the establishment of a special committee for investigating the COVID-19 death-toll among seniors, but these calls were ultimately dismissed. Opposing voices pointed out that federal and state investigations were already looking into this matter, so there was no need for a committee.
But the Department of Justice’s investigation is mostly focused on state-operated veterans’ homes – not private nursing homes. The Attorney General’s Office is apparently investigating all long-term care facilities, but information on these investigations has been sparse. Some are calling for greater transparency.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching for a qualified elder law attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Giro, LLP, Attorneys at Law. Over the years, we have dealt with many cases involving elder law. We can help you pursue justice for your lost loved one – whether they passed away due to inadequate COVID-19 safety policies or some other form of negligence at a nursing home. Due to the statute of limitations, it is important that you get started as soon as possible – so book your consultation today.