Serving clients throughout PA, NJ, NY, and MD. If your loved one wandered or eloped from a nursing home or memory care facility and was injured or died, the facility is almost certainly liable. Federal rules require secure doors and elopement monitoring for residents with dementia. Siddons Law Firm reviews elopement cases. Call (610) 255-7500.
Key Takeaways
- Elopement (a resident leaving the facility without staff knowledge) is a “never event” in elder care — it should never happen with proper systems in place.
- Outcomes include hypothermia, dehydration, struck by vehicle, drowning, and wrongful death.
- Settlements for elopement wrongful death commonly range from $500,000 to $3 million+.
- Memory care facilities charge premium rates specifically for enhanced security and are held to heightened standards.
Who May Qualify
- Your loved one left the facility without staff knowledge or permission.
- They suffered injury, exposure, or death as a result.
- The facility failed to implement standard elopement prevention (secure doors, alarms, WanderGuard, ID bracelets, staff rounding).
Why Choose Our Firm
Siddons Law Firm represents elopement victims’ families throughout PA, NJ, NY, and MD with the support of nationally recognized elder-care co-counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions
The facility wasn’t a “memory care” facility. Do they still have to prevent elopement?
Yes, if the resident had dementia or any documented wandering risk. All facilities must assess elopement risk and implement prevention measures.
What if my loved one was found and returned safely but traumatized?
Claims may still exist for emotional distress, the facility’s regulatory violations, and any near-miss injury.
Start Your Elopement Case
Call (610) 255-7500 or email msiddons@siddonslaw.com. Serving PA, NJ, NY, and MD.