My uncle passed away last week... he was very sick and was placed on life support by his physician...
The problem here is that he had a living will that SPECIFICALLY stated he was not to be placed on life support under ANY circumstances.
My family asked the hospital why they allowed this to happen, and their response was, "No one checked for a living will."
What do you think we should do? Let it lie, or bring the problem to someone's attention? If this happened to my uncle, I'm sure it has happened to others.
2006-07-17 07:09:20 · 8 answers · asked by AnaGameela 4 in Health ➔ Other - Health
His wife is very ill as well, and is incapable of even knowing that he has passed...
They had no children. The only family is extended family.
I'm not asking about this for monetary reasons, just because I think it's terrible that he had a living will on file and it was comletely ignored.
2006-07-17 07:15:37 · update #1
I am dealing with the death of some one close and questions about their wishes not being followed have arisen. The question is a matter of respect and being aware of their wishes and following them no matter how much it hurts. You obviously have nothing to gain personally, but I think the appropriate person with power of attorney or an executor of the estate should file a formal complaint and maybe see if the news in the area would pick up the story if you think your relatives would be willing to agree to the publicity. What has happened has already passed but raising awareness about living wills and fostering education about living wills may help others from experiencing the same unnescessary grief.
2006-07-18 01:55:14 · answer #1 · answered by Future Resident 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Dear Ayman's Queen,
Check your state's laws. I believe that some states require that the living will be on file with the hospital, while others require the hospital to ask, while others hold that such a living will is only a recommendation / request to the hospital, and therefore, not binding.
Email me if you'd like, and I can help find your state laws.
-j.
2006-07-17 07:14:02 · answer #2 · answered by classical123 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would bring it to the hospital director's attention so it won't happen again. If you are being denied access to see him or her, then say you are going to see an attorney and make an issue of it. It has to be stopped from happening again, I agree with you.
2006-07-17 08:26:33 · answer #3 · answered by Irish 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your aunt - or whoever has the guardianship of your uncle's estate wishes to press it, they should contact a lawyer.
However, if your uncle has a suriving wife, brining this up all over again might not be good for her.
2006-07-17 07:12:55 · answer #4 · answered by Kats 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will acomplish nothing for your uncle. You will cause more grief for your still living family. Take this as a lesson that your living will should be known by all of your family.
2006-07-17 07:13:34 · answer #5 · answered by yesmynameismud 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he already passed away what does it really matter that he was on life support
2006-07-17 07:17:14 · answer #6 · answered by supraracer87 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. ime very sorry about your're uncle
2. id sue the hospital
2006-07-17 07:12:57 · answer #7 · answered by seb. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sue. That was malpractice.
2006-07-17 07:15:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋