An unattended death refers to a situation where a person passes away and their body is not discovered for an extended period of time. Unlike a death that occurs in a hospital or under the supervision of medical professionals, an unattended death typically happens in private spaces such as homes, apartments, or other secluded areas. This often occurs when the deceased person lives alone, and there is no immediate family or friends to check on them regularly.
What Classifies as an Unattended Death?
An unattended death is classified as such when:
The body is not discovered immediately. The death is not reported right away, either due to isolation or lack of contact with others.
The body has decomposed. After an extended period, decomposition begins, leading to bodily fluids leaking, the growth of bacteria, and the presence of harmful pathogens.
The circumstances surrounding the death are not immediately known. In many cases, unattended deaths can occur due to natural causes, such as heart failure, stroke, or even complications from diseases like cancer. However, it can also involve tragic events like suicide, accidents, or drug overdoses.
Why Unattended Deaths Require Professional Cleanup
Unattended deaths often result in hazardous and biohazardous materials being left behind. These materials include:
Blood and bodily fluids
Decomposing tissue and biological remains
Bacteria and viruses that pose health risks
Presence of Maggots, decomposition flies, and bugs
Foul odors that can linger long after the body is removed
Cleaning and sanitizing an area after an unattended death requires specialized knowledge, tools, and equipment to handle these hazardous materials safely. Without proper cleanup, the space remains dangerous and can lead to severe health complications for anyone who enters it.
The Process of Unattended Death Cleanup
The cleanup of an unattended death involves several steps:
Assessment: Our professional team will evaluate the scene to understand the scope of the contamination and determine the necessary course of action.
Containment: The affected area will be sealed off to prevent the spread of pathogens or odors to other parts of the property.
Biohazard Removal: All biological materials such as blood, bodily fluids, and decomposing tissue are carefully removed from the scene.
Sanitization and Disinfection: All surfaces in the affected area are thoroughly sanitized using industrial-grade disinfectants. This ensures the complete elimination of harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens.
Deodorization: Powerful deodorizing agents are used to neutralize any lingering smells caused by decomposition, leaving the space fresh and clean.
Restoration: The final step is to restore the property to its original condition, ensuring it is safe, livable, and free of any lingering biohazardous materials.
Why Choose Elite Washing Solutions for Unattended Death Cleanup?
At Elite Washing Solutions, we understand that an unattended death is a traumatic event, and the cleanup process can be overwhelming. That's why our team is trained to approach every job with care, respect, and confidentiality. Here’s why we’re the trusted choice for unattended death cleanup:
Certified Technicians: Our team is certified and trained to handle biohazardous situations safely and professionally.
24/7 Availability: We understand that time is of the essence. We offer emergency response services available at any hour, day or night.
Compassionate Service: We approach each case with empathy and discretion, ensuring that we support you during this difficult time.
Insurance Assistance: We work with your insurance provider to help you navigate the claims process for a seamless experience.
The cost of cleanup is influenced by various factors, including:
Cause of Death: Natural causes, overdose, suicide, accidental death, or homicide.
Circumstances: Location of the death, time passed, pests, hoarding, and body condition.
Several options are available to help cover the cost of cleanup:
Homeowners Insurance: May cover the cost of death scene cleanup. Check with your insurance provider.
Crime Victims Fund: Available through the Victim of Crime Act, this fund supports victims of crime and may cover cleanup costs.
Renters’ Insurance: If the death occurs in a rented property, renters' insurance may cover the cleanup.
Credit Cards: Many companies accept all major credit cards.
Financing Options: Some cleanup companies, like ours, offer financing plans to make payments more manageable.
If you’re in need of unattended death cleanup, don’t hesitate to reach out. The longer the issue goes unresolved, the worse the situation will get. With many ways to handle the financial burden, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more and find out how we can assist you through this difficult time.