As COVID-19 reached pandemic levels, infection control protocols in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities (LTCFs) needed to be strictly implemented to protect vulnerable older people, who are particularly at risk. As residents were closed off from their families, it could have become easier for substandard care to go unchecked as further responsibilities were added to the already demanding pressures on the care staff.
Infection control should be standard in care facilities. Respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and influenza have always been commonplace in nursing homes.
Basic preventative methods such as proper hand sanitation, not touching the face, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, along with adequate staffing to serve residents’ needs appropriately, should be standard in nursing homes.
Failing to contain any infectious disease due to negligence can be grounds for a lawsuit. You may be entitled to pursue compensation on behalf of your loved one. If you have any concerns, you might benefit from calling Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for a free consultation with a team member.
Nursing Homes Are Not Permitted to Refuse New Patients with Coronavirus
The federal response to COVID-19 highlighted the importance of implementing strict infection control regulations in nursing homes, and showed how such care facilities are legally bound by the protocols, especially in lieu of a New York state guideline that prevented nursing homes from refusing patients because they have coronavirus.
Older people are at higher risk when an outbreak occurs in a nursing care facility due to their frailty and having pre-existing health conditions, making it more difficult for them to fight infection and disease.
Infection can spread quickly between susceptible residents if the nursing home fails to implement and adhere to state and federal control regulations. These facilities provide an ideal environment for infections to develop and spread due to:
- Residents sharing air, food, water, and health care facilities in a confined setting.
- Guests, staff, and residents who visit the facilities, potentially introducing pathogens to the establishment from the outside community.
- The presence of antibiotic-resistant organisms being typically higher in LTCFs.
- Residents being admitted from hospitals and other nursing homes carrying disease.
- High levels of poor dental care in LTCFs, which significantly increases the risk of pneumonia and circulatory diseases.
- Understaffing issues, slowing prompt intervention managing infection control.
- Inadequate staff training and development.
If you have visited a loved one in a nursing home and have concerns about the quality of care provided, seeking advice from a New York infections outbreak and disease lawyer may help you understand your legal options if the care facility is found to be negligent.
Signs of Nursing Home Neglect From Poor Infection Control
Neglect happens when a person does not receive the proper level of care they need and frequently centers around providing adequate personal hygiene, assistance with eating, help with mobility, and providing a safe and sanitary living environment.
When a nursing home fails to provide these basic and legally binding standards, either actively or passively, residents can suffer life-threatening physical and psychological damage. Signs that could indicate neglect or abuse from poor infection control include:
- Unsanitary and unclean conditions in the facility’s shared spaces
- Bad odors or smells
- Unexplained and sudden changes in your loved one’s behavior
- Frequent, unexplained urinary tract infections
- Understaffing or agitated staff
- Poor dental hygiene
- Unkempt appearance of the residents and care staff
- Unclean clothes and bedding
- Unsanitary bathrooms and personal living areas
- Unexplained bed sores
- Care providers working without proper PPE
- Poorly maintained care facilities
If you have noticed a decline in the wellbeing of your loved one or if they have died unexpectedly, you may benefit from speaking with a New York infections outbreak and disease lawyer, as you may be able to claim compensation for your loved one’s damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Relocation to a different care facility
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Funeral and burial costs in the case of wrongful death
Proving negligence can be lengthy and complicated. A New York infections outbreak and disease lawyer can help you to navigate the legal challenges in such cases and support you through these difficult times.
For a free legal consultation with a New York City Infections Outbreak and Disease Lawyer serving New York City, call (800) 794-0444
Be Prepared for the Nursing Care Facility to Fight Your Claim
Nursing care facilities have access to powerful legal representation. You may find it worthwhile to have a lawyer with experience in both medical and legal nursing home abuse litigation working to determine liability and potentially secure compensation reflecting the full extent of the harm and suffering inflicted.
The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is experienced in such cases and has helped clients prove their loved one’s deterioration would not have occurred but through negligence by:
- Determining who is liable in a negligence lawsuit
- Gathering the evidence necessary to prove negligence or abuse
- Providing access to medical professionals who can offer expert testimony
- Securing compensation that reflects the full extent of harm done
It is important to act promptly if you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect to put a stop to it. You do not want to miss the window during which you can bring a claim under the statute of limitations. You could benefit from calling us today for a free consultation where we can discuss your legal options.
New York City New York City Infections Outbreak and Disease Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Fighting Nursing Home Abuse with Experience, Determination, and Knowledge
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is not just another law firm, and your loved one is not just another client. We fight to protect the best interests of nursing home residents who have been wrongfully treated through neglect or abuse from the facilities entrusted to provide the utmost care.
When a nursing home fails to provide the correct standard of care, we can help. If you are interested in learning more about what we can do for your loved one, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today.
There is no charge for our services unless we win your case, and we offer a free case evaluation.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
