Nursing Home Infections
What This Page Covers:
- Nursing Home Infections: Nursing homes face challenges with infections like UTIs and pneumonia, posing risks to residents. Prevention and immediate medical attention are crucial.
- Taking Action: If a loved one contracts an infection, seek medical help, document symptoms, communicate with staff, and request medical records promptly to ensure proper care.
- Legal Assistance: Consulting a nursing home abuse attorney is essential if negligence is suspected. Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. offers advocacy for residents and their families.
- Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C.: Our law firm provides over 65 years of experience advocating for victims of nursing home negligence in Pennsylvania, offering compassionate support and aggressive legal representation.
- Contact us today to schedule a consultation by calling (215) 822-7575 or reaching out to us online.
Nursing homes play a vital role in providing care and support for elderly residents who may require assistance with daily tasks, medical care, and personal hygiene. However, one of the concerning issues that often arise within nursing home facilities is the occurrence of infections among residents. From urinary tract infections (UTIs) to respiratory infections like pneumonia, the risk of infectious diseases can pose significant health threats to vulnerable individuals residing in nursing homes.
If someone you care about contracted an infection in a Pennsylvania nursing home, it is crucial to seek guidance from qualified legal professionals who understand the complexities of nursing home negligence cases. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our team of skilled personal injury attorneys is dedicated to advocating for the rights of nursing home residents and their families. We recognize the devastating impact that infections can have on elderly individuals, particularly those with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems.
Loved One Suffered From A Nursing Home Restraint Injury And Have Questions? We Can Help, Tell Us What Happened.
What to Do if Someone You Love Contracts an Infection in a Pennsylvania Nursing Home
Infections in nursing homes not only impact the well-being and quality of life of residents but also raise questions about the standard of care provided by these facilities. If someone you love becomes ill with an infection in a nursing home, it is essential to take immediate action. Here are the steps you can take:
Seek Medical Attention
The health and well-being of your loved one should be the top priority. If you suspect they have contracted an infection, seek medical attention promptly. You may need to contact their healthcare provider or take them to the nearest hospital or urgent care facility for evaluation and treatment.
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of your loved one’s symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and any treatments or medications prescribed by healthcare professionals. Take notes during conversations with healthcare professionals and staff. Save copies of emails and letters, and document any changes in your loved one’s condition or treatment.
Communicate With Nursing Home Staff
Inform the staff at the nursing home about your loved one’s infection and confirm that they are receiving appropriate care and treatment. Ask questions about the infection, including how it may have occurred and what steps are being taken to prevent its spread to other residents.
Request Medical Records
Request copies of your loved one’s medical records from the nursing home, including documentation of the infection, treatments administered, and any relevant test results. Reviewing medical records can help you understand the extent of the infection and identify any potential instances of negligence or substandard care.
Consult a Nursing Home Infection Attorney
If you suspect your loved one’s infection was caused by negligence or abuse in the nursing home, consult a qualified nursing home infection attorney. An attorney can review the details of your case, advise you on your legal rights and options, and help you pursue justice and compensation for your loved one’s injuries.
Contracting an infection in a nursing home is distressing for both the resident and their family members. By taking proactive steps to address the infection and seeking legal advocacy, you can help protect your loved one’s well-being and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.
Get Advice From An Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorney. All You Have To Do Is Call 215-822-7575 To Receive Your Free Case Evaluation.
Common Types of Infections Found in Pennsylvania Nursing Homes
Many nursing home residents have weakened immune systems, and living in such close quarters means the risk of contracting an infection is a significant concern. From urinary tract infections to respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin infections, nursing home residents face various infectious threats that can compromise their health.
Common types of nursing home infections in Pennsylvania include:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs are among the most prevalent infections in nursing home residents. Factors such as limited mobility, catheter use, and age-related changes in the urinary tract can increase susceptibility to UTIs.
- Respiratory Infections: Pneumonia and bronchitis are examples of respiratory infections that can spread rapidly in nursing home settings, particularly among individuals with compromised immune systems or underlying respiratory conditions.
- Skin Infections: Skin infections such as cellulitis, pressure ulcers (bedsores), and fungal infections are common in nursing homes, often due to factors like poor hygiene practices, inadequate wound care, and prolonged bed rest.
- Gastrointestinal Infections: Contaminated food, improper sanitation, and close living quarters can contribute to outbreaks of gastrointestinal infections like gastroenteritis and Clostridium difficile (C. diff) in nursing home facilities.
- Bloodstream Infections: Also known as sepsis or bacteremia, bloodstream infections can occur when bacteria from another infection site enter the bloodstream. These infections can lead to serious complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Influenza (Flu): Outbreaks of seasonal influenza can have severe consequences for elderly individuals in nursing homes, as the flu can quickly spread among residents and staff members, leading to hospitalizations and even fatalities.
- Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA): MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. Nursing home residents with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to MRSA infections, which can be difficult to treat and control.
If there is a chance your loved one has developed an infection due to negligence or substandard care in a Pennsylvania nursing home, do not wait to seek legal advice from a qualified nursing home infection attorney with Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C.
Damages Available to Victims of Nursing Home Negligence in Pennsylvania
When a loved one suffers harm due to an infection that resulted from negligence or abuse in a nursing home, they may be entitled to seek compensation for their damages. Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. is committed to holding negligent nursing homes accountable for their actions and pursuing the compensation and justice our clients deserve, which may include a monetary award for:
- Pain and Suffering: Nursing home residents who have contracted an infection due to abuse or neglect and experienced physical pain, emotional distress, or psychological trauma may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering.
- Medical Expenses: Victims of nursing home negligence may be compensated for medical expenses incurred as a result of their infection. This can include costs associated with hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, rehabilitative therapy, and ongoing medical care.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Victims of nursing home negligence may experience a diminished quality of life as a result of their injuries or mistreatment. Compensation for loss of enjoyment of life addresses the limitations imposed on the victim’s ability to engage in activities they once enjoyed or participate in social interactions.
- Disability or Disfigurement: In cases where a nursing home infection caused by negligence resulted in permanent disability or disfigurement, victims may be entitled to compensation for the impact these changes have on their lives. This can include both the physical limitations caused by the disability and the psychological effects of disfigurement.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In the tragic event that an infection leads to the death of a resident, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages if the infection is the result of negligence. This can include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional suffering endured by the family members.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving particularly egregious conduct that resulted in the spread of an infection, such as willful misconduct or gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar misconduct in the future. Punitive damages are intended to serve as a deterrent and send a message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Navigating the complexities of nursing home negligence cases and determining the full extent of damages suffered can be challenging. The Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. team can advocate for your rights and pursue fair compensation for the harm you or your loved one has endured.
How Our Law Firm Helps Victims of Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we understand the devastating impact that nursing home negligence can have on victims and their families. Our talented team of nursing home infection attorneys provides compassionate support and aggressive advocacy for those who have suffered infections due to mistreatment or neglect in nursing home facilities.
We offer personalized legal guidance and support to victims and their families throughout every step of the legal process. From conducting thorough investigations to gathering evidence and building strong cases, we are committed to confirming our clients’ rights are protected and their voices are heard.
Our team skillfully negotiates with insurance companies and opposing parties to seek fair and just settlements for our clients. Our goal is to obtain maximum compensation for the damages our clients have suffered. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we are prepared to take cases to trial. We have extensive trial experience and are fully prepared to litigate nursing home negligence cases in court to pursue the compensation and justice our clients deserve.
Did Your Loved One Contract an Infection in a Pennsylvania Nursing Home?
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our commitment to justice and compassion spans over 65 years, and we continue to advocate tirelessly for victims of nursing home negligence in Pennsylvania. If your loved one has suffered from a preventable infection in a nursing home, you are not alone. Our knowledgeable team of nursing home infection attorneys understands the complexities of nursing home abuse cases, and we are here to help you fight for justice and accountability.
Let us help you protect the rights and well-being of your loved ones. Contact us today to schedule a consultation by calling (215) 822-7575 or reaching out to us online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Restraint Injury Claims
The signs that your loved one is suffering injuries because of the improper use of nursing home restraints can vary based upon the type of restraints involved. Some types of physical restraint will cause bruising or even lacerations if your loved one attempts to fight the restraint. Increased infections or bed sores can be a sign that your loved one is being confined to bed inappropriately. In other cases, changes in mood are the most significant indicators that your loved one is suffering from restraint injuries—the use of restraints can cause a significant loss of dignity, which can lead to depression, weight loss and other serious side effects. When chemical restraints are used, your loved one may seem groggy, confused or display other significant changes in personality.
While restraints may be a temporary fix, they are almost never a long-term solution—which is why Pennsylvania law requires a doctor’s recommendation in addition to ongoing reevaluation of whether the restraints remain appropriate. In many cases, extra care on the part of the nursing home staff can effectively prevent your loved one from suffering from falls or becoming agitated. Simple activities or additional companionship can solve some problems, and appropriate changes in a resident’s medications may also help. In cases where restraints are necessary, they should be administered correctly in accordance with a doctor’s orders to avoid any type of resulting injury.
