Many families spend a tremendous amount of time finding the right nursing home for their older or disabled loved ones. While being diligent in the search for the right placement can ease the risk of mistreatment, negligence and abuse still occur in the most highly rated local facilities. Unfortunately, infections are an extremely common risk in nursing homes, with residents suffering from infections involving the urinary tract, skin, respiratory system, and more. The staff at nursing home facilities are required to take certain actions to avoid the spread of infection, as well as a plan to manage infections when they occur.
Infections in Pittsburgh nursing homes can lead to significant illness and even death. If your loved one suffered an infection at a local nursing home, compensation may be available to cover the expenses and impacts of the harm done. An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer from Bordas & Bordas Attorneys, PLLC could help you understand the claims process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin.
Nursing Homes are Required to Prevent and Control Infections
Federal and state laws require all Pittsburgh nursing facilities to take certain actions to prevent and control the spread of infections, including:
- Ensuring that all staff are properly trained in hygiene procedures
- Providing an adequate supply of personal protective equipment and sanitizer
- Have a plan in place as to how to deal with more than one infected individual
- Educate residents and guests on actions they can take to prevent infections, such as proper handwashing.
- Provide necessary vaccinations to residents to avoid complications.
- Follow proper protocols when tending to resident needs, such as catheter placement, to avoid causing infections.
- Provide supervision of the condition of each resident, seeking prompt medical attention for residents showing signs of infection
Inadequate training for staff and understaffing at nursing homes are commonly associated with infections. When an infection occurs because of the failure of the facility’s staff to implement prevention and control measures, the facility may be liable for compensating your family and loved one for the resulting financial, physical, and emotional toll.
The Type of Compensation that May Be Available After a Nursing Home Infection
If your loved one was harmed or died as a result of a preventable infection in a Pittsburgh nursing home, you may be able to seek compensation for the economic losses they experienced, such as medical expenses, relocation to a different nursing home, or burial and funeral costs. You could also seek compensation for the psychological impacts of the infection, such as your loved one’s physical pain and suffering or your family’s loss of love and guidance provided by the resident.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available to financially punish extreme negligence or misconduct. To qualify for punitive damages, the defendant must have exhibited intentionally dangerous or malicious conduct, such as deliberately ignoring safety protocols.
Contact Our Pittsburgh Team to Learn More About Infections in Local Nursing Homes
Each year, millions of nursing home residents across the United States become ill due to infections. Infections in Pittsburgh nursing homes can affect your loved one and family, leaving you to struggle with unexpected costs and psychological impacts that could have been avoided if the facility’s staff had taken the proper measures to avoid or control illness. If your loved one suffered such an infection, let us help you understand your legal options for compensation. Reach out today to begin the process.
