Infections Can Quickly Escalate in Negligent Nursing Homes

 Posted on February 21, 2019 in Nursing Home Abuse

Winter is the time of year when everyone should be frequently washing their hands and being extra careful to avoid illness. Unfortunately, nursing home residents do not always have the ability or resources to keep their bodies healthy and free of disease. The National Institute of Health estimates that 2 million infections occur in nursing homes every year. Although some of these infections are not preventable, others are a direct cause of negligent nursing home staff. Infections can rapidly worsen if they are not properly treated by a medical professional. If you or someone you love one has developed an illness after experiencing an infection in a nursing home, it is important to understand your available options.

Infections Common in Illinois Nursing Homes Residents

Nursing home residents are often elderly or have compromised immune systems due to illness. This is why it is critical that nursing home staff treat infections as soon as possible to prevent them from worsening. The most common nursing home infections include:

• Urinary tract infections;
• Respiratory tract infections;
• Pneumonia;
• Clostridium difficile infections (CDI);
• Influenza;
• Sepsis;
• Gastrointestinal infections; and
• Soft tissue and skin infections.

When Is the Nursing Home Liable for Infections?

Elderly, disabled, and sick individuals are already at an increased risk of infection. Not every resident in a long-term care facility like a nursing home or assisted living facility who gets an infection does so because of negligence. However, nursing home negligence and abuse can certainly cause an increased risk of infection and illness. Some infections can even be fatal.

Understaffing is a major issue in many care facilities. When there are not enough staff to properly supervise and care for residents, infections can develop into life-threatening illnesses. Unsanitary conditions also increase the likelihood of bacterial infections. Sepsis is a potentially fatal condition which can develop in response to an infection. If not caught and treated soon enough, multiple organ systems can be damaged. Sepsis can develop into septic shock which is often fatal. Nursing home staff should be carefully monitoring residents with an infection and ensuring that the condition is not worsening. Tragically, many sick nursing home residents have died due to the inattention or carelessness of staff.

Speak with an Experienced Cook County Nursing Home Infection Lawyer

No one deserves to suffer in a nursing home. If you or a loved one have suffered injury or illness due to the negligence of a long term care facility, contact the skilled DuPage County personal injury lawyers at Schwartz Injury Law. Call us today at 312-535-4625 to schedule a completely cost-free initial consultation.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351214

http://blog.eoscu.com/blog/nursing-homes-and-infection-control-the-most-common-infections