Nursing home abuse and neglect put vulnerable residents at serious risk, leading to malnutrition, dehydration, infections, and preventable injuries. When facilities fail to provide adequate care, residents suffer, and families are left feeling helpless. Lack of supervision, improper medical treatment, and unsafe conditions can result in devastating harm. Understanding the warning signs, knowing your legal rights, and holding negligent facilities accountable are crucial steps in protecting your loved ones. Learn how to take action and seek justice.
March 21, 2025
3 min
Protecting Vulnerable Lives from Infection-Related Negligence
Elderly residents in nursing homes rely on caregivers to maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary environment. Unfortunately, many facilities fall short, resulting in severe and preventable infections. At Michael Hill Trial Law, we are dedicated to exposing negligent practices and holding nursing homes accountable when infection control is neglected and lives are put at risk.
Infections are one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death among nursing home residents. Older adults often have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Facilities that fail to implement proper hygiene protocols, isolation measures, or staff training put residents in grave danger.
Common types of infections include: ✔ Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
✔ Respiratory Infections, including pneumonia
✔ Sepsis
✔ Skin infections and pressure ulcers
✔ Gastrointestinal infections (e.g., norovirus, C. difficile)
✔ COVID-19 and other contagious viral outbreaks
Infection outbreaks in long-term care facilities are often the result of neglect or poor facility management. Key contributing factors include:
1. Poor Hygiene Practices
Failure to regularly wash hands, disinfect equipment, and maintain clean rooms allows bacteria and viruses to spread quickly.
2. Understaffing
Facilities with insufficient staff are often unable to maintain proper sanitation or tend to resident needs promptly.
3. Improper Wound Care
Untreated wounds or pressure sores can easily become infected if not cleaned, monitored, and bandaged regularly.
4. Contaminated Food or Water
Improper food handling and unclean water systems may expose residents to gastrointestinal infections.
5. Lack of Infection Control Training
Staff not trained in identifying or managing infections can miss early symptoms, leading to dangerous delays in treatment.
Families should be alert to the following symptoms in loved ones:
✔ High fever or chills
✔ Sudden confusion or disorientation
✔ Fatigue and weakness
✔ Pus, redness, or swelling at wound sites
✔ Persistent cough or shortness of breath
✔ Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
These signs should be reported immediately, and residents should be evaluated by medical professionals without delay.
When infections are preventable but occur due to negligence, families have the right to take legal action. Compensation may include:
✔ Medical expenses for infection treatment and hospitalization
✔ Pain and suffering endured by the resident
✔ Wrongful death damages, if the infection proved fatal
✔ Punitive damages in extreme cases of neglect
We offer compassionate yet aggressive legal support for families affected by nursing home infections. Our legal team:
✔ Conducts detailed investigations into care failures
✔ Consults with medical experts to assess the infection’s cause
✔ Collects documentation and witness testimony
✔ Builds strong legal arguments to secure maximum compensation
In a recent case, our firm represented a family whose father died from untreated sepsis. Despite clear signs of infection, nursing home staff failed to call for medical help. Through evidence and expert testimony, we proved gross negligence and secured a significant settlement.
Infections should not be a death sentence for nursing home residents. If you suspect your loved one suffered due to negligence, Michael Hill Trial Law is ready to fight for your family’s rights.
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation.
🌐 Visit: michaelhilltriallaw.com
