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.
April 4, 2025
3 min
Infections in nursing homes are often overlooked until it's too late. What may begin as a minor health issue can quickly escalate into a life-threatening crisis when proper infection control procedures are ignored. At Michael Hill Trial Law, we represent families whose loved ones suffered — or died — due to preventable infections in long-term care facilities. These cases aren’t just about germs; they’re about systemic failures in basic caregiving.
Elderly residents are especially vulnerable to infections due to weakened immune systems and existing medical conditions. But vulnerability alone doesn’t explain the high rates of serious infections in nursing homes — neglect does.
These issues are not rare. In fact, the CDC estimates that between 1 and 3 million serious infections occur each year in U.S. nursing homes.
Some infections are more dangerous in elderly populations and can lead to fatal complications if left untreated.
✔ Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – Often caused by improper catheter care and hygiene neglect.
✔ Pneumonia – May result from aspiration, poor oral care, or lack of mobility.
✔ Sepsis – A deadly systemic infection that often results from untreated wounds or pressure ulcers.
✔ C. difficile (C. diff) – A highly contagious gastrointestinal infection, often linked to antibiotic misuse.
✔ Skin Infections and Bedsores – When not cleaned or treated properly, minor skin breakdowns can become infected.
✔ COVID-19 and Influenza – Respiratory viruses spread rapidly in facilities without strict protocols.
These are not just routine health concerns — they are life-threatening conditions made worse by poor care.
Family members should stay alert for signs that an infection is present — or that a facility is not managing care properly.
If any of these symptoms arise and staff seem dismissive or slow to respond, it’s time to ask questions and consider legal action.
Facilities are legally required to follow infection control protocols and provide timely, adequate medical care. When they fail in this duty, and an infection results in serious harm or death, they may be held liable for negligence or wrongful death.
At Michael Hill Trial Law, we don’t just file lawsuits — we fight to expose dangerous patterns and improve care for all residents.
We specialize in elder abuse and neglect cases, including infections that could have — and should have — been prevented.
✔ Experienced Trial Attorneys with a track record of success in complex nursing home litigation
✔ Compassionate Advocacy that centers the dignity of your loved one
✔ Aggressive Investigations that uncover negligence and regulatory violations
✔ No Fees Unless We Win — you pay nothing out of pocket
We’re here to make sure that those responsible are held accountable and that your family finds answers.
If your loved one suffered from a preventable infection while under nursing home care, you have the right to demand answers — and justice.
📞 Contact Michael Hill Trial Law today for a free, confidential consultation.
We’ll investigate your case, explain your legal options, and help you take action to protect your loved one and others in the future.
