The South Carolina nursing home infection lawyers at Rikard & Protopapas represent individuals who have been harmed by infection in a care facility. If you have been hurt, or a family member has been harmed, we invite you to contact us to discuss your case.
Experienced Nursing Home Infection Law Firm in South Carolina
At Rikard & Protopapas, our law firm represents individuals who have been harmed by an infection in a nursing home. Often, infections are preventable. When they occur, they may not be managed appropriately. Victims may claim financial compensation.
As nursing home abuse lawyers serving all of South Carolina, we handle the steps needed for a victim to receive compensation.
Compensation for Infections in Nursing Homes
Compensating for the expenses and suffering your loved one endured matters most to us.
Nursing home infection can result in death, a decreased quality of life, and suffering. Our nursing home infection lawyers want each victim to receive justice.
Our law firm can assist you with:
- Investigating what occurred
- Determining the actions of the nursing home before and in response to the infection
- Proving negligence and the victim’s right to bring a claim
- Identifying damages and the compensation due to the victim
- Building the case
- Taking legal action on behalf of the victim
- Pursuing the case through settlement negotiations
- Serving as your guide and counsel throughout the case
For a free consultation, and to get help now, call 803-978-6111 or message us. Victims or family members may contact us.
Common Nursing Home infections
Urinary tract infections
A urinary tract infection is an infection in the urinary system. It may include the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It is most often caused by bacteria.
Respiratory infections
A respiratory infection affects the throat, nose, lungs, or airways. Respiratory failure may occur.
Gastroenteritis
Infection in the digestive system can result in pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Skin infections
Nursing home residents often have fragile skin that is susceptible to infection. Common skin infections include cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis. Viruses like shingles may contribute to skin infections.
MRSA
MRSA is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It may be resistant to antibiotics. It is contagious.
Influenza, flu
A nursing home resident may contract influenza from another resident, healthcare providers, daily care providers, and visitors. The care facility may not adequately test for flu or isolate sick individuals.
Norovirus
Norovirus causes gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. It usually spreads through contaminated sources including food and water.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis A can spread through contaminated food. In older populations, hepatitis causes high rates of death and complications, including liver failure.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia creates risk of death in elderly patients. Viruses, fungi, and bacteria can all cause pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common pathogen causing pneumonia in nursing homes.
Streptococcus pyogenes
Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacteria that can become invasive. It may contribute to necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome.
Bedsores
Severe bedsores can result in infection. Failing to prevent or treat bedsores may result in a bedsore nursing home infection.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a severe reaction to infection. It occurs when the body can’t fight an infection. It can cause death.
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection in the fingernails or toenails. Dermatophytes are the most common cause. Antifungal treatment and debridement may be appropriate.
Causes of Nursing Home Infections
A nursing home has a duty of care to mitigate risk of nursing home infections. They must identify common causes of infections, including:
Poor sanitary practices
There must be good hygiene throughout a nursing home facility. Sanitary practice should include routine clothing and bedding changes and measures to prevent cross contamination. Residents should have sufficient opportunities for bathing and grooming and assistance as needed.
Inadequate nutrition
To stay in good health, nursing home residents need adequate nutrition. Their meals should be balanced, and water should be readily available. Inadequate nutrition may make a resident more likely to contract an infection.
Failing to test and isolate the sick
When there are signs of an infection, tests and evaluations may be needed. The facility should isolate the sick and protect others.
Inadequate medical attention
Residents in nursing homes need adequate medical attention. Medical attention promotes health, and it may help with a quick response when there is risk of an infection. Residents should always know how to seek medical care.
Food preparation problems, failing to wash food
Many infections are transported through food and water. Sanitary food practices must always be used.
Responding poorly when an outbreak occurs
When an outbreak of infection occurs, the nursing home must respond adequately. Actions may include isolating those affected, increased sanitation, medical care, and other measures.
Consultation with a South Carolina Nursing Home Infection Lawyer
We invite you for a consultation with a South Carolina nursing home infection lawyer. Call or message us at Rikard & Protopapas now to talk about your case and start your claim.
Legal FAQs About Nursing Home Infections
What type of legal claim is a nursing home infection?
A legal claim for a nursing home infection may be based on negligence or medical malpractice.
The general basis of the claim is that someone didn’t use enough care and caution, either in regular care or in a medical setting, to prevent the infection.
Is sepsis nursing home neglect?
Sepsis may amount to nursing home neglect when it is the result of inadequate care. A person who contracts sepsis while living in a care facility may have the right to claim compensation.
Can you sue a nursing home for a staph infection?
You may qualify to sue a nursing home for a staph infection if the nursing home is responsible for negligence. The claim must be based on harm resulting to the plaintiff.
Can you sue a nursing home for MRSA?
Because MRSA is a common nursing home infection, care providers must take adequate steps to prevent it. MRSA may be the basis for suing a nursing home if the facility was not reasonable in their actions.