Lawyers for Victims of Infection in New York Long-Term Care Facilities
Attorneys resolve nursing home claims from NYC and Long Island offices
Infections can have disastrous health consequences for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. When exposure to infection or inadequate treatment is due to the negligence of staff, the victim and their family are entitled to financial compensation. At the law firm of Rich & Rich, P.C. in New York, we proudly fight for residents’ rights throughout the five boroughs and Long Island. You can rely on our lawyers for dedicated and zealous legal support.
Nursing home infection statistics
Approximately one in 43 nursing home residents nationwide contracts an infection each day, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Why are infections so rampant in nursing homes? Some of the reasons pointed to in studies are advanced age, lowered immunity, preexisting health conditions, close quarters and use of catheters and feeding tubes. However, poor care of residents at nursing facilities can be a major contributor to infections.
Common infections in nursing homes and care facilities
Infections fall under various categories: bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic. The following are some of the infections that occur most frequently in nursing facilities:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Sepsis
- C. Difficile
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Influenza
- Covid-19
- Norovirus
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Candida
- Skin and nail fungal infections
Your loved one can be financially compensated for injuries caused by any type of infection that was due to nursing facility negligence. Our attorneys can further explain your rights and potential legal remedies.
Regulatory compliance and New York nursing homes
The New York State Department of Health regulates nursing homes. These facilities are required to comply with NYSDOH requirements as well as rules of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Regulations address licensing requirements, staffing numbers, residents’ rights and dietary matters. Facilities are also required to adopt comprehensive infection control programs that establish written policies and procedures.
The NYSDOH also investigates complaints of noncompliance. Facilities that violate regulations can be fined, have their licenses revoked and suffer additional penalties. If your family member developed a serious infection that you believe was due to neglect, an attorney from our firm can counsel you about legal options for holding the facility accountable.
Legal options for victims and their families
Severe infections in residents of long-term care facilities can lead to ongoing illness and disability. If infection was due to neglect, the facility owners, managers and staff can be held liable for damages. The resident and their family can recover payment for current and future medical costs to treat the initial infection and its residual effects. Damages can also include pain and suffering.
In the worst case scenario, when a resident dies as a result of an infection, eligible survivors may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses and the cost of treating the infection prior to death.
In all cases, our attorneys take every appropriate measure to recover the compensation our clients are due, from negotiating with insurance companies and their attorneys to going to trial if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached.
Contact our knowledgeable lawyers in New York to arrange a free initial consultation
Rich & Rich, P.C., with offices in New York City and on Long Island, assist New Yorkers in obtaining compensation after their loved one sustains dangerous infections in long-term care facilities because of neglect. Call 917-746-3358 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our lawyers.
