Infections are a growing concern in nursing homes across Philadelphia. If a loved one has suffered due to an infection from a long-term care facility, you may wonder what legal options are available. Residents of these homes have rights, and nursing homes have legal obligations to maintain safe, sanitary living spaces.

When a nursing home fails to provide safe living conditions, life-altering consequences can result. The skilled nursing home neglect attorneys at Marrone Law Firm, LLC are available to help families seek justice and hold negligent facilities accountable. Here are a few things you should know about infections in Philadelphia nursing homes before speaking with a lawyer.

Common Types of Infections in Nursing Homes

Elderly residents are often more susceptible to infections due to chronic medical conditions and age-related immune weakness. Communal living conditions can also contribute to the likelihood of contracting infections. Some of the most common types of infections found in Philadelphia nursing homes include:

  • Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, typically linked to improper catheter use or poor hygiene
  • Respiratory infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis
  • Skin infections, including bedsores, cellulitis, and fungal infections
  • Gastrointestinal infections, including norovirus
  • Sepsis, a body-wide inflammatory response to an infection

Any infection can have serious implications, so you or your loved one should receive medical attention as soon as possible. Resulting treatment may be compensated following a nursing home neglect claim.

Causes of Infection in Long-Term Care Facilities

Philadelphia nursing homes are required by law to provide a clean and safe environment for residents, including taking steps to prevent resident infections. Unfortunately, infections can stem from avoidable issues, such as:

  • A lack of proper hygiene protocols among staff
  • Understaffing
  • Overworked caregivers
  • Failure to isolate contagious residents
  • Delayed medical attention
  • Poor communication among providers

Even relatively mild infections can have serious consequences for those living in nursing homes. Individuals with weakened immune systems may experience dehydration, cognitive decline, hospitalization, and an increased risk of falls. A lawyer may be able to pursue compensation against a nursing home for their neglectful practices.

Legal Liability and Nursing Home Resident Rights

According to Pennsylvania law, nursing homes must meet specific standards of care. When a Philadelphia assisted-living facility fails to take reasonable steps to prevent or treat infections, it may be held liable for any harm caused. Legal claims could include negligence, medical malpractice, wrongful death, or violations of elder care regulations.

Although Pennsylvania’s Department of Health conducts routine inspections of nursing homes, they do not always catch infection control failures. Families who suspect neglect on any level should document their reasoning and consult with an attorney immediately.

Call a Philadelphia Attorney About Infections in Nursing Homes

The legal team at Marrone Law Firm, LLC has a strong record of holding negligent nursing homes accountable for harm caused to vulnerable residents. We understand the emotional and physical weight these cases can carry, so we bring compassion and legal excellence to each case.

Are you ready to take action against infections in Philadelphia nursing homes? Call our team today to schedule a consultation and take the first steps toward justice.