Lexington Nursing Home Abuse
and Neglect Lawyer test-Practice Areas Subtitle

Infections in Lexington nursing homes are a substantial health concern, particularly for anyone with a weakened immune system, limited mobility, and chronic conditions. It is the leading cause of illnesses in nursing homes and other medical facility settings, and negligence and poor sanitation are often the primary cause.

You must hold the facility responsible if negligence caused your loved one harm. Call Circeo Law Firm today to schedule an appointment with our compassionate nursing home abuse lawyers to learn more and pursue justice.

What Are Common Infections for Nursing Home Residents?

There are certain viruses, germs, and illnesses that are more likely to spread in centers than others. These include:

• Urinary tract infections: Spread is often linked to indwelling urinary catheters, incontinence, and poor hygiene
• Respiratory tract infections: This includes pneumonia and can spread via droplets or close contact
• Skin and tissue infections: These may be infected pressure ulcers, cellulitis, and other wounds from inadequate movement and hygiene
• Gastrointestinal infections: C. difficile and Norovirus spread rapidly through contaminated surfaces, hands, or food
• Drug-resistant organisms and infections: These include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE)
• Staphylococcus aureus (Staph): This is a bacterium found on the skin and often found in long-term care facilities that enters the body through scrapes, lesions, and other wounds

Facilities are responsible for complying with hygiene regulations and for promptly identifying and containing the spread of infections. If your loved one came down with any of these or another type of infection in a Lexington nursing home, our dedicated attorneys can help you start a claim and seek evidence to prove negligence and pursue compensation for the harm they have suffered. Circeo Law Firm has a successful track record of securing fair compensation for our clients.

How Do Infections Spread in Nursing Homes?

Infections in Lexington long-term care facilities and nursing homes spread for various reasons, including the close living quarters and shared spaces like dining rooms and activity areas. Factors increasing the risk for the quick spread of infections in the facilities include the following.

Direct and Indirect Contact

Direct, skin-to-skin contact, such as touching an infected person during caregiving, personal hygiene assistance, or daily activity assistance, is a common factor in the spread of disease in facilities. Indirect contact can also be a major contributing factor, such as touching highly touched surfaces, including bedrails, doorknobs, and medical equipment.

Hands, even gloved, particularly if not changed between patients, and clothing can transfer germs between rooms and residents. Visitors or staff may also bring infections from outside the facility and introduce new pathogens into it.

Nursing Home Protocols and Steps to Take After an Infection

Standard precautions in nursing homes and other centers and facilities include hand hygiene, safe injection practices, containment when patients are sick, and following the proper cleaning protocols. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for transmission-based precautions include wearing gloves, gowns, and masks, or using isolation precautions when known or suspected infections or diseases are present.

If you suspect negligence led to the spread of illness and disease, causing your loved one to suffer harm, we can help you notify the facility administration office in writing and file a complaint with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. When there is an outbreak, it is important to report it to the local public health authorities, which can trigger inspections, fines, and corrective actions. Our skilled lawyer could answer all your questions and help with the proper steps to take following an infection in a nursing center in Lexington.

Contact a Qualified Lexington Attorney About Infections in Nursing Homes

Placing your loved one in the care of another is always a tough decision to make, and when you suspect negligence, it can be devastating. The resident population is often elderly, frail, and has weakened immune systems, and also has close contact with staff and visitors.

Risks increase from close spaces, shared living quarters, and using indwelling devices, such as catheters, feeding tubes, and ventilators. However, all facilities must follow the proper protocol and protect residents. Our dedicated team can help you pursue compensation and do not collect fees unless we win your case. Contact our office and schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable lawyers to learn more about legal action for infections in Lexington nursing homes.