South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
Recently, a national news source reported on the rising rates of drug-resistant infections present in hospitals and nursing homes. The startling report indicates that the fungus, Candida Auris, was present in over 100 nursing homes and 64 hospitals. In many instances, individuals who suffer exposure to this fungus die within 90 days. Florida nursing home residents and their families who suffer injuries or death because of exposure to this or other resistant bacteria and fungus should speak with an attorney to discuss their rights and remedies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), considers the spread of this fungi a global health threat. Candida Auris is resistant to common antifungal drugs and is often misidentified. The misidentification often leads to inappropriate treatment and allows the fungus to become more potent and deadly. Additionally, this fungus is quick spreading and frequently causes a fatal epidemic at affected facilities.
Nursing homes are particularly susceptible to outbreaks because the facilities typically have less sophisticated disease control teams. The lack of skilled infection control teams compounded with highly immunocompromised, and vulnerable residents can have disastrous consequences on residents.
The CDC reports that every 11 seconds, someone in the country contracts a resistant infection, and someone dies every 15 minutes. Historically, the names of the hospitals and nursing homes experiencing an outbreak remain private. In many cases, the institutions declined to confirm or discuss instances of an outbreak, even when family members or doctors confirmed that their loved ones or patients suffered exposure. However, in an attempt to provide consumer transparency, some states have begun to release the names of these institutions.
Florida nursing home residents and their families may be able to recover for the injuries and damages they sustained because of exposure. Nursing homes owe their residents a standard of care to provide them with safe living facilities and appropriate treatment. Nursing home directors should ensure that their staff understands and abides by applicable safety standards. This includes education on the importance of environmental cleanliness, hygiene, and protective gear. When a nursing home breaches this duty, they may be liable for injuries their residents suffer because of the facility’s failure to appropriately staff their institution, prevent the spread of disease, or combat an outbreak.
Have You Suffered Injuries Because of the Negligence of Florida Nursing Home?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or death because of an infection contracted at a nursing home, you should contact the Florida nursing home neglect attorneys at Friedman, Rodman & Frank. The attorneys at our law firm have many years of experience advocating on behalf of nursing home abuse victims and their loved ones. We understand that choosing a nursing home can be an emotionally fraught decision, and families rely on healthcare professionals to ensure the safety of their loved ones. When a Florida nursing home breaches this duty, our attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve. Compensation in these cases typically includes payments for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and funeral and burial costs. Contact our office at 877-448-8585 to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Florida personal injury attorney.