If you have an elderly loved one who lives in a nursing home, you are likely concerned about that person catching the coronavirus. People all over the United States are wondering how to protect their loved ones from Coronavirus (COVID-19), a viral medical condition that has become a dangerous global pandemic. The coronavirus recently stated that the spread of the Coronavirus could last 18 months or longer. Currently, there are 33,404 cases of Coronavirus in the United States, and 400 people have died.
The Elderly are at a High Risk of Dying From Coronavirus
Nursing home residents and those living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities have a higher fatality rate from Coronavirus. The most extensive study published on Coronavirus reported that those over the age of 80 have a 15% chance of dying from Coronavirus. The rate of fatality for patients under the age of 80 is only 2.3%. Mortality from Coronavirus increases as a person’s age increases.
Additionally, many elderly individuals have other underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease. Those with underlying health issues are twice as likely to develop serious health problems or death from the Coronavirus. If you have a relative or loved one in an Alabama nursing home, you are probably rightly concerned about their safety.
Coronavirus can Devastate a Nursing Home Population
Coronavirus has spread rapidly among nursing homes in Washington and Illinois. The coronavirus cases in Washington have led to over 35 deaths and over 100 additional cases of Coronavirus among residents and staff members. When one person contracts the Coronavirus, nearly every resident and staff members can develop the condition.
Coronavirus Spreads Rapidly in Alabama Nursing Homes
When nursing home staff do not follow the proper safety guidelines, they put the safety of every nursing home resident at risk. The Coronavirus is similar to the flu in that it spreads from person-to-person. Specifically, Coronavirus spreads when respiratory droplets transfer between people when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Alabama nursing homes and long-term care facilities are particularly problematic when it comes to Coronavirus. The virus has the potential to spread extremely quickly from person to person. One infected person can cause hundreds of residents and staff to become infected because of the confined nature of the nursing home staff.
Coronavirus Infections Caused by Nursing Home Negligence
Nursing homes owe their elderly residents a legal duty of care, even when a pandemic like Coronavirus is taking place. Healthcare facilities and nursing homes that do not take the proper safety measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus may be liable for the injuries caused to those residents.
What happens if a nursing home fails to check their staff members for fevers or other symptoms of the Coronavirus and a family member contracts the virus as a result? In this situation, the nursing home could be financially liable for the infected resident’s medical expenses and pain and suffering.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, healthcare workers must follow extremely strict procedures. These procedures have been proven to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus. Alabama nursing homes have a legal duty to make sure their staff engages in all of the following practices:
- Staff must practice proper hand washing hygiene
- Staff must wear personal protective equipment
- Nursing homes should restrict all visitors from contacting infected patients
- Nursing homes should screen their staff members and prevent potentially infected or infected healthcare staff from contacting nursing home residents
Do You Have a Coronavirus Nursing Home Negligence Case in Alabama?
What happens if your loved one contracts Coronavirus while in an Alabama nursing home? If that happens, you may be wondering if the nursing home took all of the necessary steps to avoid the spread of Coronavirus. You may also be wondering if you have a valid personal injury lawsuit against the Alabama nursing home.
The first step in determining if you have a valid lawsuit is to decide if the nursing home acted negligently. Nursing homes and long-term care facilities can be liable for damages caused by Coronavirus when the nursing home negligently caused the resident to contract Coronavirus. A nursing home is negligent if they fail to take the proper precautionary steps to prevent the Coronavirus from spreading and cause your loved one’s illness.
Contact Our Alabama Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers Are you concerned that nursing home negligence caused your loved one to contract coronavirus? If so, the legal team at Heninger Garrison Davis can help. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
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