CHICAGO NURSING HOME INFECTION LAWYER
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Chicago Nursing Home Infection Lawyer
Curcio & Casciato’s Chicago nursing home infection lawyers can help when your loved one doesn’t receive proper care in a nursing home. Elderly individuals can develop urinary tract infections, pneumonia, infected bedsores, and other health issues when facilities fail to maintain clean conditions or provide proper care. If your family member is in poor health due to nursing home neglect, we can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, pain, and suffering. Call (312) 321-1111 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Chicago Nursing Home Infections Law Firm Fighting for Nursing Home Residents Across Cook County
Residents of Chicago nursing homes deserve safe, sanitary care. Development of infections may indicate neglect or elder abuse. Curcio & Casciato represents families throughout Cook County in personal injury claims arising from nursing home infections. Our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers investigate how the infection occurred and whether the staff failed to protect vulnerable residents. Families deserve clear answers and accountability.
Common Nursing Home Infections in Chicago
Families of elderly residents should keep an eye out for common nursing home infections. Chicago residents can hold negligent staff and facilities accountable for healthcare-associated infections linked to poor hygiene, missed care, or delayed treatment.
Urinary Tract Infections Leading to UTI Dementia in Elderly Patients
Urinary tract infections can become serious without proper care. Improper catheter insertion and poor maintenance increase the risk of bacterial infections. Staff may fail to change catheters on schedule or ignore pain and burning complaints. Untreated UTIs can spread to the kidneys and bloodstream, worsening confusion and dementia symptoms. Our Chicago nursing home UTI lawyers help families hold negligent nursing home facilities accountable for preventable harm.
Nursing Home Soft Tissue Infections: Bedsores and Sepsis From Infected Pressure Ulcers
Not moving immobilized patients places constant pressure on fragile skin, leading to bed sores. Stage 3 and Stage 4 bedsores are particularly vulnerable to infection. Delayed wound care and poor dressing changes allow infections to worsen. Open wounds may develop MRSA, staph infections, and life-threatening complications such as severe sepsis. If you need assistance from a nursing home bed sore lawyer in Chicago, call Curcio & Casciato.
Nursing Home Respiratory Infection: Pneumonia, COVID-19, and Flu (Influenza) Outbreaks
Respiratory infections can spread quickly in nursing homes without the right infection control. Failure to assist with oral hygiene increases the risk of pneumonia in older adults. Illnesses such as COVID-19 and influenza outbreaks have caused serious harm to vulnerable residents. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of breathing symptoms can lead to rapid health decline and hospitalization.
Nursing Home Aspiration Pneumonia From Negligent Feeding
Aspiration pneumonia can develop when food or liquid enters a resident’s lungs during meals. This often happens from negligent feeding, choking, or a lack of proper supervision. Staff must follow safe feeding protocols and monitor swallowing ability. Failure to provide proper patient care is a form of nursing home negligence that can lead to serious illness or death. For legal assistance for nursing home neglect, contact our Chicago nursing home choking attorneys today.
Nursing Home Gastrointestinal Infection: Clostridioides Difficile (C. Diff)
C. diff is a serious gastrointestinal infection that spreads easily in nursing homes. Specific risk factors include antibiotic overuse and weakened immune systems. Poor infection control practices allow bacteria to spread between residents. Prompt isolation and proper sanitation are required to reduce outbreaks.
Nursing Home Diabetic Wound Infections
Diabetic nursing home residents in Chicago face a higher risk of slow-healing wounds. Without proper care, injuries can turn into chronic wound infections. Poor monitoring and delayed treatment allow nosocomial infections to develop. These infections can lead to serious complications and hospital admission.
Nursing Home Cellulitis and Wound Infections
Cellulitis and wound infections often develop in a nursing home setting after preventable injuries. Post-surgery wounds can become infected due to negligent care. Falls may cause lacerations and skin tears that require prompt attention to avoid infection. Delayed medical treatment allows infections to spread and worsen.
Sepsis From Urinary Catheters and IVs
Many nursing home residents rely on urinary catheters and IVs for daily care. Without strict hygiene and monitoring, these devices can introduce bacteria into the body, potentially leading to sepsis. Early recognition and treatment are essential to prevent life-threatening complications. Our Chicago nursing home sepsis attorneys pursue compensation when nursing home residents develop dangerous infections due to negligence.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
MRSA is an antibiotic resistant organism that spreads easily in close living spaces. In a nursing home setting, it can start from minor skin breaks or poor hygiene. This infectious disease can resist common treatments and become hard to control. Prompt care and strict infection protocols are needed to protect residents.
Nursing Home Fungal Infections: Candida Bloodstream Infections or Oral Thrush
Fungal infections can spread quickly in a nursing facility when hygiene standards are not maintained. Candida infections may affect the mouth or enter the bloodstream through medical devices. Elderly residents’ weaker immune systems increase the risk for serious complications. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent disease progression.
Nursing Home Virus and Viral Infections: RSV and Infectious Gastroenteritis (Norovirus) Outbreaks
Viral infections spread fast in nursing homes due to shared spaces and close contact. RSV and norovirus outbreaks can cause severe illness in older adults. Weak infection prevention practices allow viruses to move between residents and staff. Early isolation and sanitation help limit exposure and reduce harm.
Nursing Home Eye Infection: Conjunctivitis and Keratitis
Nursing home patients can develop eye infections such as conjunctivitis and keratitis when care is inadequate. These conditions spread through touch and shared items. Without prompt cleaning and treatment, infections can worsen. Staff must monitor symptoms and provide timely care to protect residents’ vision and comfort. Curcio & Casciato’s Chicago eye injury lawyers provide legal support to elderly residents and their families.
Secondary Infections at Chicago Nursing Homes
Infections can lead to additional medical problems when care falls short, especially for elderly individuals. Secondary infections may occur as residents recover from an initial illness. Delays or errors in treatments increase these risks. These infections can cause setbacks and serious health consequences.
Common Infections With Antibiotic Resistance in Chicago Nursing Homes
Antibiotic resistant infections can be particularly devastating in nursing homes. Elderly individuals are more likely to face serious health consequences from infections in general. The bacteria of antibiotic-resistent infections survive standard medications, making them harder to treat.
MRSA Infections
MRSA infections are resistant to many common antibiotic therapies and can worsen quickly without proper medical care. A Chicago MRSA lawyer can review medical records to identify missed warning signs or poor infection control. Legal action may help families seek accountability when MRSA causes preventable harm.
Nursing Home VRE Infections (Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci) Leading to Bacteremia, Meningitis, Pneumonia, Colitis, Sepsis, and Osteomyelitis
VRE infections spread easily when hygiene and monitoring fail, potentially leading to bacteremia, meningitis, pneumonia, colitis, sepsis, bone infections, or other health issues. Prompt diagnosis and proper infection control are crucial to prevent serious adverse outcomes.
Nursing Home E. Coli and Klebsiella From Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)
ESBL infections like E. coli and Klebsiella can develop in nursing homes with poor sanitation. In some instances, these infections may signal home abuse and neglect. Without immediate treatment, symptoms can worsen quickly. The Curcio & Casciato legal team can investigate care failures and help families seek accountability.
Nursing Home CRE Infections (Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae)
Enterobacteriaceae are naturally found in the human gut but can also cause infections. Infections are particularly dangerous when this bacteria becomes resistant to carbapenems, which are commonly used antibiotics. Healthcare providers must respond quickly when symptoms appear. Timely treatment can reduce the chances of severe complications and loss of life.
MDR Pseudomonas and MDR Acinetobacter (Typically CRAB)
MDR Pseudomonas and MDR Acinetobacter are types of bacteria that can survive standard treatments and persist on surfaces and medical equipment in care settings. They often cause serious infections in the lungs, blood, or wounds of vulnerable patients. Families may seek compensation from nursing homes for preventable injury and care failures.
Nursing Home Infectious Diarrhea (C. Diff) Leading to Kidney Failure, Bowel Damage, and Death
Infectious diarrhea from C. diff is very dangerous for older adults. Severe cases can cause kidney failure, bowel damage, or death. Delayed diagnosis and poor hygiene increase these risks. Experienced attorneys can review care failures and help families pursue accountability.
Other Chicago Nursing Home Diseases Caused By Neglect and Abuse
Other common health issues that families of nursing home residents should be aware of include the following:
- Infected pressure ulcers: Deep wounds that reopen and resist healing.
- Chronic bladder infection: Repeated urinary infections that strain the kidneys.
- Chronic lower respiratory tract infections and chronic respiratory diseases: Ongoing breathing problems that reduce strength and mobility.
- Sepsis as a chronic complication: Lasting organ damage after a severe infection.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and other circulatory disorders: Blood clots linked to inflammation and immobility.
- Worsening dementia or cognitive decline: Infections speeding up memory loss and confusion.
- Musculoskeletal disorders: Loss of muscle strength from prolonged illness or bed rest.
- Chronic skin infections: Repeated skin breakdown from missed care.
These outcomes highlight why prompt treatment and proper care matter in every nursing home.
Illinois Nursing Home Infection Control Rounds Checklist – Preventing Nosocomial Infections in Long-Term Care Facilities
Infection control rounds help reduce preventable illness and nosocomial infections in nursing homes. Nursing staff must follow strict hygiene and monitoring procedures. When staff skip steps, residents face unnecessary and serious risks.
Illinois Department of Public Health Infection Control Requirements for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) sets infection control requirements for skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. These rules guide nursing staff on hygiene, disease reporting, and outbreak response. Facilities that fail to follow IDPH rules can be subject to disciplinary actions ranging from fines to license suspension or revocation.
CMS Infection Control Regulations: Nursing Home Staff Members Must Follow
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS ) requires long-term care facilities to develop Infection Control programs to investigate, control, and prevent infections. Staff must identify symptoms and respond in a timely manner. Failure to follow CMS standards can result in punishments such as fines, increased oversight, or even termination of the facility’s agreement with CMS.
Illinois Nursing Home Care Act
The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act protects vulnerable people living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. It sets standards for staffing, safety, and quality of care. When facilities fall short, residents and families can seek legal action. This act’s fee-shifting provision also means that elderly residents and families can seek compensation for attorney’s fees through nursing home lawsuits.
How Family Members Can Check Chicago Nursing Home Infection Reports
Public reporting tools make it easier to spot infection problems in Chicago nursing homes. The Illinois Nursing Home Report Card website lists inspection and infection data. Medicare Care Compare facility ratings show how facilities compare nationwide. Reviewing these reports can reveal warning signs before serious harm occurs.
Common Causes of Chicago Nursing Home Infections
Nursing home infections often stem from preventable care failures. When staff ignore residents showing signs of illness, infections can worsen. Nursing home neglect can leave injured residents facing additional health issues and long recoveries.
Understaffing and Delayed Treatment of Elderly Nursing Home Residents
Understaffing remains a serious problem in many Chicago nursing homes. Facilities may ignore Illinois’ minimum staffing requirements, leaving residents without proper supervision. High turnover rates lead to rushed care and missed hygiene protocols. Staff may dismiss early signs of infection or fail to notify physicians when conditions change. Delays in transferring elderly residents to Chicago hospitals can result in infections worsening quickly.
Poor Hygiene and Lack of Proper Infection Control Measures
Poor hygiene creates serious infection risks in nursing homes. Staff may fail to wash hands between residents or change soiled linens and clothing. Unsanitary equipment and shared medical devices can spread bacteria in these nursing facilities. Inadequate cleaning of rooms and common areas increases exposure. CNAs may lack training on catheter care and wound management. Facilities that ignore CDC and CMS infection prevention guidelines place residents at risk. Improper PPE use and disposal further contribute to preventable infections.
Malnutrition and Dehydration Causing Weakened Immune Systems
Adequate nutrition and hydration play a key role in preventing infections. When nursing homes fail to meet these basic needs, immune systems weaken. Residents then struggle to fight illness and recover from infection. If you suspect your loved one is suffering from malnutrition or dehydration, contact our Chicago nursing home malnutrition lawyers as soon as possible.
Overusing Medications On Nursing Home Residents
Medication should support care, not replace it. Some nursing homes use drugs or physical restraints to control residents instead of providing proper supervision. Overmedication can hide infection symptoms or lead to other health issues. Patients who are physically restrained may sustain wounds susceptible to infection. Our Chicago unreasonable restraint attorneys help local families pursue medical malpractice and nursing home abuse claims when these practices cause harm.
Signs of Chicago Nursing Home Infections
Pay attention to warning signs that indicate infection. Early recognition of symptoms helps ensure proper treatment and can allow families to intervene if they suspect negligence from nursing home staff.
Physical Symptoms of Serious Infections
Serious infections often cause clear physical warning signs. Fever, chills, and confusion may appear suddenly. Foul-smelling urine or discharge from wounds can signal infection. Redness, swelling, or pus around bedsores or incisions requires attention. These symptoms may lead to a rapid decline in overall health.
Red Flags in Medical Records and Staff Behavior
Medical records can reveal warning signs of poor infection care. Unexplained antibiotic prescriptions may point to untreated infections. Gaps in charting and nursing notes raise concerns about missed care. Staff avoiding questions about a patient’s condition is another serious red flag.
Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit for An Infected Resident in Chicago
Families can file a lawsuit when nursing home infections result from neglect or abuse. Legal action may help uncover care failures and secure compensation for harm. Curcio & Casciato attorneys guide families through the process and protect the resident’s legal rights.
Illinois Statute of Limitations for Nursing Home Neglect Claims
Illinois law sets strict deadlines for nursing home neglect claims. In most cases, families have two years from the date of injury or discovery of injury to pursue claims. Certain factors may shorten or extend this time frame. Waiting too long can prevent recovery of any damages. Early legal review helps preserve evidence and protect claims.
Proving Negligence Against Chicago-Area Nursing Homes
Proving negligence requires strong evidence and careful review. Our attorneys obtain medical records and staffing logs to identify care failures. We consult with expert witnesses who can explain how poor care caused the infection. IDPH inspection reports and citations help show patterns of unsafe practices.
Financial Compensation for Chicago Nursing Home Infection Victims
Victims of nursing home infections may seek financial compensation for serious medical costs. This includes emergency room visits and ICU stays at hospitals. Compensation may also cover antibiotics, surgeries, wound care, and long-term rehabilitation needs.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim for Nursing Home Infection Death in Chicago
Families may file a wrongful death claim when a nursing home infection causes a loved one’s death. Recoverable damages can include funeral and burial expenses. Claims may also address loss of companionship and mental anguish. Under Illinois law, families can also recover survival action damages, or damages covering the losses their loved one experienced before death.
Why Families Trust Our Chicago Nursing Home Infections Lawyers
Choosing the right law firm can make a significant difference in the outcome of your nursing home neglect claims. Curcio & Casciato provides attentive legal support for affected residents and families. Our attorneys carefully investigate care failures. We take the time to explain each step of the legal process carefully. This approach builds trust and helps families feel supported throughout the case.
How Nursing Home Corporations Hide Infection Outbreaks
Some nursing home corporations take steps to minimize or conceal infection outbreaks. Facilities may underreport cases, delay testing, or discourage staff from documenting problems. These practices protect profits instead of residents. Our team uncovers attempts to hide information with through investigations.
Experienced in Illinois and Cook County Nursing Home Infection Litigation
Curcio & Casciato have extensive experience handling nursing home infection cases in Illinois and Cook County. Our attorneys understand local courts, regulations, and reporting systems. This knowledge helps uncover patterns of neglect and hold facilities accountable.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Chicago Nursing Home Infection Attorney
When you’re ready to pursue legal action against local long-term care facilities, call Curcio & Casciato. Our attorneys offer a free consultation to our clients, allowing you to discuss your concerns. We’ll listen carefully and explain your legal options. Our law firm boasts a Legacy of Compassion and Reputation of Excellence built through years of advocacy. Call (312) 321-1111 to speak with a Chicago nursing home infection attorney or complete the online contact form to request a consultation.