Latest Blogs

Nearly every day, new reports are emerging regarding the growing number of COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the U.S. Why is it that these facilities are so vulnerable to this deadly virus? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults and those with severe underlying medical conditions have a higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19. 

Nursing Homes Are Starkly Vulnerable to Coronavirus

Nursing home residents are generally older adults, many of whom suffer from chronic illnesses and impairments, causing them to be particularly susceptible to COVID-19. Additionally, residents tend to live in close quarters, making it difficult to move or quarantine those who contract the virus. Nurses, doctors and other caregivers in these facilities must also move from room to room tending to residents, potentially furthering the spread of infection. 

Despite the numerous factors contributing to the vulnerability of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, there are protocols and precautions that should be in place and followed to mitigate the spread of the virus. And according to several news reports, the lack of proper protocols at these facilities has contributed to a high number of patient illnesses and deaths. 

Washington Nursing Home Faces Federal Fine of $600,000

During the early days of the pandemic, the Life Care Center of Kirkland in Washington was linked to at least 35 deaths at their facility. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Life Care Center failed to meet protocols and take necessary precautions. Among several shortcomings, the facility was unable to quickly identify and manage sick residents, did not have a backup clinician when their primary doctor fell ill, and continued to allow employees who were exhibiting signs of COVID-19 to remain at work. The nursing home also did not have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment, such as hand sanitizer, and did not ensure employees were following proper glove and goggle precautions. 

How a Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

With 200 nursing home facilities across the country, Life Care Centers of America did not have an emergency action plan in place to handle situations such as this, and, unfortunately, they are not alone. If a facility fails to follow proper federal and state guidelines to protect the lives of their residents, there may be grounds for legal action and you may be entitled to compensation. 

If you or a loved one has contracted COVID-19 in a nursing home or long-term care facility, resulting in severe illness or death, Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer Randall Spivey from Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. can help. He will evaluate the situation and determine an appropriate plan of action to ensure the responsible party is held accountable. Contact us today to learn more.