California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog
Summerlin Hospital, located in Las Vegas, is currently being sued by former patients, visitors, and employees for negligence. Those bringing suit are claiming that the hospital failed to take precautionary measures, endangering the health and lives of staff, patients, and others by exposing them to a woman and at least one baby infected with tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a common, yet potentially lethal disease which generally attacks the lungs and other parts of the body. It is contagious and may be spread through the air when someone with a tuberculosis infection transmits respiratory fluids into the air by sneezing, speaking, singing, or coughing. Due to its contagious nature, those who are in close or frequent contact with an individual with tuberculosis will be at a high risk of contracting the infection themselves.
In this case, the infected woman gave birth to twin daughters at the hospital. Despite exhibiting symptoms of tuberculosis, the woman was allowed continued visitation after being discharged in order to see her babies. The woman and both babies have since passed away from the disease, and the woman was diagnosed with tuberculosis in an autopsy. This lawsuit follows another lawsuit filed by the woman’s family, which alleges that the hospital failed to see and address signs that could have saved the woman’s life. Those bringing this claim are alleging that the hospital was negligent in its failure not only recognize and diagnose the woman’s tuberculosis, but in its failure to take basic precautionary measures. The lawsuit alleges that the hospital not only failed to warn people of a potential exposure to the infection, but also failed to follow isolation procedures.
Many elderly residents residing in nursing homes are generally prone to increased risks of infection and resulting complications due to their frail nature, weaker immune systems, and close proximity to others who may be sick. As such, staff members and caregivers must remain vigilant in identifying and diagnosing infections, such as tuberculosis, before others are endangered and exposed. Infections that are commonly found in nursing homes may include influenza, urinary tract infections, scabies, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Nursing homes and other health care facilities have a duty to ensure the prevention of outbreaks of infectious diseases. When you place your loved one under their care, you are entrusting the facility and its caregivers to maintain a safe and hygienic environment, and to provide your loved one with high quality care. However, if you believe that your loved one has contracted a severe infection while residing at a nursing home facility, or is a victim of nursing home neglect, we encourage you to contact us today. Our team of experienced attorneys at the Yeroushalmi Law specializes in nursing home litigation and will fight vigorously for your loved one’s rights. Contact us today at (888) 606-3453 for a free consultation. We serve cities all throughout California.
