Orange County Nursing Home Infections Lawyer

Orange County Nursing Home Infections Attorney

Nursing home abuse is often subtle and difficult to detect, but the presence of infections can be a clear warning sign that something is wrong. Nursing home residents rely on the observations of loved ones and visitors to report nursing home abuse, so if you have noticed infections, you should contact an Orange County nursing home infections lawyer at Hunter Law, PC, as soon as possible.

No one wants to see a loved one suffer from an infection in a facility that is meant to protect them from harm. Numerous infections can occur, and family members should keep an eye open for any warning signs of one. Also, pay attention to what your loved one tells you about their experience. Early intervention is key to preventing the spread of infection.

Understanding nursing home infection laws can be confusing, but you do not need to do it alone. Instead, our skilled nursing home infections attorney can apply 16 years of dedicated experience to your case. If you are entitled to compensation for damages a loved one incurred at a nursing home, we can investigate the situation.

How Hunter Law, PC, Can Help

At Hunter Law, PC, our founding partner, Stephen Hunter, has developed a reputation as a strong litigator who knows how to seek the most favorable outcomes for his clients. When you hire a nursing home infections lawyer at our firm to handle your nursing home infection case, you can know that you have a strong advocate on your side.

Our Orange County nursing home infections attorney also understands the courts. When your case goes through the local Orange County Superior Court of California, we can handle important deadlines and requirements, allowing you to focus on your family. When a nursing home infections case leaves you overwhelmed, let our firm deal with the legal complexities.

What Are Nursing Home Infections?

Nursing home infections are illnesses contracted by residents, often termed healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), that frequently affect vulnerable, elderly individuals with weakened immune systems. Nursing homes are prime environments for infectious disease outbreaks due to a combination of close communicable living, vulnerable residents, and high staff-to-resident contact.

Common, often fatal, infections include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Pneumonia
• COVID-19
• Influenza
• MRSA
• Scabies
• Cellulitis
• Infected pressure ulcers

Nursing home infections can easily be categorized as nursing home abuse and neglect. Nursing home facilities must employ infection prevention measures, including:

• Antibiotic stewardship
• Strict hygiene guidelines
• Proper wound care
• In some cases, enhanced protocols for outbreaks

While some infections are unavoidable, persistent or severe infections can indicate negligence in care.

Nursing Home Infection Causes

Nursing home infections, resulting in roughly 2 million cases annually, are primarily caused by weakened resident immunity, close proximity of residents, and inadequate sanitation or neglect. Key causes include poor staff hygiene, understaffing, and failure to properly manage indwelling devices (such as catheters and feeding tubes).

Nursing home staffing and staff training significantly matter in the prevention of facility infections. In a 2022 national survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 1,956 (17%) nursing homes with the minimum amount of required staff saw 0.44 fewer infections annually per 100 residents, compared to nursing homes that did not, reflecting a 6% decrease in risk in an average facility.

How to Report Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect nursing home abuse and neglect in California, you can report it to 911 for immediate danger or by contacting the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman. You can also file a complaint with the California Department of Public Health and contact an Orange County nursing home infections attorney for further guidance.

In California, the statute of limitations for a nursing home abuse or negligence claim is generally two years from the date of the injury or incident. Failing to file a claim within this two-year period, under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, usually results in losing the right to do so. For this reason, it is essential to seek out legal counsel as soon as possible.

Why Should I Hire a Nursing Home Infections Lawyer?

If you want to hold a nursing home facility accountable for negligence, hiring an Orange County nursing home infections lawyer at Hunter Law, PC, is essential. In addition to explaining complex nursing home infection laws, our lawyer can also work to prove that a preventable infection resulted from poor care and seek compensation for medical bills, pain, and suffering.

FAQs About Orange County, CA Nursing Home Infections Law

What Is Considered Negligence in a Nursing Home?

Nursing home negligence occurs when a facility or staff fails to provide required, reasonable care, resulting in harm to a resident. It includes neglecting basic needs such as food, hygiene, and medical attention, along with failing to prevent hazards. Common examples include bedsores, fall injuries, medication errors, infections, and failure to monitor patients.

What Are the Rules for Infection Control in Nursing?

Infection control in nursing is governed by standard measures used for all patients, along with transmission-based precautions designed to prevent the spread of infections. Key rules include: 

• Strict hand hygiene (such as soap or alcohol-based rubs)
• Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and gowns
• Environmental cleaning
• Safe sharp disposal
• Respiratory hygiene

What Is the Most Common Infection in Nursing Homes?

UTIs are the most common infections in nursing homes, followed closely by respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and skin/soft tissue infections. These infections are highly prevalent due to weakened immune systems, close contact with others, and the frequent use of catheters or feeding tubes. Staff neglect can also contribute to these infections.

What Is the Hardest Bacterial Infection to Get Rid Of?

The hardest bacterial infections to treat are those caused by multidrug-resistant superbugs, with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) often cited as the most difficult. Other exceptionally challenging, persistent infections include tuberculosis (TB) and Clostridioides difficile. These infections are considered the hardest because they are resistant to multiple antibiotic classes.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

If your loved one is facing an infection due to nursing home abuse or neglect, do not hesitate to contact an Orange County nursing home infections lawyer at Hunter Law, PC. With nearly two decades of experience in representing our clients, we can explain complex laws while handling your nursing home infection case. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation today.

Orange County, CA Nursing Home Infections Law Resources:

• California Nursing Home Abuse Laws – All You Need To Know
• Legal Protection Against Elder Financial Abuse in California: What You Need to Know
• How to File an Elder Abuse Lawsuit in California
• Warning Signs of Elderly Sexual Abuse in California Nursing Homes
• Why Experience Matters in Fighting Elder Abuse Lawsuits