Report: Non-COVID-19 Nursing Home Deaths Remain a Serious Problem
The COVID-19 virus poses a serious public safety threat to our communities, especially to vulnerable people such as nursing home residents. Unfortunately, not all of Florida’s long-term care facilities have done enough to protect people from the respiratory disease. Though, it is far from the only safety problem facing vulnerable people.
According to a report from Florida Politics, many thousands of nursing home residents have died prematurely due to non-COVID-related reasons over the last few months. Here, our West Palm Beach nursing home abuse attorneys provide an overview of the report and explain three steps you should take to hold a negligent assisted living facility accountable.
Non-COVID-19-Related Injuries, Illnesses, and Complications are a Serious Problem
The report from Florida Politics a 75-year-old man named Donald Wallace. Earlier this year, COVID-19 ripped through the long-term care facility that he was living in. At the time, his family thought he was one of the lucky ones—he escaped contracting the virus. Sadly, a few months later, Mr. Wallace passed away. His family noted that he had pneumonia, was malnourished, dehydrated, and was suffering from the effects of poor hygiene and an untreated infection.
Since the COVID-19 began accelerating in the United States in mid-March, federal officials estimate that approximately 90,000 Americans died of the virus in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Many of those deaths could and should have been prevented with proper precautions. Additionally, the report states that tens of thousands of other preventable deaths have occurred. They argue that a “tandem wave of death separate from the virus has quietly claimed tens of thousands more.” The primary reason is that understaffed facilities have not been able to provide proper care.
What to Do If Your Loved One Was Harmed in a Nursing Home
We all put a lot of faith in the hands of a long-term care facility. When that faith is violated and a family member is harmed, you need to take immediate action. Your loved one deserves better. Here are three specific steps that you should take.
- Get your loved one any needed emergency medical care and make sure they are in a safe place. Your loved one’s health and well-being always comes first.
- Report the suspected nursing home abuse or neglect to Florida state regulators. State authorities have resources available.
- Schedule a consultation with a nursing home abuse attorney. A lawyer can help you take legal action to get compensation.
During a free, confidential initial consultation, our Florida nursing home neglect attorneys will review your case, explain your rights and options, and help you take whatever legal action is needed to get justice and accountability.
Call Our South Florida Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer for Help
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Florida nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys are skilled, experienced advocates for vulnerable people and their families. If your loved one suffered harm in a nursing home, we can help. Call us today for a free, no commitment consultation. We serve communities throughout South Florida, including in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Miami, and Miami Beach.
Resource:
floridapolitics.com/archives/384421-not-just-covid-nursing-home-neglect-deaths-surge-in-shadows
