Utah Nursing Home Pneumonia Lawyers

Pneumonia is a leading of death for older adults in nursing homes. Unfortunately, nursing home residents often suffer from frail health, have compromised immune systems, and thus have a higher risk of infection than other adults. They require proper preventive care to help them avoid diseases such as pneumonia and prompt diagnosis and treatment should they show symptoms. Thus, negligence on the part of nursing home staff can be an underlying cause of all types of pneumonia.

At Elder Care Injury, our entire focus is on giving legal assistance to seniors in nursing home facilities and their families when they have suffered harm due to negligence or mistreatment. Our team is highly experienced in holding negligent or abusive parties accountable in nursing homes. We are committed to quality care for our elderly population and are here to help when that standard is unmet.

In a free consultation, discuss your case with a Utah nursing home pneumonia attorney. Call Elder Care Injury at (801) 997-5019 or contact us online. 

What Is Pneumonia? 

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid, causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Various organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause it. The most common types include community-acquired pneumonia, hospital-acquired pneumonia, and aspiration pneumonia. 

What Is Aspiration Pneumonia? 

Aspiration pneumonia is a specific type of pneumonia that occurs when food, saliva, liquids, or vomit is breathed into the lungs or airways leading to the lungs, instead of being swallowed into the esophagus and stomach. This is especially common among elderly individuals with difficulty swallowing or maintaining control over tongue and throat muscles.

Pneumonia Symptoms

The common symptoms of pneumonia can vary from mild to severe and may include the following: 

• Cough
• Chest pain when coughing or breathing
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Chills and sweating
• Reduction in normal body temperature
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath

Depending on the type of pneumonia, treatment options may involve antibiotics, rest, fluids, and medications to relieve symptoms. 

Complications & Risk Factors

Complications from pneumonia can be severe, leading to long-term health problems or even death. These include bacteria in the bloodstream, difficulty breathing, continued fluid accumulation around the lungs, and lung abscesses. 

Risk factors for nursing home residents include advanced age, chronic disease, weakened immune systems, smoking, and being hospitalized.

Nursing Home Negligence in Pneumonia Cases

Nursing home negligence can significantly contribute to the development of pneumonia and aspiration pneumonia in residents. 

A lack of adequately trained staff can lead to poor hygiene practices, improper food and drink handling, and insufficient monitoring of resident health, all of which can increase the risk of pneumonia. If staff members do not adhere to proper hygiene protocols, bacteria and viruses can spread more easily among residents, leading to infections like pneumonia. Poor ventilation can also contribute to the spread of airborne bacteria and viruses, increasing the risk of pneumonia.

Regular health check-ups are crucial for elderly individuals. Negligence in this area can result in missed symptoms or delayed treatment, exacerbating pneumonia.

Proper feeding techniques are essential to prevent aspiration pneumonia. Residents may be at higher risk if nursing home staff are inattentive or negligent in this area.

Vaccines are an important preventive measure against pneumonia. If a nursing home neglects to ensure that its residents receive these vaccinations, they may be held accountable for any resulting cases of pneumonia. 

Each resident should have a personalized care plan, considering their health needs and risks. Neglecting to follow these plans can lead to health issues, including pneumonia. Furthermore, if nursing home staff ignore or overlook symptoms of pneumonia in residents, the delay in treatment can lead to severe health issues.

Many elderly individuals have chronic conditions that can increase the risk of pneumonia if not correctly managed. Nursing home negligence in managing these conditions can thus contribute to infections and further complications. If a resident becomes ill, prompt and appropriate medical attention is crucial. Failure to provide this can allow a simple illness like a cold to progress into pneumonia.

Elder Care Injury Works to Uphold the Rights of Nursing Home Residents

At Elder Care Injury, we understand the devastation that negligence can cause our seniors in nursing home facilities. We see the effects of negligence and abuse daily, reinforcing our commitment to apply our knowledge, skills, and resources to these injustices. 

Our experienced team of attorneys is committed to helping victims and their families with well-researched and prepared injury claims and lawsuits. We can provide legal advice, help you understand your rights, and represent you in pursuing a claim against a negligent nursing home.

Call us today at (801) 997-5019 for assistance.