Health Officials Warn of Coronavirus Spread in Indiana Nursing Homes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been tracking the spread of COVID-19, otherwise known as the novel coronavirus, throughout the United States. The CDC has focused its efforts on protecting the population most likely to suffer death because of exposure to the virus. These vulnerable populations include individuals who have underlying medical conditions, those over 65-years-old, and those residing in long-term care facilities. A recent news report describes the rapid spread of the disease in an Indiana nursing home, making the importance of containing the virus more abundantly clear. Nursing homes that do not appropriately protect their staff and residents may face liability for any ensuing damages.

According to another news report, as of a few weeks ago, there are approximately 150 nursing homes across 27 states that have at least one resident with coronavirus. Although the figure may seem like a small fraction of the total number of nursing homes in the United States, the rates of infections are rapidly growing. The virus poses serious threats to individuals at these facilities since most are experiencing the enumerated underlying conditions making them “high-risk.”

Recently, two Johnson County nursing homes reported that a number of their residents and staff have tested positive for COVID-19. One nursing home sent a number of their residents to a local hospital after the individuals reported symptoms of the virus. Reports revealed that the number of cases at the facility rose to 15, with eight individuals in the hospital, six in isolation, and the remaining still awaiting test results. Officials reprimanded the facilities for sending residents who were experiencing mild symptoms to the hospital. They criticized the facility for overburdening the hospital system instead of treating mild cases on-site.

The nursing home conceded that they were not prepared for the virus when their residents and staff began to exhibit symptoms. They explained that they were in the process of refining their cleaning processes and finding space for affected residents. These deficiencies can have long-term and potentially fatal consequences for residents and staff. However, this is not unique to this specific facility; a recent investigation shows that over 70% of Indiana nursing homes have received citations for deficient infection control measures. Although containment of some viruses is exceedingly difficult, nursing homes should nevertheless take strong measures to protect their residents.

Has Your Loved One Experienced Abuse or Neglect at an Indiana Nursing Home?

If you or someone you love has experienced injuries, abuse, or neglect at an Indiana long-term care facility or nursing home, you should contact Padove Law. Padove Law understands the unique challenges that nursing home abuse and neglect cases entail. Attorney Padove takes an individualized approach to each case and provides clients with detailed and personalized attention. It is vital that individuals who suspect Indiana nursing home abuse or neglect contact Attorney Padove as soon as possible to ensure that they do not waive their rights to recovery against the facility. Recovery in these cases typically includes monetary compensation for medical expenses related to the facility’s negligence, ongoing medical treatment, and pain and suffering. Contact Padove Law at 219-836-2200 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.