How a Lawyer Can Help You Hold a Nursing Home Accountable
When families entrust the care of a loved one to a nursing home, they expect a safe and sanitary environment. But when something as serious as a MRSA infection occurs, the consequences can be life-altering or even fatal. The question is whether it was preventable and who can be held accountable.
Should you find your loved one in this situation, you have the right to hold the facility accountable. An experienced Decatur nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer can advocate for you and your family during these challenging times.
What is MRSA, and why is it so dangerous?
MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. It’s a type of staph bacteria that has developed resistance to many common antibiotics, which makes it much harder to treat. For healthy individuals, MRSA can sometimes result in a painful skin infection. But for the elderly or those with chronic health problems, it can turn deadly.
In nursing homes, MRSA doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. It spreads through touch, shared equipment, unwashed hands, and unsanitary conditions. When staff are rushed, overworked, or poorly trained, infection control protocols often fall by the wayside. That’s when MRSA finds its foothold.
How does MRSA spread in nursing homes?
The environment of a long-term care facility creates the perfect storm. Residents live in close quarters. Many individuals have wounds, bedsores, catheters, or breathing tubes, all of which increase the risk of infection. If one resident becomes infected and proper precautions aren’t taken, others can quickly follow.
It doesn’t take much. A caregiver moves from one room to another without washing their hands. Two people use a wheelchair without it being disinfected. A wound isn’t cleaned properly. In those moments, MRSA has a chance to spread, and once it does, it can be devastating.
What duties do nursing homes in Georgia have to prevent infections?
Georgia law makes it clear that nursing homes have a legal and moral duty to keep residents safe. The state’s Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities guarantees the right to live in a clean and secure environment. That includes protection from infections like MRSA.
Facilities are required to follow strict infection control procedures. They must monitor residents’ health, keep wounds clean, and isolate those with contagious illnesses when necessary. On top of that, staff must report signs of abuse or neglect within 24 hours.
Federal rules apply as well. Homes that accept Medicare or Medicaid must have a written infection control program, train staff on proper hygiene procedures, and report any outbreaks to the relevant public health authorities. Failing to meet these obligations is a violation of both state and federal law.
When is a nursing home legally liable for MRSA?
Legal liability hinges on whether the infection could have been prevented if the facility had followed proper procedures. If the answer is yes, then the nursing home may be held accountable.
There are a few different legal paths. The most common is negligence. That means the facility failed to meet its duty of care, and a resident was harmed as a result.
For example, if a resident’s wound was left untreated or they were placed in a shared room despite having an active infection, those decisions could amount to negligence.
If a licensed medical provider fails to recognize clear signs of infection or administers the wrong treatment, that could be considered medical malpractice.
In some cases, the law allows for what’s called “negligence per se.” That means if the nursing home violates a specific safety law or health regulation and a resident becomes sick as a result, the law assumes the facility was negligent.
Finally, if an MRSA infection leads to a resident’s death, their family may be able to file a wrongful death claim under Georgia law.
What kind of evidence supports a legal claim?
Building a strong case takes more than a diagnosis. Medical records are key. They can show when symptoms appeared, how the facility responded, and whether there were delays in care.
Inspection reports from the Georgia Department of Community Health can also provide valuable information, especially if the nursing home had past violations related to infection control.
Other important evidence includes staffing schedules, internal policies, and witness statements. Family members, former employees, or other residents might be able to describe unsanitary conditions or lapses in care.
In many cases, doctors or infection control specialists can serve as expert witnesses to explain how the infection could have been prevented and identify where the facility failed in its responsibilities.
What should families do if MRSA is suspected?
First, make sure your loved one receives immediate medical attention. MRSA infections can escalate quickly, and early treatment makes a difference. Second, ask questions. Was your family member isolated? Did the facility notify you about the infection? What treatment is being provided? Request copies of medical records and care plans as soon as possible.
Third, file a complaint with the Georgia Department of Community Health. This helps document the incident and may prompt an investigation, which can support a legal claim.
To file a claim, you'll need to speak to a Georgia attorney who is experienced in nursing home neglect cases like yours. The sooner you act, the better. Time limits apply, and key evidence can disappear if not preserved right away.
What kind of compensation might be available?
If a nursing home’s negligence led to an MRSA infection, the affected resident or their family may be entitled to financial compensation. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- Medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, antibiotics, and follow-up care
- Pain and suffering, such as physical discomfort, emotional trauma, or reduced quality of life
- Long-term care costs, especially if the infection results in permanent disability or loss of independence
- Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death cases
- Loss of companionship or support for surviving family members
- The full value of the deceased person’s life, including lost income and contributions
Our Decatur attorneys fight for justice across Georgia
If your loved one developed a MRSA infection while living in a Georgia nursing home, don’t wait to take action. These types of infections are often preventable and may result from neglect, unsanitary conditions, or a facility’s failure to follow basic safety protocols.
The attorneys at Johnson Greer Law Group understand the devastating impact this kind of abuse or neglect can have on a family. Our Decatur nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers are ready to investigate what happened and hold the facility accountable for the harm your loved one suffered.
Our legal team has extensive experience handling nursing home negligence cases across Georgia, including those involving MRSA. We know how to uncover the truth through medical records, inspection reports, or witness interviews. We’re here to fight for the justice your family deserves and be your advocate from start to finish.
We offer free consultations and handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
If you suspect your loved one was the victim of abuse, neglect, or improper infection control in a Georgia nursing home, contact us today to discuss your legal options and next steps. We are here to help you demand justice and accountability for your loved one.
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