Nursing homes have a duty to provide their residents with proper care and attention. Unfortunately, some nursing homes fail to meet this duty, resulting in serious injuries and infections. One such infection is Clostridium Difficile (C. Difficile), which can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even life-threatening complications.
At The Steele Law Firm, we understand the devastating effects that C. Difficile infections can have on nursing home residents and their families. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to holding nursing homes accountable for their negligent actions and seeking justice for our clients.
What is Clostridium Difficile?
C. Difficile is a bacterium that can be found in the environment and in the digestive tract of many people. However, when the balance of bacteria in the gut is disrupted, C. Difficile can grow out of control and release toxins that cause inflammation and damage to the lining of the colon. It can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, objects, or people. In nursing homes, where residents may have weakened immune systems and may be in close proximity to each other, the risk of infection can be particularly high.
Symptoms of C. Difficile infection can range from mild to severe, and may include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping and pain
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Dehydration
In severe cases, a C. Difficile infection can cause life-threatening complications such as toxic megacolon, perforation of the colon, and sepsis.
How Can Nursing Homes be Held Liable for C. Difficile Infections?
Nursing homes have a duty to provide their residents with a safe and clean environment, and to take reasonable steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. When a nursing home fails to meet this duty and a resident contracts a C. Difficile infection as a result, the nursing home may be liable for the resident’s injuries.
Some ways in which a nursing home may be found liable for a C. Difficile infection include:
- Failure to properly clean and sanitize surfaces and objects
- Failure to provide adequate hand hygiene for staff and residents
- Failure to isolate infected residents
- Failure to properly treat infected residents
- Failure to properly train staff on infection prevention and control
Contact The Steele Law Firm for Help with Your Nursing Home Abuse Case
We understand the devastating effects that C. Difficile infections can have on nursing home residents and their families, and we are committed to holding negligent nursing homes accountable for their actions.
If you suspect that your loved one has suffered a C. Difficile infection as a result of nursing home negligence, it is important to contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys can investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s illness, gather evidence, and help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. At The Steele Law Firm, our attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of nursing home abuse and neglect seek justice and compensation for their injuries.
