Chicago Nursing Home Infections Lawyer

When nursing home staff fail to maintain proper hygiene, monitor patients’ symptoms, or respond to early warning signs, patients face serious risks. Poor infection control not only endangers overall health but also reflects a breakdown in basic medical care standards.

The Chicago nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers represent elderly patients and their families across Cook County in nursing home abuse and neglect cases involving infections.

We have recovered settlements ranging from as little as $610,000 to over $3,000,000. Contact us for a free consultation if your loved one developed an infection in a nursing or assisted living facility and you suspect poor care played a role.

Nursing Homes’ Infections May Signal Negligence

While elderly patients are more prone to infection, many cases in Cook County nursing homes result from avoidable conditions. Infections may signal deeper care failures, especially when linked to:

• Chronic understaffing
• Inadequate staff training
• High resident-to-caregiver ratios
• Missed hygiene routines
• Delayed wound care
• Unsanitary living conditions

Why Elderly Residents Are Vulnerable to Serious Infections

Elderly nursing home residents are at elevated risk of infections for several reasons:

• Weakened immune systems
• Chronic conditions like diabetes or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Limited mobility that increases the risk of pressure ulcers and pneumonia.
• Shared spaces that spread illness quickly
• Reliance on staff for hygiene and wound care

Common Preventable Infections Seen in Cook County Nursing Homes

Many infections stem from poor hygiene, missed checks, or delayed medical attention, putting nursing home patients at risk.

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): These are caused by poor catheter care or soiled clothing and can lead to sepsis without prompt treatment.
• Respiratory infections: These spread quickly in shared spaces when symptoms are ignored or vaccines are skipped.
• Skin infections (bedsores, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]): These result from poor repositioning and missed skin checks. If left untreated, they may lead to hospitalization.
• Gastrointestinal infections: These are caused by unclean food handling or poor hand hygiene and can lead to dehydration and a rapid decline.

How Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect Leads to Infections

Preventable infections are often the result of staff failing to support nursing home patients properly. Examples include:

• Skipping handwashing before wound care or between nursing home residents;
• Poor cleaning of rooms, bathrooms, or shared areas;
• Delayed repositioning, leading to skin infections;
• Missed or improper wound care;
• Ignoring early signs like fever, redness, or swelling;
• Short staffing leads to skipped hygiene routines.

Recognizing the Signs of Infection in Your Family Member

Many nursing home patients cannot communicate discomfort clearly, especially those with dementia or cognitive decline. Family should be vigilant for signs of infection, including:

• Fever or chills
• Rapid heartbeat or breathing
• Sudden confusion or disorientation
• Swelling, redness, or pus around a wound or catheter
• Persistent cough, shortness of breath
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of dehydration
• Unusual fatigue or decline in energy

If you notice any of these symptoms, ask the nursing home about their care plan, and consider consulting nursing home neglect lawyers if you suspect negligence contributed to the condition.

Legal Options for Family When Infections Cause Harm

If your loved one suffered or died from an infection due to poor care, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit under Illinois law.

You may be able to pursue a claim based on:

• Failure to prevent or treat infection (negligence)
• Violation of the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act
• Medical malpractice by facility staff
• Reports made to the Illinois Department of Public Health or Human Services

Claims can be brought by the resident, a guardian, or the deceased’s estate.

Seeking Compensation for Infection-Related Damages

Victims of nursing home abuse or negligence may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, long-term disability, or wrongful death. In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may also apply.

Our team works with medical experts and analysts to document the full impact of the harm and pursue the maximum recovery possible.

How Our Firm Investigates Nursing Home Infection Cases

Our experienced lawyers approach nursing home infection cases with precision, urgency, and compassion.

Our investigation typically includes:

• Review medical records for signs, treatment, and outcomes
• Analyze staff logs and care schedules
• Check for violations of health regulations
• Consult medical and nursing experts
• Investigate prior complaints or citations
• Secure evidence to support your claim

Book a Free Consultation

If you believe a serious infection was caused by poor care in a nursing home, our legal team is ready to help. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.