Columbia Nursing Home Infection Lawyer

Helping Victims of Nursing Home Infections in Columbia, SC

When you entrust a nursing home with the care of your elderly loved one, you expect a safe, clean, and supportive environment. Unfortunately, many nursing homes fail to uphold this standard, leading to dangerous and even deadly infections among residents. Infections in long-term care facilities can quickly spread and cause severe harm, especially to seniors with weakened immune systems.

If your loved one developed an infection due to poor care, unsanitary conditions, or staff negligence, a Columbia nursing home infection lawyer from Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC can help you pursue justice. Our legal team understands how devastating these cases can be and is ready to hold negligent facilities accountable for their actions.

Call (803) 599-2207 for a free consultation and learn how we can help your family hold negligent facilities responsible.

Common Types of Nursing Home Infections

Elderly residents often have weakened immune systems, making them particularly susceptible to infections. When facilities fail to maintain proper care standards, these infections can spread quickly and become severe. Common types of infections found in Columbia-area nursing homes include:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs are among the most common infections in nursing homes, often linked to improper catheter use, poor hygiene, or dehydration. Left untreated, a UTI can lead to kidney infections or sepsis.
• Respiratory Infections: Respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or influenza can spread rapidly in close living environments. Staff must monitor residents closely for symptoms like coughing, fever, or shortness of breath.
• Skin Infections and Bedsores: Open wounds, pressure ulcers (bedsores), or other skin conditions can quickly become infected if left untreated. Unsanitary bedding, poor mobility assistance, and inadequate wound care are often contributing factors.
• Gastrointestinal Infections: Foodborne bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium difficile (C. diff) can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, and even death in elderly patients. Proper food handling and cleanliness are crucial to preventing these infections.
• Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation. Many sepsis cases in nursing homes start with untreated UTIs, pneumonia, or infected wounds.

When infections are not identified and treated promptly, they can lead to hospitalization, permanent injury, or even death. If your loved one developed a serious infection in a Columbia nursing home, it may be a sign of neglect — and you have legal options.

Common Causes of Infections

Nursing home infections are rarely “just accidents.” In many cases, they stem from systemic neglect, poor facility management, or understaffing. Common causes include:

• Poor Hygiene Practices: Staff must assist residents with bathing, changing clothing, and cleaning bedding regularly. Failure to maintain personal hygiene creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
• Unsanitary Living Conditions: Dirty rooms, contaminated medical equipment, and improperly sanitized bathrooms are common infection sources. Nursing homes are legally required to maintain a clean and safe environment.
• Improper Use of Medical Devices: Catheters, IV lines, and feeding tubes can introduce bacteria if not handled properly. Staff should follow strict infection control protocols when using or replacing these devices.
• Understaffing and Overworked Employees: When nursing homes cut corners by hiring too few caregivers, staff are forced to rush, skip essential cleaning tasks, or overlook warning signs of infection.
• Failure to Recognize and Treat Symptoms: Early detection is critical in infection management. When nursing home staff ignore symptoms like fever, swelling, or confusion, infections can quickly escalate into medical emergencies.

If your loved one’s infection was caused by any of these preventable factors, Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC can help you take action against the responsible facility.

How Nursing Home Staff Should Prevent & Manage Infections

Nursing homes in Columbia and across South Carolina are legally obligated to follow federal and state infection control standards. Proper infection prevention and management should include:

Routine Hygiene and Sanitation

Staff must maintain clean environments by regularly disinfecting surfaces, laundering bedding, and washing hands between resident interactions.

Proper Resident Care

Residents who are immobile or bedridden require regular repositioning, clean clothing, and proper wound care to prevent bedsores and related infections.

Adequate Training

All caregivers should be trained to recognize the early signs of infection and understand the importance of infection control protocols.

Immediate Medical Attention

Prompt medical intervention can make the difference between recovery and severe complications. Staff should never delay in contacting a physician when infection symptoms appear.

Compliance with Infection Control Policies

Facilities must comply with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) infection prevention requirements, including maintaining an infection preventionist on staff.

When nursing homes fail to meet these standards, they may be held legally liable for the harm caused. Our Columbia nursing home infection attorneys at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC investigate these cases thoroughly to expose negligence and secure justice for victims.

Infection FAQs

How do I know if a nursing home infection is due to neglect?

Neglect may be involved if your loved one’s infection went unnoticed for too long, occurred repeatedly, or developed under unsanitary conditions. Medical records and facility inspection reports can help establish negligence.

What compensation can we recover in a nursing home infection case?

You may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and, in severe cases, wrongful death.

What should I do if my loved one has an infection in a nursing home?

Seek medical care immediately and report your concerns to facility administrators. Document your observations and contact an experienced Columbia nursing home infection lawyer to protect your loved one’s rights.

Can I file a lawsuit if the nursing home is state-run or part of a larger corporation?

Yes. Nursing homes, regardless of ownership, can be held accountable for negligence under South Carolina law.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for nursing home negligence cases is generally three years from the date of the injury or discovery of harm. However, early action is essential to preserve evidence.

Contact Our Columbia Nursing Home Infection Attorneys

If your loved one suffered an infection due to nursing home negligence, don’t wait to take action. The experienced attorneys at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC can help you hold the facility accountable and recover the compensation your family deserves.

Contact us today to reach our team and take the first step toward protecting your loved one.