Ever since the COVID-19 crisis intensified in early 2020, the virus has taken an unimaginable toll on America’s nursing homes and long-term care facilities. These homes, which house some of the most susceptible individuals in our society, quickly became ground zero for countless coronavirus outbreaks across the U.S. in the early months of the pandemic. The latest nationwide surge in cases and hospitalizations aligns with long-term care facilities now seeing their most intense swell of COVID-19 cases since the summer. Although fewer than 1 percent of U.S. residents live in nursing homes, these facilities account for 40 percent of all COVID-19 deaths in the United States.
In early January, the Long Term Care Community Coalition wrote in a press release that a lax infectious control plan and a failure to maintain safe conditions may be to blame for the particularly high death toll.
“Rather than take responsibility for resident safety and care in the face of a growing death toll, the nursing home industry, through its multi-million dollar lobbying firms and associated academics, has continually argued that resident safety during the pandemic was beyond its control.”
The press release indicates that there have so far been 294 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citations in nursing homes, assisted living circumstances, hospitals, and other facilities nationwide. The violations cited by OSHA range from a failure to accurately report fatalities and deaths to staff improperly utilizing respirators without ensuring that employees are qualified to use them.
During this critical time, nursing home operators must be extra vigilant to maintain the safest possible environment for their residents. Nursing homes that have managed to contain the virus have done so by employing basic measures such as using personal protective equipment, routinely testing employees and residents, and bringing on extra workers. Those successes make clear that many, if not most, of the 131,000 lives lost could have been spared with careful planning and effective leadership.
As the virus continues to desolate New York City’s most vulnerable, it’s more important than ever for nursing homes to protect their workers and residents and be held accountable for their actions should they fail. If you suspect your loved one has suffered neglect during the coronavirus pandemic, the attorneys at Dalli & Marino are here to help. Our highly skilled team approaches each case on an individual basis and is dedicated to helping you recover the money you deserve to compensate you for your loss. Call 888-465-8790 or complete our contact form today.
Read more from the Long Term Care Community Coalition here.
