Tampa UTI Lawyer
Anyone can develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) at any point in their life. However, nursing home residents are more susceptible to these infections and when they suffer from a UTI, the consequences can be devastating. UTIs form the basis of many nursing home abuse lawsuits because staff members are responsible for identifying the danger, mitigating the risks, and identifying a UTI as soon as possible to prevent deadly consequences.
When nursing home staff members, administrators, and owners fail to meet this duty, residents and their loved ones can take legal action. A Tampa UTI lawyer can help injured individuals recover the damages they deserve.
What is a Urinary Tract Infection?
A UTI can affect any part of the urinary system including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Infections in the bladder and urethra are most common. UTIs develop as a result of bacteria in the urine multiplying. When a UTI is not treated promptly, the infection can result in acute or chronic kidney infections. While these infections are unpleasant for most individuals, they can also lead to sepsis, which is a fatal condition. Nursing home residents are at even greater risk for suffering from these complications and when they do, nursing homes can often be held liable.
Why are Nursing Home Residents at Greater Risk for a UTI?
Senior citizens are at a much greater risk for developing many health complications, and that includes UTIs. Nursing home residents have increased risk factors for developing a UTI including antimicrobial resistance after using antibiotics, recent hospitalizations, diabetes, and poor functional status.
The use of a catheter also places a nursing home resident at great risk of developing a UTI. One study shows that fifty percent of nursing home residents will develop a UTI due to catheter use. Nursing home residents are also sometimes left in dirty diapers for a long period of time, which also places them at greater risk for developing a UTI.
Symptoms of a UTI
UTIs present a number of symptoms including:
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Foul or strong-smelling urine
- Frequent need to urinate
- Urination accompanied by pain or a burning sensation
- Pressure or pain in the lower pelvis
- Low-grade fevers
- Night sweat
- Shaking
- Chills
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Poor motor skills
- Frequent falls
Nursing home staff members are expected to identify the symptoms of a UTI early, so residents can receive the proper care and medical treatment needed to combat these infections. Some of the symptoms mirror those of the early stages of dementia and so, staff members sometimes miss them. This is no excuse. Staff members should always check for a UTI any time a resident shows symptoms and take the necessary steps to treat the current infection, and prevent them from developing in the future.
Call Our Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Today
If your loved one has developed a UTI within a nursing home and suffered harm as a result, or did not survive it, it is essential that you speak with our Tampa nursing home abuse lawyers today. At Kohn Law, we are dedicated to standing up for the rights of nursing home residents and we fight hard to hold nursing homes accountable for their wrongful actions. Call us today at (813) 428-8504 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation so we can review your case.
