Another type of negligence when a nursing home patient is on a ventilator is the development of pneumonia, called ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). In many cases, this condition is preventable and a result of improper care.
Any type of tube placed in a patient poses the risk for infection. Pneumonia is an infection that develops in the lungs. Left untreated or improperly treated, it could become fatal. This is especially true in patients whose immune systems are compromised.
VAP is especially resistant to antibiotics, which makes fighting it more difficult. Preventing the infection from developing in the first place is the best way to protect patients.
Many times patients who develop VAP will need to be sedated in order to prevent them from experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms. Some of the symptoms include fever and a drop in the body’s temperature.
Just because a nursing home patient on a ventilator develops pneumonia doesn’t automatically qualify as a case of nursing home neglect. You would have to show that it was preventable and caused by negligence. A Louisville nursing home neglect lawyer may be able to help with this.
For instance, giving the patient too much sedation is one way the patient can develop pneumonia. If the environment is unsterile, that increases the risk of a patient developing pneumonia. Or if the patient isn’t properly weaned from the ventilator and develops pneumonia, it may lead to the nursing home facility being held liable.
To learn what legal options are available, you should speak immediately with a Louisville nursing home neglect lawyer. A lawyer will take the time to carefully evaluate the details of your case and determine if you have a legitimate claim worth pursuing. If you believe your loved one’s rights were violated and it resulted in serious or fatal injuries, then don’t delay in seeking legal counsel.
Has Your Loved One Been Injured In A Nursing Home?
If you believe your loved one is being subjected to nursing home abuse you need to speak with an experienced Kentucky nursing home neglect attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.