by Colin G. Meeker, Attorney at Law
email: [email protected] :: 
office: 330.253.3337 :: 
mobile: 330.603.7173
On April 24, 2020, nursing home operators from Trumbull and Mahoning counties pleaded for help from anyone in Ohio who can supply them with personal protective equipment (PPE). The Northeast Ohio Senior Rights Advocacy Group made the following statement, “Although long-term care facilities in Ohio have been identified as hotspots for the virus, they are not being allocated tests or PPE. These facilities cannot properly protect their residents and staff from an invisible and deadly enemy without the proper tools.” The group argues that nursing homes cannot purchase PPE because of the disruption in the supply chain; they also blame government officials for not having a sense of urgency.
As the number of Youngstown COVID-19 cases increase, we would like to send our thoughts and prayers out to everyone affected by the virus.
Nursing Home Liability
Outbreaks in the United States are nothing new. In 2003, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) killed 10% of those infected, and in 2012, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) killed 34% of the people it infected. Additionally, in 2009 the United States faced H1N1 and in 2014, we battled Ebola. Officials believe that earlier efforts to contain recent outbreaks set a precedent for how viral infections should be controlled now. Families of nursing home residents must question why similar outbreaks came and went without massive loss, while COVID-19 seems to be infecting residents in record numbers. Is it because COVID-19 is so much more deadly than all of those other US outbreaks? Or is it because nursing homes did not really take the time to learn from previous pandemics like officials originally believed? The lack of PPE can only be blamed on the individual nursing homes for not taking the proper precautions prior to COVID-19. If your loved one has passed away due to COVID-19 while at a nursing home, and you question the home’s preparedness, you should always speak with a Coronavirus attorney in your time of need.
The COVID-19 attorneys at Blakemore, Meeker & Bowler Co., L.P.A. are currently counseling families who have lost loved ones at nursing homes due to COVID-19 now. We are experienced in litigating wrongful death and personal injury cases and will be with you while we assist you in compensating you for your loss. Please contact Attorney Colin G. Meeker at (330) 603-7173 for help understanding your legal options.
Note: We have constructed this post using outside sources, including news bulletins and first-hand accounts from outside sources. The details concerning this accident have not been independently verified and so, if you have identified false information, please inform us immediately. We will adjust the post to reflect accurate content.
Disclaimer: At Blakemore, Meeker & Bowler Co., L.P.A., we are always looking to improve the quality and safety of our state and have been saddened by the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic across Ohio. We hope to inform those in our community about the outbreak in the hopes that those who are responsible for taking care of our elders will work to avoid unnecessary loss of life in the future. These posts are not to be taken as a solicitation for business. The information within should never be misconstrued as medical or legal advice. We hope that all involved in the Coronavirus epidemic will receive a speedy recovery.
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