Flagged for Dangerous Conditions

by Colin G. Meeker, Attorney at Law

email: [email protected] :: office: 330.253.3337 :: mobile: 330.603.7173

It was reported that the Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, near Pittsburgh, received a below average grade by state inspectors. These inspectors warned the nursing home that the lax sanitary conditions could lead to the spread of infection and diseases. Among the inspector’s concerns is the fact that the facility did not have enough trained nurses and some patients were living in filthy conditions. The report found deficiencies concerning dressage change, the improper storage of soiled linens, and the failure to provide appropriate facilities for hand washing which created the potential for cross contamination and the potential spread of infections and diseases. In addition, inspectors found that in the kitchen, the facility failed to make certain that pots and large pans were thoroughly sanitized. Finally, the report indicated that a patient was found in a urine-soaked bed whose catheter was leaking and nobody had changed the wet sheets and pad. In multiple instances, inspectors found that nursing home workers failed to maintain resident privacy and dignity while changing their dressings and often failed to maintain a safe and homelike environment. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the nursing home believes that all 750 residents and staffers may be infected. 

As the number of COVID-19 cases in Pittsburgh increases, we would like to send our best to everyone affected by the virus. 

Nursing Home Liability 

Nursing home negligence is nothing new. An entire legal industry centers around holding nursing homes liable for their wrongdoings. However, with the arrival of COVID-19, we are now seeing how nursing home’s past negligence, including their failure to follow regulations, can result in the deaths of many residents. As you reflect on the care your loved one was given at their nursing home, it may prove valuable to look into the nursing home’s administrative record for evidence of citations or other violations of the law. We would hope that nursing homes would learn and correct past instances of noncompliance. However, this is not always the case. COVID-19 has shown that nursing homes must be ready for pandemics of any sort. Past noncompliance could be an indicator that your loved-one’s nursing home was not prepared for an outbreak. If your loved one has become infected by COVID-19, and the nursing home they reside at had a history of noncompliance with regulations, you should always speak with a COVID-19 attorney in your time of need.     
The COVID-19 attorneys at Blakemore, Meeker & Bowler Co., L.P.A. are currently assisting families who lost residents of nursing homes with COVID-19 now. We are experienced in litigating wrongful death and personal injury cases and will be by your side as you grieve 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.


Get a free case evaluation with a Blakemore, Meeker, & Bowler attorney by calling us at 330.253.3337 or by emailing [email protected]