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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

The Los Angeles infection lawyers at the Law Offices of Ben Yeroushalmi in have extensive experience in litigating cases that involve preventable Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Our team of attorneys have a good working knowledge of the types of infection control procedures that should be used to prevent MRSA outbreaks and have had great success in cases involving laxity and negligence by nursing homes and assisted living facilities failing to comply with health and safety standards.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections have become increasingly common in long-term care facilities, especially nursing homes. MRSA is specific strain of staph bacteria that, through the overuse of antibiotics, has developed a resistance to methicillin and other penicillin-derivatives. The bacteria generally colonize the skin and nasal areas and can exist there without any direct negative impact on its host. But if MRSA manages to enter a person’s body, especially gaining access to the blood stream, infection can have very detrimental effects. Patients and residents are at special risk as pressure sores, catheters, and breathing assistance machines all present easy infection sites. MRSA cases can be very serious, resulting in bacteremia and sepsis, pneumonia, and infections affecting, skin, soft tissue, bones and joints. (For more information, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

The problem with MRSA is that it is more difficult and costlier to treat because of its resistance to certain antibiotics that are commonly used to treat and cure staph infections. Therefore, prompt containment of MRSA followed by thorough treatment measures is crucial for successful infection control. Staff must be adequately educated and trained so that they can identify symptoms of MRSA and properly follow routine infection control measures. Such precautions are of the utmost importance not only because of the difficulty in treating MRSA, but also because of the increased susceptibility of the elderly to this infection. The immune systems of patients and residents are generally compromised, so MRSA infections are more dangerous, and more frequently fatal, than in the general population.

Like other infections, indirect transmission by the staff’s hands is the main challenge in controlling the propagation of MRSA infections. Good hygiene of both staff and patients or residents with MRSA colonization are imperative to prevent an outbreak. Because MRSA can survive on surfaces and fabrics as well, an infected patient’s or resident's room and all other clinical areas need to be decontaminated through surface sanitation with alcohol and terminal cleaning. Staff members have to be vigilant in cleaning themselves, as well as any tools they use, as they travel from patient to patient to prevent any spread of the infection.

Proper infection control for MRSA cases involves the separation of infected individuals and carriers. Isolation is vital to stop the spread to other residents within the facility. Nursing homes must devote adequate space to keep the uninfected and infected separate and the staff numbers to supervise and regulate the movements of affected individuals to stop any direct contact that could result in an outbreak. If you believe that you or your loved one was affected by a MRSA outbreak at a nursing home or care facility, you may wish to contact an infection attorney in Los Angeles.

Outbreaks in nursing homes are difficult to control and require quick systematic responses, especially so for MRSA because of the difficulties involved in treatment. To do this, facilities need to have pre-established response procedures and employ enough staff to carry them out. If a resident contracts MRSA because there were not sufficient staff members to implement proper infection-control measures the facility is liable.

If your loved one has suffered because of a MRSA infection due to improper infection control or understaffing in his or her nursing home or assisted living facility, please contact our Los Angeles infection attorneys today. Come into our offices for a free consultation to discuss what we can do to help your loved get the proper care and compensation he or she deserves. Our team of lawyers is dedicated to nursing home abuse cases, so we are well prepared to fight for you and your loved one and pursue the case through to trial if necessary.


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Excellent staff and the epitome of genuine, honest, and beyond helpful. I was lost and running out of time until I found Yeroushalmi law office. I am beyond grateful and had the pleasure of working with such amazing people who look out for your best interest. Anonymous review
★★★★★
Ben Yeroushalmi accepted my case with much understanding and patience. He went above and beyond with the defense lawyers to reach a fair settlement. He explained the complete case process (as I had never filed a case with anyone) Ben kept my sister and I notified of every email or correspondence he had with the opposing council. Gloria
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Ben is an outstanding litigator, and human being. He took on our case, as if it was his own. He paid close attention to details. His guidance was invaluable. He was very clear and concise, in explaining all potential scenarios to us. He spoke eloquently, and straight to the point at all times. Ben is a true professional, with a passion for his craft. Anonymous review
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I had a heartfelt and memorable experience with Ben , very genuine and I can tell he loves what he does. His determination shows beautifully and it is amazing. In my opinion it is very rare you find people who love what they're doing and it shows. Not wanting to get religious on an review but, God introduced me to Ben for a reason. Summer
★★★★★
Ben was wonderful. He took our case when no one else was interested or wanted way to much money. We would highly recommend Ben because he really listens and takes your situation into consideration. We settled our case and we were only unhappy with one thing and that was the confidentiality clause but that was not Ben's fault it came with the deal. June
★★★★★
All around GREAT experienced under the circumstances. Special thanks to Devon Wright she did exceptional work for our case. Anonymous review
★★★★★
Mr Yeroushalmi was our lawyer for a case involving my mother who was a victim of elderly abuse while in a nursing home. He and his team did an excellent job. My mother was able to live comfortably for the remaining years of her life due to the results of our case. I highly recommend Mr Ben Yeroushalmi. Danny
★★★★★
Mr. Yeroushalmi had provided his legal services for my father's medical injury case. Through mr. Yeroushlmi's excellent services, my family could make informed decisions during the entire course of legal proceedings. Thanks for the professional and responsive services. I strongly recommend Mr. Yeroushimi as your legal advisior. He is the one you can rely on. Thanks. Samuel
★★★★★
Mr. Yeroushalmi provide excellent representation After my husband passed away from complications due to Alzheimer's. It was a complex case and I was always informed of the progression of the case. The office staff offers the personal touch and patience with my constant phone calls and questions. I highly recommend Ben and his staff if you are looking for an aggressive attorney with high ethics and great attention to details. Terry
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