As the grip of the global pandemic caused by the novel Coronavirus deepens, questions continue to grow regarding the Life Care Center of Kirkland. How did this nursing facility become the epicenter for the contagion in Washington State and, perhaps, the country?
News agencies are investigating the outbreak and providing us with an understanding of what occurred. Based on review of 911 calls and interviews, it now appears that the respiratory illness may have been circulating in the facility in late January or early February 2020. The problem was potentially worsened by delay and confusion within the facility regarding testing of patients and staff, and a lack of protective equipment. The disease has spread beyond the facility to emergency personnel responding to assist residents. Approximately one-fourth of the nation’s coronavirus fatalities have been linked to the Life Care Center of Kirkland.
Residents of facilities like the Life Care Center of Kirkland are very susceptible to contracting contagious diseases like COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia. Most residents are in the facility due to pre-existing health conditions or recovery from illness or injuries. They are in close quarters – often sharing rooms with other residents. Facilities like the Life Care Center must be staffed, trained, and ready to respond to illness outbreaks in order to protect their residents. This is especially true when staff members work in multiple nursing facilities, which is common.
Here at Russell & Hill, we have experience in holding nursing facilities accountable when they fail to protect a resident’s health and well-being. Unfortunately, these facilities are often profit-driven, which leads to understaffing and poor conditions. Our firm has already been retained to represent the family of one COVID victim from the Life Care Center and we are prepared for more as the story from this facility continues to develop. If you or a loved one have been impacted by the outbreak contact our nursing home abuse attorneys from Russell & Hill, PLLC. Please call us for a free consultation.