Canaan, CT (November 15, 2021) – Eight residents of a Connecticut nursing home died during a coronavirus outbreak that left 89 other residents and employees testing positive for the disease, according to a statement released by nursing home officials on Friday, November 12.
The outbreak at the Geer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, located in Canaan, began on September 30, per information provided by chief executive Kevin O’Connell and nursing director Cady Bloodgood.
Officials added that the eight residents who died had serious health problems. Those who tested positive include 67 residents and 22 staff members, with 48 residents and 21 employees having recovered so far.
O’Connell reported no infections at the nearby Geer Lodge, an independent and assisted living center on the same campus as Geer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He and Bloodgood added that COVID-19 virus testing is conducted biweekly and that prevention protocols are in place.
The nursing home, which houses 82 total residents, has suspended in-person visitation but allows virtual and window visits to be arranged.
The latest state report on coronavirus infections in nursing homes was also released on Friday and noted 45 confirmed cases among residents and 54 confirmed cases among staff members throughout Connecticut between the dates of October 27 and November 9. Three residents died in that time period.
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to families of the deceased victims. Our thoughts are with any ill residents and employees, as well as their families. We hope for their full recovery.
Connecticut COVID-19 Wrongful Death Claims
Since the official start of the coronavirus pandemic in January 2020, more than 760,000 people have succumbed to the deadly illness in the United States alone. Unfortunately, the elderly are particularly vulnerable, not only regarding COVID-19 infections and the development of severe symptoms but also when it comes to long-term, serious illness or even death.
Moreover, many aging Americans reside in nursing homes, where the virus has spread rapidly and continues to proliferate widely. In fact, according to ongoing data collected and released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were an average of about three COVID-19 outbreaks at individual nursing homes from May 2020 to January 2021.
Furthermore, evidence indicates that, if a nursing home or its administrative team failed to take reasonable precautions to protect its residents, a resident or their family members may have legal recourse. If nursing home staff members or officials were negligent by allowing unsanitary conditions that promoted disease spread, or if they didn’t respond adequately to a community outbreak, those harmed may be able to file suit.
Though facilities in several states are shielded from liability for ordinary negligence, they are not protected from liability for gross negligence or intentional misconduct. If you suspect that your loved one got sick or died as a result of this type of nursing home negligence, contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Canaan Wrongful Death Attorneys
Canaan personal injury attorney Jonathan Perkins has years of experience helping victims and their families. With more than 140 combined years of legal experience, our legal team is prepared to fight for your rights against the negligent actions that take place in Connecticut nursing homes. With multiple offices in New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Hartford, and beyond, our team is able to serve clients throughout the state.
If your loved one died due to nursing home negligence, you could win a fair, full accident settlement by contacting a Canaan-area wrongful death lawyer. A successful claim award can cover the losses you’ve sustained as a result of another person or entity’s gross negligence.
Please reach out to our personal injury law firm to schedule a free case evaluation. We are here to help you explore your available legal options at your earliest convenience. Contact our COVID-19 personal injury firm in Connecticut at 203-633-7698 to reach our Waterbury office or phone 860-590-3036 for our Hartford team. We understand how hard the loss of a loved one can be on those left behind, and we are committed to fighting for you and yours. Call us today to learn more about your next steps.
Notes: Our team of writers used outside sources when creating this blog post. These sources include but are not limited to local and national news reports, eyewitness accounts, local and state police incident reports, social media reports, and other media outlets. Our team has not independently verified all of the facts surrounding this accident. If you find any information that is not correct, please contact Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers so that we can correct the story immediately. If requested, we will remove this post.
Disclaimer: At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we have dedicated our legal careers to going above and beyond what is required to meet the challenges and needs of our clients. Our team of knowledgeable and experienced trial lawyers works to maximize your legal rights and find a way to get the best possible recovery for your injuries and damages after you’ve been injured in an accident. Our goal with this post is to bring awareness to the dangers of driving in Connecticut in hopes that our fellow community members will practice safer driving habits and avoid being involved in a serious accident. This is not a solicitation for business and none of the information provided in this post is meant to be legal or medical advice. The photograph used in this blog post is not representative of the actual accident scene.