The Dangers of “Long-Term Care” Hospitals

Patients who are chronically ill have different care requirements than people who have fallen temporarily ill. In some cases patients may be referred to so-called “long-term care” hospitals. But these facilities are often not of the same quality of regular hospitals; many do not even have doctors on duty for much of the day. If you or a loved one has suffered because of the irresponsible inadequacy of a long-term care facility, you may be entitled to compensation.

Most “long-term care” hospitals are owned by private for-profit companies. In comparison, most “regular” hospitals are owned by not-for-profit organizations, universities, or municipalities. These organizations may not have the same incentives to cut corners that for-profit companies do, and they tend to be more concerned with medical care and less concerned with profits.

In contrast, long-term care facilities may try to generate a higher profit by cutting costs in staff, equipment, and so forth. This often results in facilities that have no doctor on duty for much of the day, instead trusting nurses to handle cases until a doctor can be called in. Despite the efforts of nurses, having a doctor on duty is necessary for stopping many medical crises. The longer it takes for a doctor to arrive, the greater the odds that a patient will die or experience unnecessary suffering.

Before entering long-term treatment, or signing a loved one into a hospital, it is very important to research a facility carefully. While many long-term hospitals are run well, some are dangerously understaffed or poorly run. Researching your options now can help you avoid pain and suffering in the long term.

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No one should have to suffer because of the greed of irresponsible hospital staff members. You can receive compensation for your suffering, and bring negligent hospitals to justice, with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.

The compassionate Kankakee lawyers of Spiros Law are here to help you. To get started, contact them today at 815-929-9292.