Many patients do not know the risk that comes with a hospital stay, and many do not realize they need a medical malpractice lawyer.
Infections occur so frequently in hospitals, and it is time that we start to worry about it. Almost 100,000 patients die every year due to infection-related illnesses and complications.
This number is part of the 1.7 million patients who are infected in hospitals each year. If this statistic is shocking to you, that is not uncommon. Many patients do not know the risk that comes with a hospital stay, and many do not realize they need a medical malpractice lawyer.
Read on to learn all about a hospital’s liability for infections that can occur while you or a loved one is undergoing inpatient care.
Common Types of Hospital-Acquired Infections
MRSA is just one of many potential hospital-acquired infections that patients can develop while receiving treatment at a hospital or other medical facility. It is not unusual for patients to develop hospital-acquired infections due to weakened immune systems, the facilities conducting invasive medical procedures, and drug-resistant organisms being present.
Some of the most common types of hospital-acquired infections you may be able to sue for, including MRSA, include:
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
One of the most commonly transmitted infections within hospitals is methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infection or MRSA. You probably know this infection by its other name: a staph infection.
This particular type of staph infection is resistant to antibiotics, making it a huge problem. It is nearly impossible to get rid of it, and it is easily misdiagnosed. When combined with other tame illnesses, like the cold or flu, MRSA will make the body particularly prone to severe symptoms, which could lead to death.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs are another one of the most common types of hospital-acquired infections you may find yourself dealing with. UTIs develop when bacteria are introduced into the bladder. You may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit if you develop a UTI in the hospital due to your healthcare provider’s misuse of catheters or other relevant medical mistakes.
Surgical Site Infections (SSIs)
Surgical site infections most frequently occur after a patient has undergone an invasive surgical procedure. You may develop an infection at the surgical incision site.
Do not be surprised if your healthcare providers attempt to hide their medical mistakes behind the risk of infection associated with your procedure. If you suspect your healthcare provider made a mistake that led to an infection of your surgical wound, do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with a medical malpractice attorney at our firm.
Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI)
CLABSI is an infection that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream via a central line. Also called a central venous catheter, this tube is placed within your vein as a way of administering fluids or medications quickly.
If your healthcare providers failed to place your central line correctly and you subsequently suffered severe injuries, illness, or developed an infection, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
With VAP, when a patient is on mechanical ventilation, the ventilator or breathing tube can allow bacteria to enter the respiratory system, causing a severe lung infection. If your medical team fails to notice the signs of VAP or is responsible for the onset of this medical condition, you may have the right to take legal action against them.
Clostridium Difficile Infection (CDI)
CDI is one of the most common types of gastrointestinal infections that occur in hospitals and healthcare facilities. CDI is caused by a bacteria known as Clostridium difficile. CDI most often develops after a round of antibiotics. Your healthcare team should have been looking for signs of CDI and been prepared to treat it accordingly.
Gastrointestinal Infections
Some examples of gastrointestinal infections that occur in hospital settings include rotavirus and norovirus. Patients most frequently are diagnosed with these gastrointestinal infections after being exposed to dangerous pathogens through poor hygiene or contaminated water and food.
Healthcare providers should know all too well how dangerous hospital settings can be. If your providers failed to take necessary precautions or are responsible for the onset of your hospital-acquired infection, you may have the right to pursue a medical malpractice claim against them.
How Can an Infection be Medical Malpractice?
When a patient is admitted to a medical facility, they should be able to believe in good faith that the establishment will aid their ailment instead of making them more ill. This concept is why a staph infection transmitted within a hospital can be considered medical malpractice. In many cases, the cause of infection is due to a mistake. Often, patients are not told about the risk of a staph infection when they are admitted to hospitals, which can qualify as a lack of informed consent.
During surgery, patients are particularly prone to staph infections like MRSA due to their open wounds. If proper sterilization protocol is not followed by hospital staff, they run the risk of infecting a patient with MRSA. When being treated for an ailment or injury, you should be able to trust that your medical facility will take the most care possible to keep you safe and healthy.
If you were not informed of any danger when admitted, and you or a loved one has contracted an infection like MRSA, you should immediately contact a medical malpractice lawyer.
Have you been infected with MRSA during your stay at a medical facility? The Snyder Law Group can help.
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior.
You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts settlements.
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