With the Centers for Disease Control reporting that approximately one in twenty hospitals stays result in hospital-acquired infections, patients should educate themselves on their rights when dealing with exposure to infections within a hospital setting.
Hospital-acquired infections result in nearly 100,000 deaths per year in this country. Recently, Shore Medical Center was at the center of a lawsuit involving multiple patients’ exposure to the HIV virus as a direct result of alleged negligence on the part of one hospital employee. The crux of this suit lies in whether the hospital staff notified patients in a timely manner of the possible exposure to the disease. While a verdict has not been reached, medical malpractice lawyers are closely watching the case to see the precedent it sets.
If you believe that your last hospital stay resulted in an infection that could have been prevented, contact Schochor, Staton, Goldberg, and Cardea, P.A. today to discuss your specific situation and assess whether a case can be brought against the hospital. Read on to learn more about exposure to infections within a hospital setting and what your rights are.
Common Hospital-Acquired Infections
When it comes to hospital-acquired infections, there are a few most commonly seen in medical malpractice cases. These include the following.
- Staph infections
- Pneumonia
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Infections at the site of surgical procedures
- Bloodstream infections, especially sepsis
- Meningitis
Urinary tract infections are often the result of the insertion or removal of a catheter. Pneumonia is most commonly associated with respirator and ventilator procedures and care. Surgical site infections can include superficial skin infections and life-threatening illnesses and account for a large percentage of medical malpractice lawsuits involving exposure to infections. Many hospital acquired infections stem from a failure of the medical staff to follow protocols for maintaining sterile technique, even as basic as hand washing.
Determining Whether Your Infection Is A Viable Medical Malpractice Case
All surgeries and hospital stays come with risks. Patients are required by law to be notified of these risks ahead of time. The mere presence of a post-hospitalization infection does not automatically qualify a patient as having a viable medical malpractice case. In order for a case to be brought against a doctor, nurse, medical professional or hospital, patients must be able to prove that they were not provided with an appropriate standard of care or that the doctor, nurse or hospital in question acted in a way that would qualify as negligent. Given the number of people involved in any hospital stay, proving this and determining who is liable can be a complicated proposition. If you believe that the infection you are currently battling was a direct result of negligence on the part of the hospital and could have been prevented, Schochor, Staton, Goldberg, and Cardea, P.A. urges you to contact our firm today.
Finding A Medical Malpractice Lawyer For Your Case
To learn more about your exposure to infections during a hospital stay, or to review your case with an experienced Baltimore medical malpractice attorney, call 410-234-1000 for a consultation with one of Schochor, Staton, Goldberg, and Cardea, P.A.’s team of respected attorneys. Our attorneys will review your medical records, gather all needed evidence and work on your behalf to ensure you are awarded the compensation you deserve.