Each year more than 1.7 million people find themselves dealing with a series of hospital-acquired infections. These can make the condition they arrive at the hospital with worse over time.
When it comes to hospital-acquired infections, there are several things to know. This includes when it’s time to contact a medical malpractice lawyer.
Read on below and learn more about the most common hospital-acquired infection and what your next steps should be.
What Is a Hospital-Acquired Infection?
Before we get into the most common types and what having a medical malpractice lawyer can do for you, it’s essential to understand what this type of infection is. As mentioned, an infection you get from the hospital is an illness you contract after you’ve been admitted to the healthcare facility for another ailment.
You might begin to notice you’ve contracted another infection while in the hospital within the first forty-eight hours you’ve been there. The problem with contracting an infection while in the hospital receiving treatment for something else is that it can cause your current condition to worsen.
When this happens, it can be challenging for healthcare professionals to determine the correct course of action to treat you. If the infection goes untreated, it can lead to more severe complications. In worst-case scenarios, it can cause death.
When people go to the hospital or another care facility for treatment, the last thing on their minds is that they could get an infection. This is because many people believe that the hospital is constantly sanitized.
Also that those who work there follow strict sanitary practices.
Unfortunately, even with these practices in place, there is still a huge risk. Otherwise known as the chance of contracting an infection for several reasons.
As you continue to read, you’ll find out how these infections can happen. Also, you’ll learn what liability falls on the shoulders of the hospital where the victim acquired the infection.
How Does It Happen?
The leading cause for someone contracting an infection while in is the various forms of bacteria and germs in the healthcare setting.
Again these forms of bacteria can come from:
- Contaminated linens
- Dressings
- Areas
- Other patients seeking treatment in the hospital
There is a level of stress that comes with going to the hospital for help. Because you are not feeling well and want answers. Plus, illness-induced stress can lead to your immune system becoming weakened.
When your immune system isn’t as strong as it can be, this can make it easier for the bacteria you come in contact with to evolve into an infection or virus. Three determining factors give a better indication of your chances of getting sicker.
Factors Discussed…
The first determining factor is the patient themselves. As well as, how long they will spend hospitalized. The severity of your existing illness will determine the length of time you spend in the hospital.
As well as how well you’re responding to the treatment you’re receiving.
If your immune system becomes weakened during treatment, it can make you sicker. In most cases, healthcare professionals will want to stabilize you.
This happens before they discharge you to continue treatment from home.
Another factor that could determine whether you contract another infection while in the hospital is the facility. Specifically the cleanliness of the facility.
All facilities are supposed to follow strict sanitization and contaminated disposal practices. It doesn’t mean they do.
A facility should organize itself in a way that there is a routine schedule. This schedule is to ensure contaminated materials are disposed of properly.
This is to prevent contaminating other existing patients in the area. Lastly, the staff and other healthcare professionals treating you are a factor. They play a massive part in whether you contract an infection.
When healthcare professionals are dealing with patients, they should wear proper care gear and wash their hands. This is to ensure they reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
If a person hasn’t washed their hands, they are bringing germs from a previous patient to other patients. This further complicates their stay in the hospital.
Proving Medical Malpractice Cases That Involve Hospital-Acquired Infections
Much like any other case where a medical malpractice lawyer is needed, it’s challenging to prove that the hospital did act negligently. And that this act lead to further injury or illness for the patient.
For this reason, you must speak with someone specializing in medical malpractice law to understand if you have a case, to begin with.
Once they’ve evaluated your case, they can detail what steps need to be taken to support it. This evidence will increase your chances of achieving the justice you deserve.
They will let you know the various ways you can receive compensation if the judge rules in your favor.
The first form of compensation is receiving the proper care to treat the infection you contracted. This is something most people look for because, if it continues to go undiagnosed, it can worsen, leading to permanent long-term effects.
You can also be compensated for wages you lost while seeking treatment. This is any form of income that you were using before seeking treatment.
Lastly, you could be compensated for a reduction in your quality of life. This happens when you become disfigured or your life expectancy is shortened because of this new infection.
Hospital-Acquired Infections and Your Quality of Life
When contracting hospital-acquired infections, there’s more to it than you could’ve imagined. This is why you need to contact RHINO Lawyers for help today.
We understand medical malpractice law and want to do what it takes to help you achieve the justice you’ve been looking for.
CONTACT A TAMPA Medical Malpractice ATTORNEY
In short, if you believe you’re a victim of medical malpractice, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your case.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
