Hospital Acquired Infections: Pursuing Compensation for Medical Malpractice
Attorney Chris Olsen in San Diego, CA, can help you secure compensation for infections caused by negligence on the part of doctors or other medical professionals. A hospital acquired infection can cause life-threatening injuries, whether contracted during routine treatments or advanced surgical care. Chris Olsen represents victims of medical malpractice, helping them to collect maximum restitution. If you or a loved one has suffered losses due to an infection you believe a medical professional could have prevented, contact us at (619) 550-9352 to schedule a free consultation.
What is a Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI)?
Infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens. Hospitals and other medical care facilities are expected to follow a strict protocol to minimize pathogens and the risk of infections. However, when hospitals fail to prevent a contaminated environment, the results can be devastating. In fact, thousands of deaths each year are attributed to HAIs.
HAIs can be hard to diagnose since exposure to a pathogen does not always result in an immediate infection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that an average of one out of every 25 patients will contract an HAI at an inpatient or outpatient facility. This can include hospitals and clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation clinics, and hospices. Patients with weakened immune systems face an even greater risk.
Common Types of HAIs
The most common HAIs include:
- Urinary Tract Infections: Most patients staying in hospitals will require a catheter, which can easily become contaminated by bacteria, affecting the patient’s bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Patients suffering from UTIs may experience pain or burning during urination, abdominal or back pain, and fever.
- Surgical Site Infections: These infections may happen near the site of a surgical incision or in the surrounding tissues. Patients may notice redness, swelling, and pain in the skin or affected tissues.
- Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections: These infections can arise when bacteria or germs contaminate a line going into a large vein, such as in the neck, chest, arms, or groin. Symptoms may include fever, chills, and secondary infections.
- Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Patients who need assistance breathing and have had tubes inserted into the mouth and nose face a risk of bacteria or germs entering the lungs.
If you or a loved one developed an infection during or after a hospital stay, it may have been the result of preventable factors. HAIs can be hard to diagnose since exposure to a pathogen does not always result in an immediate infection.
Causes of HAIs
There are five most common negligence-related causes of HAIs are:
- Improper hand washing
- Failure to clean surgical instruments
- Failure to disinfect and sterilize equipment
- Failure to follow disposal protocols
Why You Need a Lawyer
Proving that an HAI is due to negligence on the part of a medical professional can be virtually impossible without legal representation. Healthcare providers often hire large legal teams that will attempt to minimize your claim to prevent losses. Mr. Olsen can investigate the circumstances of your losses to prove where negligence lies, and present a compelling case on you behalf.
Schedule a Consultation
Chris Olsen helps those who have suffered losses due to the negligent acts of others, and he is prepared to help you and your family recover from the often devastating effects of an HAI. Contact our office at (619) 550-9352 or reach out online to schedule a free case review.
