Hospitals are meant to be places of healing, but for many patients, they can also pose significant health risks. One of the most concerning issues in healthcare facilities is hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), also known as nosocomial infections. These infections develop during a patient’s stay in a hospital or other healthcare setting and are not related to the original reason for their admission. HAIs can lead to severe complications, prolonged hospital stays, and even life-threatening conditions.
If you or a loved one has suffered from an HAI due to negligence, you may have legal options to seek compensation for your medical bills, pain, and suffering. Contact Julie A. Rice, Attorney At Law, & Affiliates today to learn more about your rights and how we can help.
What Are Hospital-Acquired Infections?
Hospital-acquired infections are infections that occur 48 hours or more after hospital admission, within 30 days after a surgical procedure, or even after discharge if linked to hospital care. These infections are often caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other pathogens that spread through contaminated surfaces, medical equipment, or improper hygiene practices among healthcare workers.
Some of the most common types of HAIs include:
- Bloodstream infections (BSI): Often associated with central line catheters, these infections can lead to life-threatening sepsis.
- Pneumonia: Common in patients on ventilators, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) can be deadly if not treated properly.
- Surgical site infections (SSI): These occur at the surgical incision site and can lead to severe complications if bacteria enter the bloodstream.
- Urinary tract infections (UTI): Often linked to catheter use, these infections can be painful and difficult to treat.
- Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections: A bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon, often due to prolonged antibiotic use in hospitals.
Causes and Risk Factors of HAIs
Several factors contribute to the spread of hospital-acquired infections, including:
- Poor hand hygiene: Healthcare workers who do not wash their hands properly can spread dangerous pathogens between patients.
- Contaminated medical equipment: Reusable medical devices, such as catheters and ventilators, must be properly sterilized to prevent infections.
- Overcrowding and understaffing: Hospitals with high patient volumes and insufficient staff may struggle to maintain proper infection control protocols.
- Antibiotic resistance: The overuse of antibiotics can lead to drug-resistant bacteria, making infections harder to treat.
- Weakened immune systems: Patients with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplants, are at a higher risk of infection.
Legal Implications of Hospital-Acquired Infections
Hospitals and healthcare providers have a duty to maintain a safe and sanitary environment. When infections occur due to negligence – such as inadequate hygiene practices, failure to sterilize equipment, or improper use of antibiotics – patients may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
To establish a legal case for an HAI, the following elements must be proven:
- Duty of Care: The hospital or healthcare provider had a responsibility to provide proper care and maintain a clean environment.
- Breach of Duty: The hospital or provider failed to meet the standard of care, such as neglecting infection control protocols.
- Causation: This breach of duty directly caused the patient’s infection.
- Damages: The patient suffered harm, including additional medical expenses, prolonged recovery, or even death.
Seeking Legal Help for Hospital-Acquired Infections
If you or a loved one has suffered from an HAI due to hospital negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Medical malpractice claims can be complex, requiring thorough investigation and expert testimony to prove negligence. Our legal team has experience handling cases involving hospital-acquired infections and can help you navigate the legal process.
Don’t let hospital negligence go unchallenged. Call us today at (770) 865-8654 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation. Let Julie A. Rice, Attorney At Law, & Affiliates help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.