Can You Sue For Hospital-Acquired Infection

Hospitals should be places where people recover and heal. Unfortunately, some patients experience unexpected harm due to infections acquired during their stay. Hospital-acquired infections (HAI), also called nosocomial infections, can cause severe health complications, delay recovery, and result in significant medical expenses. They can also be disabling and life-threatening.

If your health worsened due to a hospital-acquired infection and you believe negligence played a role, you might be eligible to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. At the Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson, our Indianapolis legal team is ready to guide you through the legal process and pursue the compensation you need for your losses. Contact us today for a free consultation.

How Can a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Help with Hospital-Acquired Infection Cases?

When an infection is hospital-acquired, negligence is often a contributing factor. Poor sanitation, insufficient staff training, or a lack of infection control protocols can create hazardous conditions for patients. Taking legal action can help victims recover compensation for what they endured. However, medical malpractice lawsuits are among the most complex personal injury claims. Consulting a knowledgeable attorney can give you an idea of what to expect and how to craft a compelling medical negligence claim.

At the Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson, we will:

Investigate the Cause of the Infection

Our skilled legal team will thoroughly examine medical records, hospital protocols, and witness accounts to learn when the infection started, who was involved in your medical treatment, and whether any hospital failures contributed to your exposure. This process might include identifying whether the equipment used in your care was sterilized correctly or whether the nurse or medical professional used proper infection control measures. By uncovering the cause, we can build a strong case to support your claim.

Identify Negligence on the Part of Hospitals and Healthcare Professionals

Our firm will evaluate the actions or inactions of hospitals and medical providers to determine whether they failed to meet the applicable standard of care. One factor to consider for hospitals is whether the facility adhered to Indiana reporting requirements regarding certain HAIs, like bloodstream infections, surgical site infections, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Other considerations include whether hospital protocols were firm enough to protect patients when implemented effectively by employees. Identifying where lapses occurred is essential to prove your case against the medical facility or its healthcare providers.

Determine Liability for the Harm Caused

The responsible party for your case could be the hospital, specific healthcare workers, or both. Once our legal team determines liability, we will build a strong case holding every responsible party accountable. This step is crucial in seeking justice for the pain and financial burdens you incurred due to your hospital-acquired infection.

Help You Seek Compensation

Infections acquired in the hospital often lead to additional medical costs, time away from work, and significant health problems. Firm founder Kelley J. Johnson will work to secure fair compensation that addresses these losses. Compensation can include money not only for your present losses, but also the costs for future medical care and the emotional toll of the experience.

Our law firm focuses exclusively on medical malpractice claims against hospitals and healthcare providers through the Indiana Medical Malpractice Act and the Indiana Patient’s Compensation Fund. With nearly 20 years of legal experience, you can count on Kelley J. Johnson to seek maximum compensation in your hospital-acquired infection case.

What Are Hospital-Acquired Infections?

Hospital-acquired infections develop during a hospital stay and are not present at the time of admission. These infections can occur in various ways. For instance, a patient who undergoes surgery may later develop an infection caused by unsanitary surgical tools or improper sterilization practices.

HAIs are often linked to lapses in hygiene, the use of contaminated equipment, or overcrowded and overburdened hospital facilities. Such infections can pose serious health risks and have potentially life-threatening outcomes.

What Are the Most Common Hospital-Acquired Infections?

The most common hospital-acquired infections include those that result from failures in sanitation practices, improper procedures, or prolonged use of medical devices, including:

Bloodstream Infections

These happen when bacteria or other harmful microorganisms enter the bloodstream, often through an IV or catheter. Central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) can spread quickly throughout the body, leading to potentially deadly conditions like sepsis. Proper sterilization of equipment and monitoring can significantly reduce these risks.

Surgical Site Infections

A surgical site infection (SSI) occurs at or near the site of an incision made during surgery. If the surgical environment is improperly sterilized, a patient may be exposed to bacteria during the procedure. An SSI can be superficial or severe enough to affect tissues and organs.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia in hospitals often affects patients using ventilators. Harmful bacteria and viruses can enter the lungs through improperly maintained equipment or inadequate care. This type of infection can weaken an already compromised immune system, making recovery even more difficult.

Urinary Tract Infections

UTIs frequently result from the use of catheters or poor hygiene in a medical setting. These infections can cause discomfort, fever, and, in some cases, kidney damage. Maintaining strict cleanliness during catheter use is crucial to preventing UTIs.

While treatable, UTIs can lead to severe complications. If you believe a potentially life-threatening infection resulted from negligence, it’s worth talking to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to determine whether you have a case.