If you or a loved one has suffered a hospital-related infection, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. To learn if a hospital may be held liable, contact an Ohio medical malpractice lawyer today.
In order to file a claim after contracting an infection in a hospital, you will need to establish that you were under the hospital’s care. You will also need to show that the hospital breached its duty of care. Careless or reckless actions were the direct cause of the patient’s injuries, and the injuries sustained were serious.
Infection in a Hospital Caused by Unsanitary Conditions
Developing an infection in a hospital is more common than you might think. However, many of these infections are preventable. Although viruses and bacteria are rampant in hospitals, there are standards of cleanliness and care that must be met in order to prevent potential health problems.
Unfortunately, many of these standards aren’t met. Some studies have shown that the number 1 cause of a hospital-related infection is unsanitary conditions. When this is the cause of your or a loved one’s serious injuries, you may wish to seek help from an Ohio medical malpractice lawyer.
Unsanitary hospital conditions can apply to the facility and equipment or the staff who works there. When certain levels of cleanliness aren’t met, the environment for patients can become unsafe.
Here are some of the common types of unsanitary conditions that may lead to an infection in the hospital:
- sick/contagious medical staff;
- insufficient hand washing;
- improperly sterilized equipment;
- unclean drapes/curtains;
- hazardous materials collected or stored improperly;
- unclean face masks, gloves, gowns and other types of medical garments;
- dirty, unchanged bed sheets; and
- unsterilized and un-disinfected work surfaces.
Many times these unsanitary conditions aren’t obvious. A hospital can appear to be clean and sterile, but there may be harmful germs all around.
Health Problems Resulting from a Hospital-Related Infection
There are a number of health problems that can arise from a hospital that has unsanitary conditions. When an individual’s immune system is already weak, he or she is more susceptible to infection. This can lead to a prolonged stay in the hospital, complications and even death.
Some of the diseases and infections that can be acquired in an unsanitary hospital include sepsis (infection in the bloodstream), urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) and pneumonia.
Damages as a Result of a Hospital-Related Infection
When you or someone you love has developed a disease, infection or any other type of health problem caused by unsanitary conditions in a hospital, a claim against the hospital may be filed. You could be entitled to damages that can address a number of losses.
Whether your losses were monetary, physical or emotional, the repercussions of what you have suffered may entitle you to compensation. An Ohio medical malpractice lawyer can determine the types of compensation you may be eligible to receive.
Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, earning potential, pain and suffering, and more. Additionally, if an infection in the hospital led to fatal injuries, wrongful death benefits also could be available.
Seeking Help from a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
You or a loved one may have been a patient at Fairview Hospital, University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic or any other facility. If a hospital-related infection caused severe consequences, the hospital could be held liable for your injuries.
To learn what your rights are, you should consult with an Ohio medical malpractice lawyer immediately. A lawyer will take the time to look over the details of your case and explain what legal options may be available.
Contacting an Ohio Medical Malpractice Lawyer
A hospital-related infection can cause serious medical issues. The team of medical malpractice attorneys at The Becker Law Firm serves residents of the Cleveland and Elyria, Ohio, areas when they have been the victims of birth injury, catastrophic injury and wrongful death as the result of medical malpractice. To arrange for a no-cost consultation, home or hospital visit, contact us today – (440) 252-4399.