Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) as those infections that occur to patients when they are undergoing some type of healthcare related to another separate medical or dental health problem. HAIs are often the cause of financial, emotional, and medical effects that can devastate the lives of patients. In many cases, these secondary infections can lead to serious illnesses and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), patients in hospitals contract a HAI at the rate of approximately one in 25.
Have you suffered a healthcare-associated infection as a result of medical negligence? Reach out to the Law Offices of Rash Mueller. at (954) 914-7116 to discuss your situation in a free consultation.
More About Healthcare-Associated Infections
HAIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens. These pathogens can be spread through improper disinfection practices in healthcare settings. When a facility is in some way unsterile, it can allow bacteria and pathogens to spread. Patients being treated for original medical conditions often have compromised immune systems which then leads to the secondary HAI that will require additional treatment.
HAIs can occur in any type of healthcare setting, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics or outpatient centers
- Dental offices
- Ambulatory surgical facilities
- Dialysis centers
- Nursing homes
HAIs can occur when invasive procedures and devices are used on patients, including invasive surgeries and devises such as catheters, ventilators, intravenous lines, and more. When negligence occurs in hospitals and medical treatment by healthcare workers, it can lead to HAIs resulting in such serious conditions as sepsis. Sepsis consists of the body’s extreme reaction to an infection and is life-threatening. It is treated with intravenous antibiotics.
HAIs can include the following:
- Pneumonia
- Surgical site infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Blood stream infections
- Staph infections
- MRSA infection, a type of staph infection that has become resistant to antibiotics
- Clostridium difficile, a bacterial infection that leads to inflammation of the colon
- Infections in the eye, ear, nose, throat, or mouth
- Infections in the lower respiratory tract
- Infections to skin and soft tissue
- Infections of the cardiovascular system
- Infections of bones and joints
- Infections to the central nervous system
- Infections of the reproductive system
- Systemic infections that affect the whole body spreading throughout all systems.
Liability for Patient Infection
Hospitals and medical professionals may be held liable for negligence or wrongdoing in cases of healthcare-associated infection. If you have suffered an infection while being treated in a hospital, clinic, or nursing home, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses. At the Law Offices of Rash Mueller., our legal team has valuable experience in handling medical malpractice cases. Located in Weston, we have helped recover millions of dollars in compensation for clients in these complex cases through claims and lawsuits. If you believe you have a case, we highly recommend that you come to us to discuss it in a free consultation.
Reach out to our legal team at (954) 914-7116 today.