Baltimore Hospital Infection Lawyers
People who stay in the hospital rely on healthcare professionals to provide them with the highest standard of care that will help them get well again. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Patients in hospitals are at an increased risk of suffering from infection. While hospitals are generally clean and sterile environments, viruses and bacteria can still remain on surfaces, and even on the hands of medical professionals. Below, our Baltimore hospital infection lawyer explains the most common types of hospital infections that form the basis of medical malpractice lawsuits.
Infections from Negligent Surgical Procedures
Any time a patient has surgery, their body is in a particularly vulnerable state. The body has sustained deep lacerations, the patient may have lost blood, and the body is trying to recover. Sadly, there are many ways a patient can suffer from an infection during or after surgery. If the tools used during the procedure are not completely sterile, that can easily lead to an infection. If a patient does not receive the proper post-operative care while they are recovering from surgery, they could also acquire an infection that could have potentially fatal consequences.
Staph Infections and MRSA
Staph infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are some of the most common infections acquired at hospitals. The people at highest risk of acquiring these are surgical and elderly patients. Still, any time hospital staff are negligent in their cleaning and sanitizing procedures, or otherwise fail to provide the highest standard of care, anyone can suffer from a staph infection.
Urinary Tract Infections
Many hospital patients require the use of a catheter, or a drainage tube in the bladder. Doctors once used these devices much more commonly than they do today. The reduced use reflects the fact that a catheter significantly increases a patient’s risk of developing a urinary tract infection because they make it so much easier for bacteria to enter the bladder. Today, doctors must only use catheters when it is absolutely necessary and when that is the case, they are expected to take the utmost care to protect patients from harm.
Lung Infections
Hospital patients are often lying down for long periods of time and any time that occurs, it puts a person at risk of developing a lung infection. Mucus can develop in the airways and the muscles may weaken, making it much more difficult for patients to cough the mucus out. Of all lung infections acquired in a hospital, pneumonia is the most common. Medical professionals can prevent these infections from developing by helping patients sit up regularly, and by providing patients with deep breathing and coughing exercises.
Our Hospital Infection Lawyers in Baltimore Can Help You Claim Full Damages
If you have acquired an infection while in a hospital, you may be able to take legal action to obtain financial compensation. At Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, our Baltimore hospital infection lawyers can help you hold the appropriate liable so you claim the full settlement you deserve. Call us today at 410.567.0800 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
