Many patients head to Florida hospitals for surgical procedures or other treatment for serious medical conditions, expecting to receive quality care in a clean environment. What people don’t realize is that infections are shockingly common in the hospital setting. According to Patient CareLink, an online resource that covers a range of topics on safety in medical facilities, healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) account for 1.7 million infections every year. An estimated 99,000 individuals die annually because of associated ailments.
If you contracted an infection while being treated in a hospital or other medical facility, you may have rights through a medical malpractice claim. A Florida hospital negligence lawyer can explain in more detail, though some background information may be helpful.
Definition of Health Care Acquired Infection
An HAI is any ailment that a patient contracts at a medical facility that is unrelated to the condition for which he or she sought treatment. The infection may occur in numerous different settings, including a hospital, outpatient center, rehabilitation facility, nursing home, or any other clinical environment. The HAI will typically develop within 48 hours after the patient is exposed – which means you could already be home by the time symptoms manifest.
Hospital-Acquired Infections At Florida Facilities Put Patients At Risk
You are already in a vulnerable state of health when hospitalized, but diseases borne of unsanitary conditions may lead to life-threatening consequences. Facilities and entire health care systems can be held liable for failing to meet the appropriate standard of care, including issues related to hygiene. It is critical to discuss your legal options with a Florida hospital negligence lawyer if you suffer from any of the following serious HAIs.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Most bacteria can be eliminated with antibiotics, but this form of staph may survive to infect bed linens and medical equipment. MRSA can also be transmitted by providers who do not properly disinfect their hands between patient encounters. An infected patient may suffer from bloodstream and surgical site contamination, as well as pneumonia.
Clostridium Difficile (C. diff)
This bacterium is another substance that can be spread by health care providers failing to properly wash hands, but unsanitary equipment can also pass C. diff. Patients may suffer from diarrhea and abdominal disorders, as well as fever. The biggest challenge with addressing C. diff is that it often develops in patients who have just been on antibiotics, so the bacteria is resistant.
Blood Infection
When hospitalized, you may have a tube inserted into your body to administer medication or nutrients. This central line can become contaminated if not properly sanitized before insertion, leading to blood infection. While it can be fatal and lead to other health conditions, one of the major concerns is that blood infection can vastly increase recovery time – and therefore, your stay at the hospital.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
When a patient requires a urinary catheter, the equipment must be sanitized according to proper protocol to avoid serious UTIs. In addition, both insertion and removal must be handled by highly trained, qualified staff. These infections can lead to more serious health issues, like sepsis, as well as a longer stay in the hospital.
Colon Surgery Infection
If a patient develops an infection at the site of the colon surgery, the implications can spread to other parts of the body. Colon surgery infection can be fatal, but those who survive will spend some time in acute care.
Risk Factors for HAIs
In short, infections occur because of unclean, unsterile conditions that enable the spread of germs among patients, providers, and staff. Certain risk factors increase the potential for acquiring an HAI.
- The duration of your stay at the facility
- The severity and nature of your medical condition
- The strength of your immune system and ability to fight infection
How Hospitals Can Be Negligent in Causing HAIs
Given the vulnerability of patients and potential risk factors, facilities must take necessary precautions to protect against infection. Organizations need to provide proper training on hand-washing, covering the mouth and nose with masks, and related precautions. Plus, from an organizational standpoint, a hospital may fail in its duties by:
- Failing to ensure overall cleanliness of common areas and patient accommodations
- Not properly sanitizing operating rooms, surgical areas, and other spaces designated for treatment
- Neglect with respect to the facility’s utilities, such as water, sewage, and garbage removal
- Placing residents in accommodations that are too confined or in unsafe proximity to each other
- Understaffing the personnel responsible for cleaning and sanitation
- Not cleaning the facility’s HVAC system or changing air filters
- Failing to sterilize medical devices, equipment and tools
- Improper sanitation of linens
Talk to a Florida Hospital Negligence Attorney About HAIs
To learn more about your legal options as the victim of an infection at a hospital, please contact Freidin Brown, P.A. to set up a free consultation. These cases can be extremely complicated, as it’s necessary to have in-depth knowledge of the relevant laws and experience advocating on behalf of injured patients. Our Florida hospital negligence lawyers have a specific focus in medical malpractice cases, including those based upon hospital negligence. We’re happy to meet with you at our offices to discuss strategies for enforcing your rights.
Resource: Healthcare-Acquired Infections (HAIs)
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