Hospital Infection

You sought help at a hospital, only to suffer an infection, a completely preventable incident which you now pay dearly for. The medical malpractice lawyers at Wapner Newman believe that you deserve compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. Hospital infections are all too common, and they can have devastating consequences for already sick patients. If you’ve suffered a hospital infection and are considering your legal options, we encourage you to contact us today and schedule a free case evaluation.

How Common are Hospital Infections?

Right now, about one in 31 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These infections can happen in any medical setting, though hospitals are a common host for dangerous bacteria, viruses and fungi. Hospitals see plenty of sick patients, and each healthcare provider in that hospital moves from one patient to another, using equipment and surfaces that are breeding grounds for deadly infections if they aren’t properly sanitized.

Types of Infections

Infections are caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses and other pathogens. From surgeries to injections, to the use of unclean surfaces and equipment, infections can spread in several ways. Some of the most common infections include:
  • Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection
  • Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections
  • Surgical Site Infection
  • Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
  • Clostridium difficile infections
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.
These infections can spread deadly diseases and organisms commonly found in medical settings. Some of the most common pathogens infecting hospital patients include:
  • Clostridium Sordellii
  • Hepatitis
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS)
  • Influenza
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
  • Mycobacterium abscessus
  • Norovirus
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Tuberculosis (TB).
There are many more types of organisms and infections, most with complex names and several causes. it’s important for patients to know that they don’t need to have a deep understanding of these infections or the specific cause of their illness. When you hire an attorney to handle your medical malpractice claim, they will investigate your condition and the likely causes to determine who was at fault and how much you are owed. Contact Wapner Newman to speak to Philadelphia hospital infection attorneys that can get you the compensation you deserve.

These Infections are Completely Preventable

The pathogens that cause infections can be removed from equipment and surfaces through proper cleaning protocol, which healthcare providers are taught and regularly reminded of. When healthcare professionals fail to thoroughly clean their hands, equipment or surfaces, it amounts to an unforced error, a completely preventable mistake that patients have to deal with. If you’ve suffered an infection in a hospital, remember that your suffering was not an inevitable part of receiving healthcare; it was a mistake that could have been avoided. If the infection has worsened your condition or caused additional problems, you have the right to pursue your legal options to get compensation.

The Consequences of an Infection

An infection can worsen the condition of an already sick patient. It can cause a series of catastrophic events that lead to severe illness and death. Common consequences and costs of hospital infections include:
  • Additional medical treatment and procedures
  • Worsening of an existing condition
  • New, serious illnesses stemming directly from infection
  • Costly medical bills
  • Missed time at work
  • Lost income
  • Pain, suffering and diminished quality of life
  • Wrongful death.
If you’ve suffered unnecessary harm due to a healthcare provider’s carelessness, you have rights.

Your Rights

If a medical professional’s mistakes caused you harm and your condition has been painful and costly, you have the right to file a medical malpractice claim. All the costs listed above can be recovered in a legal claim against a negligent healthcare provider. If you’ve suffered harm at the hands of a healthcare professional, we encourage you to contact Wapner Newman to schedule a free consultation with our legal team. We’ll listen to your case, give you our thoughts and let you decide whether you want to pursue a claim. You are under no obligation to move forward if you don’t wish to do so.

Why File a Medical Malpractice Claim

The costs of a hospital infection can quickly add up. Coping with the costs of medical care and ongoing treatment is challenging, especially when you are also unable to work. A medical malpractice claim gives you the opportunity to demand payment for the costs you’re facing. These claims are about fairness and accountability. You are not asking for free money. You are simply saying that you should be given payment for the burden placed on you by a negligent healthcare provider.

We Can Help

Wapner Newman has years of experience fighting for victims. We know how important these claims are for our clients, and we devote our firm’s time, effort and resources to get compensation that meets their needs. Our Philadelphia hospital infection attorneys are here to help. If you are considering filing a claim, don’t hesitate to contact Wapner Newman to schedule your free case evaluation.