Cryptic as it may seem, medical malpractice in the emergency room setting is common and often goes unreported. Failure to notify patients of infections reveals a serious problem that must be addressed. This kind of negligence leads to unnecessary pain and suffering due to prolonged treatments, or worse yet, long-term health problems.
Moreover, this type of dirty hospital play amounts to financial punishment of vulnerable individuals who lack the knowledge and advocacy abilities necessary to get justice. It’s clear that this issue must be taken seriously, with better regulations and regular inspections put into place so such mistakes are prevented from happening again in the future.
Who Is Liable for Emergency Room Infections?
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a major problem in hospitals, particularly in the emergency room. Every year, thousands of patients suffer serious consequences as a result of these infections, yet the legal framework around who is liable can be ambiguous. Generally speaking, HAIs that occur within the scope of a hospital stay are considered to be part of the hospital’s duty of care and they may be held legally accountable if it can be proven that they breached this standard.
That being said, coding errors or other errors by healthcare professionals related to HAI prevention may lead to liability as well. It’s important for patients who suffer an HAI while under care at a hospital to understand their rights when seeking justice.
Infections That Can Arise In the ER
Working in the ER can be chaotic and stressful, but the real challenge is often the unseen danger of infections. Many believe that since it’s a hospital environment, everything is perfectly sanitized; however, infections can still exist within some ERs. Some of the most common infections are caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which can quickly spread through contact or direct contact with an infected patient.
Additionally, different viruses such as Influenza A and HIV can also be contracted in certain ER settings if appropriate protocols aren’t employed. To prevent any potential illnesses from these sources, regular cleaning of workstations and frequent hand-washing should be enforced for everyone working in the emergency room.
