Patients admitted into the hospital expect to be treated with the utmost care. However, errors can arise that create a challenging situation for the patient. One potential problem that can occur is the outbreak of infection throughout the hospital.
Several patients can experience significant health problems when infection outbreaks occur. Below, we will explain some of the most common infections that arise in medical settings and your rights if you suffer harm.
Common Medical Setting Infections
Here are just a few of the most common infections you might experience in a hospital:
- Central line-associated bloodstream infections: Thousands of deaths occur each year because of this type of infection. Doctors must monitor and follow guidelines to prevent severe infections.
- Catheter-associated urinary tract infections: When doctors insert a catheter, they must ensure that the area and equipment are sterile. Unfortunately, about 75% of the UTIs acquired in a hospital are due to a catheter.
- Surgical site infections: Operating rooms must be completely sterile because the patient’s open wounds are vulnerable to infection. Unfortunately, these infections can result in tissue damage and severe injuries.
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia: This type of infection can arise when a ventilator machine is used to help a patient breathe. If any type of bacteria enters the tube, it can cause a severe infection in the patient’s lungs.
Determining Hospital Liability
If you get an infection in the hospital, you might have the right to pursue compensation. Determining if the hospital is liable means understanding the standard of care and what it means when treating patients. For instance, common negligence in a medical setting includes:
- Understaffing
- Inexperience
- No sterilization process
- Failure to maintain equipment
Our Cleveland medical malpractice attorneys at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber care about providing you with the highest level of legal counsel possible. Trust that our team will be there for you every step of the way to explain your rights and options. We want to help you hold negligence accountable and seek compensation when you need it most.
