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Kentucky Hospital-Acquired Infection Lawyers
Legal assistance after you suffer a hospital-acquired infection in Lexington, Louisville & throughout KY
Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) are a significant concern for patients receiving medical care, particularly when they develop preventable infections. These infections, acquired during a hospital stay, can range from urinary tract infections to surgical site infections and bloodstream infections. Such occurrences often result from lapses in infection control practices, inadequate sterilization of medical equipment, or improper hygiene protocols among healthcare staff. At Crandall & Pera Law, our Kentucky HAI attorneys understand the devastating impact these infections can have on patients' health and recovery. We are committed to advocating for those who have suffered due to hospital-acquired infections, holding medical facilities accountable for negligence and ensuring that affected individuals receive the compensation they deserve for their pain, suffering, and medical expenses.
Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys understand how to handle cases involving hospital-acquired infections, conducting thorough investigations to determine where and how the infection occurred. We work closely with medical experts who assess the standard of care provided and identify any deviations that contributed to the infection. Whether negotiating settlements or litigating in court, our goal is to secure justice for our clients.
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What is a hospital-acquired infection?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, HAIs are defined as follows:
Nosocomial (naa-suh-KOW-mee-uhl) infections (also called healthcare-associated infections, hospital-acquired infections or HAIs) are illnesses you can get at a medical facility while you’re getting treatment for another condition. These infections can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening conditions. HAIs can occur in a variety of settings like hospitals, surgical centers, dialysis clinics and long-term care facilities.
By definition, HAIs are infections that happen within:
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- Forty-eight hours of arrival or hospital admission.
- Three days after discharge from a hospital or surgical center.
- Thirty days of a surgical procedure.
They also note, “Most HAIs are avoidable. Yet every year in the United States, more than a half-million patients and healthcare providers get them. To stay safe, it’s important for medical teams and families to work together.”
What are common hospital-acquired infections?
Hospital-acquired infections encompass a range of infections that patients may acquire during their hospital stay. These infections are typically not present at the time of admission. Common types of hospital-acquired infections include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Often associated with the use of urinary catheters, which can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
- Surgical site infections (SSIs). Occur at the site of surgery due to contamination during the operation or improper wound care post-surgery.
- Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs): These result from the insertion of central venous catheters, which can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP): This condition develops in patients on ventilators due to bacteria entering the lungs through the breathing tube.
- Clostridium difficile Infection (C. diff): This condition often occurs after antibiotic use disrupts the normal balance of bacteria in the gut, allowing C. diff bacteria to flourish.
- Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections: MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics, commonly spread through skin-to-skin contact or contaminated surfaces in healthcare settings.
- Influenza and other respiratory viruses: Viruses like influenza can spread easily in healthcare settings, especially during flu season.
These infections can significantly prolong hospital stays, increase healthcare costs, and lead to serious complications, particularly in patients who are already ill or have weakened immune systems. Preventative measures, including strict adherence to infection control protocols, proper hand hygiene, and appropriate use of antibiotics, are crucial for reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired infections and improving patient safety.
How can hospital-acquired infections be avoided?
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) can be prevented through rigorous infection control measures and adherence to established protocols aimed at reducing the risk of transmission. Key strategies include promoting hygiene among healthcare providers, ensuring regular and thorough disinfection of surfaces and equipment, and implementing isolation precautions for patients with contagious diseases.
Healthcare workers should regularly wash their hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially before and after patient contact, after removing gloves, and between tasks involving different patients. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection should be used appropriately to minimize exposure to infectious agents.
Cleaning also plays an important role in infection prevention, with surfaces and equipment requiring regular disinfection. Also, the cleaning of patient rooms and equipment after discharge or transfer helps eliminate remaining pathogens. Healthcare providers should also follow strict protocols for the insertion and maintenance of medical devices like central venous catheters and urinary catheters to minimize infection risks. Proper care and maintenance of ventilator equipment are critical to reduce the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Who is liable for my Kentucky hospital-acquired infection?
Determining liability for a hospital-acquired infection (HAI) in Kentucky typically involves assessing the actions or negligence of various parties involved in your care. Here’s a breakdown of potential parties who may be liable:
- Healthcare providers: Healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, have a duty to provide patients with a standard of care that meets accepted medical practices. If a healthcare provider fails to adhere to infection control protocols, properly sterilize equipment, or follow hygiene practices, they may be held liable for negligence if their actions or omissions contributed to the HAI.
- Hospital or healthcare facility: The hospital or healthcare facility where the infection occurred may also be liable for a hospital-acquired infection. Hospitals have a duty to maintain a safe and sanitary environment for patients, which includes implementing infection control measures, ensuring proper sanitation of facilities and equipment, and providing adequate training to staff on infection prevention. Failure to meet these standards could result in liability if their negligence contributed to the patient acquiring an infection.
- Pharmaceutical companies or device manufacturers: In some cases, pharmaceutical companies or manufacturers of medical devices may be held liable if a defective product or medication contributed to the infection. For example, if a medical device was improperly sterilized or if a medication was contaminated, resulting in an infection, the manufacturer or supplier of the product could be held accountable in a liability claim.
- Negligent third parties: If a third party, such as a contracted service provider responsible for cleaning or maintaining equipment, fails to fulfill their duties in a manner that contributes to an infection, they may also be held liable for negligence.
To establish liability for a hospital-acquired infection, the injured patient must demonstrate that the responsible party breached their duty of care, which directly caused or contributed to the infection. Evidence such as medical records, witness testimonies, expert opinions, and documentation of infection prevention protocols may be crucial in proving negligence.
If you suffered from a hospital-acquired infection in Kentucky, consult with the experienced attorneys at Crandall & Pera Law today. We can assess the specifics of your case, investigate the circumstances surrounding the infection, and help determine the parties who may be liable for your damages. Taking legal action is one way to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related losses resulting from the infection.
Navigating a medical malpractice claim involving a hospital-acquired infection can be complicated, but with the right legal representation, you can pursue justice and hold those responsible for your suffering accountable.
How can your Kentucky attorneys help with my hospital-acquired infection case?
Here's what our Kentucky HAI attorneys can do for you:
- Evaluate your case: We will review your medical records and other details to see if there's evidence that the hospital's negligence caused your infection.
- Determine the cause of the infection: This might involve investigating hygiene protocols, staffing levels, or procedures followed during your stay.
- Calculate your damages: This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term effects from the infection.
- Negotiate with the hospital's insurance company: We will try to secure you a fair settlement to cover your damages.
- File a lawsuit: If we are unable to reach a settlement, we will take your case to court.
Get help from our Kentucky hospital-acquired infection lawyers today
Concerned about hospital-acquired infections? Take proactive steps today by contacting the experienced Kentucky hospital-acquired infection attorneys at Crandall & Pera Law. We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation and evaluate your potential case. Whether you or a loved one has suffered from a preventable infection due to negligence, we are here to provide the legal guidance and support you need. Let us help you seek justice and fair compensation for the harm caused. Do not wait—reach out to us now to protect your rights and ensure accountability for healthcare providers. Call our offices to schedule a free consultation, or you may use our contact form. We maintain offices in Lexington and Louisville for your convenience.