Hospital Acquired Infections – A Medical Malpractice Lawyer from Our Pittsburgh Law Firm Can Help

If a patient comes down with a hospital acquired infection, necrotizing fasciitis or abscess resulting in neurologic impairment, he or she can file a civil claim against the hospital for damages, as hospitals and healthcare providers are responsible for maintaining a healthy, sterile environment that promotes healing. At Raizman Frischman & Matzus, P.C., our experienced staff can help if you or someone you love has suffered from a hospital acquired infection as a result of medical negligence. A malpractice lawyer from our Pittsburgh law firm can review your case free of charge and advise you of the best course of action. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be eligible to obtain compensation for medical costs, disfigurement, loss of wages, inhibited earning capacity, and pain and suffering. To schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable malpractice lawyer, contact our Pittsburgh law office today.

Hospital Acquired Infections

Hospital acquired infections (infections that patients develop while staying in the hospital following surgery or other procedures) are a very serious national healthcare crisis. The risks that hospital acquired infections pose to patients should not be underestimated, as they can cause severe injury and, in extreme cases, wrongful death. In most cases, hospital acquired infections result from medical negligence; a malpractice lawyer from our Pittsburgh-area law firm can provide you with experienced legal advice if you or someone you love has suffered from such negligence. Some common hospital acquired infections include:

• Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) – This is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics, including methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), data published in a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimated the number of people who developed the serious MRSA infection in 2005 alone was approximately 94,000. More startling however, approximately 18,650 patients died during their hospital stay due to a serious MRSA infection. According to the CDC, staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among patients in hospitals and healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and dialysis centers.

• Bacterial Meningitis– Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding a person’s spinal cord and brain. It is sometimes referred to as spinal meningitis. Meningitis can be caused by either a viral or a bacterial infection. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment while bacterial meningitis can be very severe and is often times a medical emergency because it can result in brain damage, limb amputation, hearing loss, or learning disability. The leading causes of bacterial meningitis are the bacteria streptococcus pneumonia and neisseria meningitides (usually referred to as meningococcus). While any person of any age can be become infected, bacterial meningitis most frequently affects children and young adults. The symptoms range from fever, headache, and stiff neck to more severe symptoms such as confusion or seizures.

• Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE)– VRE can cause very serious infections, including urinary tract infections (UTI), wound infection, or even infections of the blood. Some people are more likely to get VRE than others, especially individuals who are hospitalized for a long period of time or who have a decreased ability to fight infection. The only way to check for this infection is to obtain a culture using a special cotton swab rubbed gently on the skin outside of the rectum. Results from the culture are usually available in 2 or 3 days.

Regardless of the type of hospital infection, it is critical that appropriate screening, testing and treatment be provided to patients as soon as possible. Unfortunately, medical malpractice can occur if a physician or hospital fails to recognize the signs and symptoms of an infectious disease such as MRSA, meningitis, or VRE, and treat it quickly and appropriately.

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Contact A Medical Negligence Lawyer Serving Pittsburgh and All of Pennsylvania

Serving Greater Pittsburgh, including the communities of Greensburg and Cranberry Township, a malpractice and medical negligence lawyer from Raizman Frischman & Matzus, P.C., can help if you have suffered because a healthcare provider was negligent in his or her duties. At our firm, we have an unwavering dedication to protecting victims' rights and we will fight on your behalf. Please contact our Pittsburgh law office today to schedule a free consultation and case review.

 

To schedule a free consultation regarding medical negligence, contact a malpractice lawyer from our Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and Cranberry Township-area law firm today.

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