Can I sue the hospital if I contract a MRSA infection?
MRSA, which stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a type of infection that can be acquired by those who undergo surgery or stay in the hospital. A MRSA infection can be quite serious as this type of infection is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. Depending on the location of the infection, MRSA can cause complicated pneumonia, urinary tract infections, blood infections, and much more. At times, MRSA is caused by the negligence of hospital or doctors, which could give rise to a medical malpractice action.
Causes of MRSA
MRSA is a type of staph infection spread through infected wounds or people sharing items that have touched an infected wound. Given the nature of hospital, they create a high risk of MRSA due to shared equipment and crowding. Surgeons and physicians have the duty to take steps to mitigate the possibility of spreading MRSA. These steps include properly disinfecting all instruments, rooms, and other shared surfaces so that patients cannot spread MRSA to one another. It further includes taking steps to avoid spread by a surgeons own hands by using proper hand washing and gloving procedures.
Symptoms of MRSA
MRSA can be difficult to recognize. Initially, MRSA often resembles a skin infection and could look like a spider bite or pimple. It may become pus filled and warm to the touch, along with redness and swelling. If left untreated, MRSA may spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs, heart, bones joints, and blood stream. Often, those who contract MRSA in the hospital are already in a weakened state. They may be suffering from serious medical conditions, and a MRSA infection could jeopardize their recovery.
MRSA and Medical Malpractice
MRSA is often the result of improper sterilization and disinfection of instruments in hospitals. All hospitals host germs, but sterilization protocols must be strictly followed so as to prevent infection to other patients. When a medical professional fails to follow these procedures, the hospital or individual doctor could be liable in a medical malpractice action. Malpractice could further arise should a doctor fail to promptly diagnose and treat a MRSA infection. Should you suffer a MRSA infection while in the hospital, contact a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible.