Hospital-acquired infections affect approximately 1 in 31 hospital patients on any given day, according to statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While some HAIs are unforeseeable, too many result from preventable negligence.
How hospital infections happen
Healthcare facilities have strict protocols to prevent infections. When staff members don’t follow these rules, preventable infections can occur. Common causes of preventable HAIs include:
- Healthcare workers failing to follow hand hygiene protocols
- Improper sterilization of surgical instruments
- Inadequate cleaning of hospital rooms and surfaces
- Leaving catheters or IV lines in too long
- Poor wound care after surgery
- Failure to follow established infection control procedures
These violations can allow dangerous bacteria to spread from patient to patient or from contaminated surfaces to vulnerable patients.
When an infection becomes malpractice in Ohio
Not every hospital infection equals malpractice. You must prove the hospital or healthcare provider fell below the accepted standard of care. You also need to show the infection was preventable with proper protocols.
Evidence matters in these cases. Types of evidence include:
- Medical records showing when the infection developed
- Hospital infection control reports
- Documentation of procedures followed (or not followed)
- Testimony from medical professionals about proper standards
Proof of these or other failures play a pivotal role in medical malpractice cases. Thorough investigation and legal examination is essential.
The serious impact of these infections
HAIs can lead to extended hospital stays, additional surgeries, permanent disability or even death. MRSA and sepsis are particularly serious and can be life-threatening. You may face lost wages, mounting medical bills, and significant pain and suffering. Some infections require months or years of additional treatment.
What can you do?
You trusted the hospital to help you heal, not make you sicker. If you developed an infection during or shortly after a hospital stay due to negligence, you may be eligible to seek financial and legal remedies. However, Ohio law has strict timeframes for filing medical malpractice claims, so don’t delay in seeking legal guidance.