Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) develop during a hospital stay and are unrelated to the patient’s initial condition. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi present in the healthcare environment. While some HAIs may be unavoidable, many occur due to preventable lapses in hygiene, sterilization, or infection control measures. When hospitals fail to take proper precautions, patients can suffer severe complications, prolonged hospital stays, or even life-threatening conditions.
Patients have the right to safe medical care. If a hospital’s negligence leads to an infection, legal options may be available. Understanding how HAIs occur, when hospitals may be held responsible, and what steps to take if you have suffered harm due to a preventable infection can help you protect your rights. At Davis & Davis, our attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of medical malpractice protect their rights and interests.
What Are Hospital-Acquired Infections and How Do They Happen?
Hospital-acquired infections can develop when harmful microorganisms spread within a healthcare setting. Common HAIs include bloodstream infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and surgical site infections. These infections are often linked to medical devices, such as catheters or ventilators, and can allow bacteria to enter the body. Additionally, patients with weakened immune systems, extended hospital stays, or open wounds are at greater risk. Hospitals are expected to maintain strict infection control policies, but failures in hand hygiene, contaminated equipment, or improper antibiotic use can lead to serious infections.
When an HAI occurs, the consequences can be severe. Some infections, like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), are resistant to antibiotics, making treatment more difficult. Others can lead to sepsis, organ failure, or long-term complications. Hospitals must take proactive steps to prevent these infections, including frequent sanitization, proper wound care, and monitoring patients for early signs of infection. If these measures are ignored or poorly enforced, patient safety is put at risk.
Can Hospitals Be Held Liable for Preventable Infections?
Hospitals have a legal duty to follow strict infection control protocols. This includes maintaining clean facilities, sterilizing medical instruments, and ensuring staff adhere to hygiene policies. When a hospital fails to follow these basic safety measures and a patient develops a preventable infection, it may be considered medical negligence. Liability may arise if the hospital ignored known infection risks, failed to train staff properly, or neglected to isolate contagious patients. A preventable infection can significantly impact a patient’s recovery, leading to additional medical procedures, extended hospital stays, or even permanent health consequences.
To prove liability, the attorney must demonstrate the hospital’s negligence directly caused the infection. This often requires a thorough review of medical records and expert testimony from healthcare professionals who can assess whether proper precautions were taken. If a hospital was aware of an unsanitary condition or failed to act on infection risks, they may be held accountable. Legal action can provide financial compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering while also pushing hospitals to improve safety measures to prevent future harm.
What Are Your Legal Options After a Hospital-Acquired Infection?
If you or a family member developed an HAI due to medical negligence, taking action quickly is important. Start by documenting any symptoms, keeping records of medical treatments, and requesting copies of hospital reports. Seeking a second opinion from an independent medical provider may help confirm whether the infection was preventable. Additionally, understanding the applicable statute of limitations is crucial, as legal deadlines vary by state. Delays in filing a claim can affect your ability to seek compensation.
Filing a medical malpractice claim may allow you to recover damages for additional medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress caused by a preventable infection. Because hospitals and insurance companies often deny liability, working with an attorney experienced in medical malpractice cases can help build a strong case. A legal claim may also highlight dangerous hospital practices, ensuring better patient care and preventing future infections. Seeking legal guidance as soon as possible is essential to protecting your rights.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Dedicated Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
Holding hospitals accountable for preventable infections requires legal experience and access to medical professionals who can assess negligence. At Davis & Davis, our trial-tested attorneys focus on medical malpractice cases and have built a reputation for standing up to hospitals and healthcare providers when they fail their duty. Our legal team has decades of experience navigating complex medical claims, ensuring our clients receive the support they need. If a hospital-acquired infection caused serious harm, we can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
Understanding your rights is the first step toward seeking justice. If medical negligence led to an infection, we may be able to help you recover financial compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and suffering caused by improper care. Hospitals and their insurers often try to avoid responsibility, but we are prepared to advocate for you. Contact us at (888) 522-9444 or reach out through our contact form to discuss your case.
