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Have You or a Loved One Recently Acquired an Infection During a Hospital Stay?
Goldberg & Loren, New York’s leading hospital acquired infection lawyers, are here to help you seek justice and compensation. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that hospital-acquired infections can have on you and your family.
Our experienced team of lawyers has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in cases of hospital-acquired infections. We will fight tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation. Don’t suffer in silence – let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights. Your health and well-being are our top priority.
What Are Hospital-Acquired Infections?
A hospital-acquired infection (HAI), also known as a healthcare-associated infection, is an infection that a patient acquires while receiving medical care in a healthcare facility. These infections can occur as a result of various factors, including invasive procedures, medical treatment, or even prolonged stays in healthcare settings.
These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms present in healthcare settings. They can be transmitted through person-to-person contact, contaminated medical equipment or surfaces, or even via the air.
HAIs may lead to organ failure, septic shock, or death. Patients with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or transplant recipients, are at a higher risk of developing these infections.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 5 percent of all hospital admissions result in a healthcare-associated infection, culminating in approximately 722,000 infections and 75,000 deaths each year as well as $28–33 billion in excess costs [1].
Common Types of Hospital-Acquired Infections
- Surgical Site Infection (SSI):
SSIs can be superficial, affecting the skin and tissues near the incision, or they can be more severe, affecting the deeper layers, organs, or implanted devices. Surgical site infections can cause pain, inflammation, and, in severe cases, even sepsis. - Urinary Tract Infections (UTI):
These infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary system, typically through a catheter or improper hygiene practices. Urinary tract infections can cause discomfort and pain, frequent urination, and even kidney damage if left untreated. - Bloodstream Infections:
Also known as bacteremia or septicemia, are serious and potentially life-threatening HAIs. These infections occur when bacteria or other pathogens enter the bloodstream, often through invasive medical procedures or the improper use of intravenous devices. Bloodstream infections can lead to septic shock, organ failure, and death if not promptly treated. - Lung Infections:
Lung infections, such as pneumonia, can also be acquired in the hospital setting. Patients on ventilators or those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to these infections. Lung infections can cause respiratory distress, fever, coughing, and other symptoms that significantly impact a patient's health. - Organ Infection:
Organ infections can occur when bacteria or microorganisms invade specific organs, such as the lungs, kidneys, or liver. These infections can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms may vary depending on the affected organ but often include pain, fever, swelling, and dysfunction.
HAIs are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting about 3% of hospital patients on any given day [2].
Common Causes of Hospital Acquired Infections
- Contaminated medical equipment and devices: If medical equipment, such as a surgical instrument, is not properly sterilized, it can introduce harmful bacteria into the patient's body.
- Improper hand hygiene: If healthcare providers do not wash their hands thoroughly or use hand sanitizers between patient interactions, they can transfer harmful bacteria from one patient to another.
- Environmental factors: Poorly cleaned surfaces, contaminated air conditioning systems, or water sources can harbor bacteria and contribute to the spread of infections.
- Antibiotic resistance: Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Patients who are infected with these resistant bacteria may be at a higher risk of developing hospital-acquired infections.
- Compromised immune systems: Patients with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplants, are more susceptible to hospital-acquired infections. Their weakened immune response makes it easier for bacteria and other pathogens to cause infections.
- Poor infection control practices: This can include inadequate isolation procedures for patients with contagious infections or a lack of proper cleaning and disinfection practices.
Related Information
Are Hospitals Liable for Hospital-Acquired Infections?
In general, hospitals can be held responsible for HAIs if they can be linked to negligence or misconduct on the part of healthcare providers or the facility itself.
Hospitals may be liable when there is a failure to adhere to proper infection control protocols. Strict sterilization procedures, proper hygiene practices, and maintenance of medical devices are all key players in preventing the spread of infections.
Hospitals can be held liable when there is a failure to properly train or supervise their staff. Hospitals are responsible for ensuring that all healthcare providers are adequately trained in infection control measures.
Hospitals may also be liable for HAIs if they are aware of a particular infection risk within the facility and fail to take appropriate actions to prevent its spread.
If a hospital is aware of a high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fails to implement proper precautions, resulting in patients acquiring infections, it can be considered a breach of duty.
Goldberg & Loren Hospital-Acquired Infections in New York Lawyers
With our expertise and dedication to justice, the legal team at Goldberg & Loren is committed to fighting for the rights of those who have been harmed due to negligence or misconduct in healthcare facilities.
Our personal injury attorneys possess an in-depth understanding of medical malpractice laws and are well-versed in navigating the legal intricacies of these types of cases.
When representing clients who have suffered from HAIs, Goldberg & Loren’s primary goal is to establish liability on the part of the healthcare providers or the medical facility itself.
To build a strong case, the legal team conducts a thorough investigation, gathering relevant evidence such as medical records, documentation of the infection, and expert opinions.
We work closely with medical experts with specialized knowledge in HAIs to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding the infection and its consequences.
Goldberg & Loren law firm recognizes that each case is unique, and we approach every client with empathy and compassion. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that HAIs can have on individuals and their families.
We strive to not only seek fair compensation but also to provide the support and guidance necessary for our clients to move forward.
Contact Goldberg & Loren’s experienced personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation and take the first step towards obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve.
Sources:
[1] Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). (2023, August 17). Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/hai/figures.html
[2] Hospital-Acquired Infection (HAI) Rates in New York State Hospitals. (n.d.). https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/facilities/hospital/hospital_acquired_infections
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
5 Columbus Cir Suite 1501
New York, NY 10019
(646) 719-0444
If you or someone you know has developed a hospital-acquired infection in NYC, our personal injury lawyers are here to offer support and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us for a free consultation.
