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Hillsboro Hospital Acquired Infection Attorney
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Hillsboro Hospital Acquired Infection Lawyer
As patients, we are admitted to healthcare facilities to receive proper treatment and protection from illnesses. However, there are occasions when we may get a new infection after we are admitted to the hospital. Hospital-acquired infections are preventable infections, and should not occur. If this has happened to you, we can help.
At Goldberg & Loren, we have experience holding parties accountable for hospital acquired infections. Our Hillsboro hospital acquired infection lawyers are adept at showing what the hospital did (or did not do) to cause an infection. We investigate the circumstances surrounding your infection and fight for your rights to obtain fair compensation.
Call (503) 831-9930 today to set up a free consultation with our hospital-acquired infection lawyers.
Our Verdicts and Settlements
Settlement
A 58-year-old patient underwent hip replacement surgery at a Hillsboro hospital. Post-surgery, the patient developed Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). The patient required multiple surgeries and the amputation of the affected leg.
March 2024
Settlement
A 72-year-old woman was admitted to a Hillsboro hospital for treatment of pneumonia. During her stay, she developed a UTI from a poorly maintained catheter. The infection progressed to sepsis due to delayed recognition and inadequate antibiotic administration.
July 2024
Settlement
A 45-year-old man underwent an appendectomy at a Hillsboro medical facility. Due to improper wound cleaning and failure to administer prophylactic antibiotics, the patient developed a surgical site infection caused by Clostridium difficile, leading to extended hospitalization, additional surgeries, and permanent gastrointestinal complications.
November 2024
What is Hospital-Acquired Infection?
Hospital-acquired infections, commonly referred to as healthcare-associated infections (HAI), are infections that are not present upon a patient’s admission to a medical care facility. These infections generally develop after the patient has been hospitalized, usually becoming apparent at least 48 hours following their admission. [1]
HAIs can be caused by viral, bacterial, and fungal agents, with notable examples including surgical site infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. The potential severity of these infections cannot be overstated, as they can lead to serious complications and may even be fatal if not treated promptly.
Approximately 1 in 31 hospital patients has an infection obtained in a healthcare setting in Oregon, and of those, 1 in 10 could potentially die while in the hospital. [2]
What Are The Different Types of Hospital-Acquired Infections Seen In Hillsboro?
There are a variety of HAIs that Hillsboro’s hospitalized population may experience. Some of the types of infections we have seen include:
- Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs): UTI’s are often caused by prolonged use of urinary catheters. CAUTIs can lead to severe complications, including kidney damage and sepsis.
The highest infection rate in Oregon’s hospitals is seen in catheter-associated urinary tract infections. [2] - Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs): These result from pathogens entering the bloodstream through central lines for medication or fluid delivery, leading to potentially fatal bloodstream infections.
- Surgical Site Infections (SSIs): Infections can occur post-surgery. SSIs can arise from bacteria entering the incision site, resulting in pain, delayed healing, or more serious complications.
- Staph infections: Staph infections can be transmitted by medical professionals who fail to follow proper hand hygiene protocols. Inadequate sterilization of medical equipment, such as surgical tools or catheters, can also lead to infections like MRSA. If left untreated, a staph infection may result in sepsis or death.
- Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP): This lung infection affects ventilated patients when harmful bacteria enter the lungs through intubation or ventilation tubes, increasing morbidity and hospital stay duration.
- C. difficile Infections: C. diff is often linked to antibiotic use. This infection affects the gut, leading to severe diarrhea and colitis, and can be life-threatening.
What Causes Hillsboro's Hospital Acquired Infections?
- Invasive Procedures and Devices: The use of devices such as ventilators, catheters, and surgical implants can increase the risk of infection.
- Environmental Contamination: Surfaces and equipment in healthcare facilities can become contaminated with pathogens, leading to transmission. Poor cleaning and disinfection practices can leave patients vulnerable.
- Poor Hand Hygiene: One of the easiest ways to prevent all types of infection is to wash hands. If a doctor in a busy emergency room is not disciplined with hand hygiene, a contagious illness can spread quickly.
- Lack of Ventilation: When an airborne illness is present in the hospital, medical staff should place infected clients in rooms with specialized ventilation. If this does not happen or if the ventilation is faulty, it may put other patients at risk for respiratory infection.
Table of Contents
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Hillsboro Hospital Acquired Infection Lawyer
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Our Verdicts and Settlements
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What is Hospital-Acquired Infection?
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What Are The Different Types of Hospital-Acquired Infections Seen In Hillsboro?
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What Causes Hillsboro's Hospital Acquired Infections?
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Who is Liable for Your Hillsboro HAI?
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Key Considerations for Hospital Acquired Infection Liability Include:
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Time Limit in Hillsboro for Filing Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
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Recovering Compensation for Hospital Acquired Infections in Hillsboro, OR
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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us - Client Reviews
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Why Choose Our Hospital Infection Lawyer in Hillsboro, Oregon?
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Hospitals in Hillsboro, Oregon
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FAQs
Who is Liable for Your Hillsboro HAI?
Determining who is specifically responsible for a hospital-acquired infection is complicated. All factors must be considered. Here are some of the parties that our infection lawyers may find are responsible:
- Healthcare Providers: Individual doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals may be held liable if it can be shown that they failed to adhere to accepted standards of care, resulting in the infection. It may include negligence in procedures, improper hygiene, failure to provide proper care, or failure to follow infection control protocols.
- Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: The institution itself can be held liable for HAIs if it is determined that the hospital did not maintain adequate infection control measures or staff training. For instance, failure to properly clean and disinfect equipment or maintain a sterile environment might lead to hospital liability.
- Medical Device Manufacturers: If the HAI is related to a defective medical device or if proper warnings about the device’s use were not provided, the manufacturer might be held liable. This typically involves product liability claims.
- Pharmaceutical Companies: If a patient develops a hospital infection as a result of complications from medication (e.g., antibiotics leading to C. difficile infections), the manufacturer could potentially be held responsible, particularly if the medication was improperly marketed or lacked adequate safety information.
Key Considerations for Hospital Acquired Infection Liability Include:
- Negligence: To establish liability, it must generally be proven that there was negligence on the part of the healthcare provider or institution – that is, a failure to act according to the standard of care expected in the medical community.
- Causation: It must be shown that the negligent act directly caused the HAI. It often involves medical evidence and expert testimony.
- Documentation and Evidence: Patients or their representatives should gather and preserve medical records, treatment histories, and other relevant documents to support any claims.
Time Limit in Hillsboro for Filing Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
In Hillsboro, Oregon, the time limit for filing a medical malpractice claim, including HAI claims, is two years from the date of the alleged malpractice or from when the injury was discovered (ORS 12.110). It is necessary to act promptly, as missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Recovering Compensation for Hospital Acquired Infections in Hillsboro, OR
Depending on the specifics of the case, you may be eligible for various types of financial compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us – Client Reviews
Why Choose Our Hospital Infection Lawyer in Hillsboro, Oregon?
Choosing our hospital-acquired infection is a strategic decision when you are facing the challenges of medical negligence. With experience in handling cases that have caused infections, our dedicated legal team is equipped to fiercely advocate for your rights.
Here are several reasons why you might consider our hospital-acquired infection attorney in Hillsboro, Oregon:
- Extensive Experience: Our hospital-acquired infection law firm focuses on results, and we have over 30 years of experience getting them. This experience enables us to understand the complexities of HAIs and the legal nuances involved in pursuing these types of claims.
- Proven Track Record: We have a history of successfully representing clients in cases similar to yours. Our experience speaks to our ability to navigate the legal system effectively and achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.
- Personalized Attention: We believe in treating each client as an individual with unique circumstances. Our hospital infection attorney takes the time to listen to your story, understand your concerns, and develop a tailored legal strategy that aligns with your needs. We are available for both in-person and online appointments.
- Comprehensive Case Analysis: We offer thorough case evaluations to assess the merits of your claim. This includes gathering evidence, consulting with medical experts, and uncovering the details necessary to build a strong case.
- Access to Expert Witnesses: Our network of medical professionals and expert witnesses can provide essential testimonials to support your case, establishing the standard of care and demonstrating how negligence may have occurred.
- Strong Negotiation Skills: Our hospital infection lawyers have strong negotiation skills and are dedicated to advocating for your best interests. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or opposing counsel, we strive to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Contingency Fee Basis: Our law firm has seen the financial strain that medical issues can cause. Our hospital-acquired infection attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we successfully recover compensation for you.
Contact our local Hillsboro hospital infection lawyers today. We are open now and 24/7 to discuss your legal options with you!
Hospitals in Hillsboro, Oregon
Hospitals in Hillsboro, recommended by our clients for victims of hospital-acquired infections:
Hillsboro Medical Center
Address: 335 SE 8th Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 681-1111
Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center
Address: 2875 NE Stucki Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (971) 310-1000
*Note: These are not endorsements by Goldberg & Loren. These are suggestions made by our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To establish a potential case, you must show that you contracted the infection due to negligence or a failure to follow proper protocols by healthcare providers. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help evaluate your situation, including medical records and treatment details.
Yes, to recover compensation for a hospital-acquired infection, you must demonstrate that the healthcare provider or facility was negligent. It often requires expert testimony, medical records, and documentation to show that the standard of care was violated.
Evidence may include medical records, testimonies from healthcare professionals, documentation of the infection's progression, photographs of surgical sites, and expert opinions regarding the standard of care. Your medical malpractice attorney will help gather and evaluate necessary evidence.
Sources:
[1] Hospital-Acquired Infections. (2024b, January 1). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28722887/
[2] Oregon saw surge in patients contracting infections in health care facilities. (n.d.). The Lund Report. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.thelundreport.org/content/oregon-saw-surge-patients-contracting-infections-health-care-facilities
[3] Medical Malpractice. (n.d.-g). https://www.osbar.org/public/legalinfo/1276_MedicalMalpractice.htm
Goldberg & Loren fights hard for clients who have contracted infections during their stay in hospitals located in Hillsboro. We work to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve for their suffering and losses.
Have Questions About Your Case? Call Us Today: