Key Takeaways
- The CDC calls hospital-acquired infections a major threat to patient safety, and potentially life-threatening infections are often entirely preventable.
- Common hospital infections include central line bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, MRSA, and Clostridium difficile infection.
- Surgical site infections occur within 30 days of surgery and may be superficial, deep beneath the incision, or in an organ or space.
- Clostridium difficile infection often affects older adults in hospitals after antibiotic use, with symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening colon inflammation.
- Doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers may be liable when negligence causes serious infections, and expert testimony may be needed to establish responsibility.
As stated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a major threat to patient safety. Sadly, potentially life-threatening HAIs are often entirely preventable. If you or your loved one has suffered a hospital infection caused by negligence, call Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC in Portland, OR to schedule a consultation. Our Portland hospital infection attorneys are tough advocates for injured people.
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The experienced trial lawyers at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC can negotiate aggressively with insurance companies on your behalf.
- We have more than 50 years of combined experience.
- We keep our caseload smaller to allow for proper personal attention to your Portland medical malpractice case.
- We will not hesitate to go to trial if necessary to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.
“At Paulson Coletti, ‘liberty and justice for all’ is more than just a phrase – it is our mandate. Our team of trial lawyers is driven to pursue justice for the injured, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, you can trust our Oregon personal injury lawyers to be the legal advocates you need so your voice can be heard.”
Common Hospital Infections, Causes, and Symptoms
Although hospitals have made significant progress in the past decade, hospital-acquired infections still present a serious risk for patients admitted to hospitals for all types of conditions and procedures. Common hospital infections include:
- Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI): This is a serious infection that can occur when bacteria or viruses get into the bloodstream through the central line. A central line is a device inserted into a major vein for various medical purposes. Symptoms of CLABI may include fever, redness, and soreness around the central line.
- Catheter-associated urinary tract infections: Urinary catheters are frequently used in hospitals for various purposes. Unfortunately, their use can result in serious urinary tract infections. Recent studies have shown that inappropriate catheterization is prevalent in medical wards, contributing to the problem.
- Surgical site infections: SSIs (surgical site infections) occur within 30 days of surgery. This type of infection may be superficial (in the area of the skin where an incision was made), deep (in the muscle and tissues beneath the incision), or organ or space SSI (in an organ or another area of the body involved in surgery). Symptoms include puss or abscess in the infected area.
- MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia): MRSA is caused by a staph bacterium that is resistant to antibiotics. It often occurs in hospital settings among patients who have invasive procedures, including surgeries or implantation of intravenous tubing or medical devices. Symptoms include swollen, painful, red bumps that can turn into painful abscesses.
- Clostridium difficile infection (CDI): This serious bacterial infection can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening colon inflammation. It often affects older adults in hospitals after use of antibiotics. The intestines contain bacteria that protect the body from infection, which are destroyed with antibiotics. This allows CDI bacteria to become established and produce toxins that attack the lining of the intestines, destroy cells, and cause inflammation.
Who Is Liable for a Hospital Infection?
Doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers may be held liable when negligence leads to serious hospital infections. Thorough investigation, deep understanding of the issues, and expert testimony may be required to establish who is responsible for HAIs.
“Most cases settle, but each of our cases is prepared as if it’s going to trial. The insurance companies know it and so do the defense lawyers defending them. That’s why we get such great results for our clients.”
Why Do You Need a Portland Hospital Infection Lawyer?
It is in your best interests to have an experienced Portland medical malpractice attorney by your side in pursuing compensation for a hospital infection. Our Portland personal injury trial lawyers at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys have an in-depth understanding of the legal and medical issues involved in this type of case. We can negotiate skillfully with insurance companies on your behalf, or fight for your rights in court, if necessary.
Contact Our Hospital Infection Lawyer in Portland Today
Patients who enter a hospital for treatment should not have to suffer from a preventable hospital-acquired infection. If you have developed a serious infection in the hospital, contact Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC for a free case consultation.