Hospitals are supposed to provide care to make you feel better, not to put you at risk of further harm. This includes everything from maintaining a germ-free environment to ensuring surgical tools are properly sanitized. Unfortunately, it’s not always the case.
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are far too common, and you could contract an infection in the hospital for various reasons. Some common types of HAIs include:
- Surgical site infections, which occur after a procedure if the area is not kept sterile
- Urinary tract infections caused by long-term catheter use if proper cleaning protocols are not observed
- Pneumonia, especially for patients on ventilators, if infection control isn’t maintained
If you contracted one of these infections for reasons beyond your control, the healthcare provider may be at fault, and you can take legal action to hold them accountable.
What it takes to prove medical negligence
Not every HAI is a result of medical negligence. Sometimes, infections can still occur even with the best care. For you to have a case against the hospital, you must show that their actions or inactions led to your infections. It can be complicated.
Demonstrating that the hospital didn’t follow standard care procedures requires strong evidence. Beyond your medical records, you may need expert opinions from experts in the field to support your claim.
You may be entitled to compensation
As a victim of a HAI, you might have a case against the healthcare provider, and you could be entitled to compensation. Some of the damages you can recover include the cost of additional medical treatments, hospital stays, medications and any rehabilitation required to recover from the infection.
You may also claim compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress and any other related losses, like lost wages. Getting a qualified assessment of your case can help guide you through the legal process and ensure you recover what you are entitled to.
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