A hospital is meant to be a place of healing and recovery. Unfortunately, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), also known as nosocomial infections, are a serious and preventable risk in medical facilities. These infections can cause severe complications, prolonged hospital stays, permanent disabilities, and even death. When these infections result from negligence or poor infection control protocols, patients have the right to pursue compensation through a hospital-acquired infections lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a hospital-acquired infection due to medical negligence, a San Diego hospital-acquired infections lawyer can help you seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable.
What Are Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs)?
Hospital-acquired infections are infections that occur during a patient’s stay at a medical facility and were not present at the time of admission. Common types of HAIs include:
Surgical Site Infections (SSIs)
- Infections that occur at the site of surgery.
- Symptoms may include redness, swelling, drainage, and fever.
Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs)
- Infections related to prolonged use of urinary catheters.
- Can lead to kidney infections or sepsis if untreated.
Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs)
- Serious bloodstream infections linked to central venous catheters.
- Often life-threatening and require immediate treatment.
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
- Pneumonia that develops in patients on mechanical ventilation.
- Can cause severe respiratory complications.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
- A drug-resistant infection that is difficult to treat and highly contagious.
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)
- Causes severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon, often after antibiotic use.
Causes of Hospital-Acquired Infections
Hospital-acquired infections are often preventable and result from medical negligence or poor hygiene protocols. Common causes include:
- Failure to follow sterilization and disinfection procedures.
- Improper hand hygiene among healthcare workers.
- Use of contaminated medical equipment.
- Overuse of antibiotics, leading to drug-resistant infections.
- Prolonged catheter or ventilator use without proper monitoring.
A San Diego hospital-acquired infections lawyer will investigate your case to identify lapses in infection control practices and determine who is responsible for your injuries.
Common Symptoms and Complications of HAIs
Hospital-acquired infections can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the type of infection. Common symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Pain or redness at the surgical site
- Persistent cough or difficulty breathing
- Severe diarrhea or abdominal pain
- Swelling and drainage from a wound
If untreated, HAIs can lead to serious complications, including:
- Sepsis and septic shock – A life-threatening response to infection.
- Organ failure – Damage to the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys.
- Amputation – In severe cases of MRSA or other infections.
- Chronic pain and disability – Resulting from long-term complications.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Hospital-Acquired Infection?
Several parties may be held responsible in a hospital-acquired infection lawsuit, depending on the circumstances:
- Hospitals and medical facilities – For failing to implement and enforce proper infection control protocols.
- Doctors and nurses – For neglecting hygiene practices or providing substandard care.
- Medical device manufacturers – For defective equipment that caused or contributed to the infection.
A San Diego hospital-acquired infections lawyer will help you determine who is liable and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Compensation Available in a Hospital-Acquired Infections Lawsuit
Victims of hospital-acquired infections may be entitled to significant compensation for their physical, emotional, and financial losses. Potential damages include:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Future medical costs – Long-term treatment and ongoing care.
- Lost wages – Income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the infection.
- Emotional distress – Anxiety, depression, and PTSD resulting from the experience.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Reduced ability to participate in daily activities.
- Loss of consortium – Impact on relationships with family members.
Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter future misconduct.
How a San Diego Hospital-Acquired Infections Lawyer Can Help
Filing a hospital-acquired infections lawsuit can be complex and time-sensitive, requiring legal expertise and access to medical professionals who can testify on your behalf. A San Diego hospital-acquired infections lawyer can:
- Investigate your case and determine the cause of the infection.
- Consult with medical experts to assess your injuries and provide testimony.
- Gather evidence, including medical records, infection control reports, and witness statements.
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court if necessary to secure maximum compensation.
With a skilled attorney on your side, you can focus on your recovery while they fight for justice.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Hospital-Acquired Infections
California law imposes strict deadlines for filing medical malpractice and personal injury claims:
- One year from the date you discovered the infection.
- Three years from the date of the injury, whichever comes first.
- Six months for claims against public hospitals or government entities.
Failing to meet these deadlines can bar you from seeking compensation, so it’s crucial to contact a San Diego hospital-acquired infections lawyer as soon as possible.
Recent Hospital-Acquired Infection Settlements in California
Several high-profile hospital-acquired infection cases in California have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements, including:
- $9.2 million for a patient who developed sepsis following a central line infection.
- $6.5 million for a surgical site infection that led to multiple amputations.
- $4.3 million for a patient who suffered permanent kidney damage due to a hospital-acquired MRSA infection.
These cases highlight the importance of strong legal representation in securing fair compensation.
Why Choose The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock?
At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, we are dedicated to helping victims of hospital-acquired infections recover the compensation they deserve. We offer:
- Decades of experience handling medical malpractice cases.
- Access to top medical experts to strengthen your case.
- Personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique situation.
- Aggressive representation to fight for maximum compensation.
Contact a San Diego Hospital-Acquired Infections Lawyer Today
If you’ve suffered from a hospital-acquired infection, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. A San Diego hospital-acquired infections lawyer can help you hold negligent medical providers accountable and secure the compensation you need for recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward justice.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Hospital-Acquired Infections and Prevention Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov
- California Department of Public Health. (2024). Infection Control Practices in Medical Facilities. Retrieved from https://www.cdph.ca.gov
- National Institutes of Health. (2024). Complications of Nosocomial Infections. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov