According to a recent study, as many as one-half of all hospital patients in hospital intensive care units have infections and nearly three-in-four patients are being given antibiotics. While infections are not usually the result of medical malpractice, the failure to diagnose an infection or the failure to prescribe antibiotics for an infection can form the basis of a medical malpractice lawsuit.
When it comes to infections, the stakes are high. This is because hospital patients with infections are more likely to die — especially if the infection evolves into sepsis (blood poisoning). According to Dr. Jean-Louis Vincent of Erasme University Hospital in Brussels, Belgium, “the incidence of sepsis is increasing, as is the number of consequent infection-related deaths.”
In the study, more than 60% of infections were within the lungs. The abdomen and blood (sepsis) were also common locations for infection. The most prevalent bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli.
The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict all types of medical malpractice and hospital mistake cases, including those involving infections and sepsis. If you or a loved one experienced in infection during or immediately after a hospital admission, you and/or your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York hospital negligence attorney, contact Bottar Law, PLLC now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.