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Hospital Infections & West Virginia Medical Malpractice Claims

Whenever you have to spend time in a hospital, there is a chance that you could be diagnosed with an infection that you acquired at the hospital through no action of your own.

These kinds of infections, called nosocomial infections, are acquired during treatment and are caused by:

bacteria;
fungi; and
viruses.

If you or a loved one contracted a hospital infection that led to additional illness or even death, you should consult with a Clarksburg medical malpractice attorney who may be able to help you recover damages.

A Look at the Different Kinds of Hospital Infections

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 of every 20 patients who are hospitalized will contract a hospital infection. These infections can be the result of unsanitary conditions, which allow infections to spread. Your Clarksburg medical malpractice attorney can conduct an investigation to determine how you acquired a hospital infection and which parties should be held accountable.

The different kinds of hospital infections include:

Blood-stream infections associated with central lines - this hospital infection, called blood poisoning, occurs when germs enter your body through a tube called a central line that is inserted into a large vein to provide blood, fluids or medication. A central line is also used to perform medical tests.
Clostridium difficile, also known as C. diff - patients can contract this bacterium when they are exposed to unclean surfaces. It can also be transferred when healthcare providers fail to wash their hands between contact with different patients. C. diff hospital infections can cause diarrhea and colitis.
Surgical site infections - a hospital infection that occurs after surgery can involve tissue or organs.
Urinary tract infections related to catheters - these hospital infections are caused when urinary catheters are left in place too long or when the catheter equipment was not sterile before insertion. Your bladder and kidneys could become infected.
Ventilator-assisted pneumonia - this hospital infection affects the lungs of patients who rely on a ventilator for breathing. When germs enter the ventilator tubing and travel to the lungs, an infection may occur.

According to the CDC, in 2002 there were 1.7 million patients with hospital infections. Of that number, 98,987 deaths were caused by or associated with hospital infections.

Hospitals and other medical facilities are aware of the risks associated with nosocomial infections and generally take steps to make sure that equipment is clean or sterile. Despite this, medical negligence still occurs all too often.

If you have been the victim of this kind of medical negligence, a Clarksburg medical malpractice attorney can help you fight to hold the negligent parties accountable.

Contacting a Clarksburg Medical Malpractice Attorney

Hospital infections can lead to serious injuries, prolonged medical care and death. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured after contracting a hospital infection, call the medical malpractice attorneys at The Miley Legal Group for a FREE consultation - 304-326-1800.