Did You End Up With Pneumonia After Being Treated at the Hospital?
While we expect hospitals to be safe places for healing, sometimes medical malpractice or factors can worsen disease—hospital-acquired pneumonia is one of those.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is often caused by bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria are usually found in the hospital environment, such as on medical equipment or in the air. Patients at risk for developing HAP are already ill and have weak immune systems.
If you or someone you love suffered from hospital-acquired infection, contact a Florida malpractice lawyer.
Symptoms of HAP
Hospital-acquired pneumonia is a serious condition that can lead to complications such as sepsis, respiratory failure, and death.
The most common symptom of HAP is a cough, which may accompany fever, chills, or difficulty breathing. If you or a loved one has developed any of these symptoms after a hospital stay, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of HAP include fever, coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If you or a loved one has developed these symptoms after being in the hospital, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
If you or a loved one has contracted hospital-acquired pneumonia, contact a Florida malpractice lawyer today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of HAP
The most common cause is bacteria, usually found in the hospital environment. The pneumonia bacteria can be spread through the air or by touching contaminated surfaces. Patients at risk for developing HAP are already ill and have weak immune systems.
Chances of Surviving HAP
Hospital-acquired pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can be deadly. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you or a loved one begins to experience symptoms.
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for the best possible outcome. The mortality rate for patients with HAP is between 21% and 57%.
Who is Liable for HAP?
Determining liability can be complicated if you or a loved one has contracted hospital-acquired pneumonia.
There are several factors involved in determining liability. For example, it must be proven that the hospital was negligent in caring for you or your loved one. It must also be shown that this negligence led to the development of HAP.
Negligence on the part of the hospital can take many forms. For example, if the hospital failed to sterilize equipment or clean the premises properly, this could be considered negligence.
Additionally, if the hospital knew or should have known that there was a risk of HAP and failed to take steps to prevent its spread, this could also be considered negligence.
If you or a loved one has contracted HAP, a Florida malpractice lawyer can help you determine liability and hold the responsible party accountable.
What are the Next Steps?
If you or a loved one has contracted hospital-acquired pneumonia, the first step is to seek medical attention. It is important to get treated as soon as possible to avoid complications.
An experienced attorney can also help you investigate your case and determine who may be liable for your injuries—Shapiro Law Group can help. Our team will determine your case’s details and what you should do next.
We work side by side with our clients to help them get the best possible outcome for their cases. We will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve. Contact our Tampa medical malpractice lawyers today for a free consultation.
