Have Hospitals Become Overrun With Deadly Bacteria?

Posted on May 04, 2015 by Shapiro Law Group

Several months ago, we wrote about a new strain of antibiotic resistant bacteria that had spread at a Los Angeles hospital. However, this was not an isolated instant: there are many cases around the country of dangerous pathogens injuring and killing patients. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), hospital acquired infections (HAIs) affected 721,800 people and killed 75,000 in 2011.

Antibiotic resistant staph infections, such as MRSA and VRSA, kill or injure tens of thousands of people a year. According to the University of Chicago, 20,000 people die from MRSA every year. Survivors can face amputations, organ damage and other permanent health complications.

So what causes these nightmare bugs to spread through hospitals and infect patients? The CDC suggests that the widespread use of antibiotics and antimicrobials have contributed to the spread of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria in hospitals. Bacteria have evolved to become resistant to antibiotics and antimicrobials.

When Can Victims of Infections Sue Hospitals for Medical Malpractice?

In some situations, depending on the circumstances leading up to the infection and after, patients or family members may be able to pursue damages against a healthcare provider for medical malpractice.

Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare providers do not give patients an acceptable standard of care and serious harm occurs as a result. Doctors have an obligation to warn patients of the risks of a bacterial infection, and to provide quick treatment for infections. Misdiagnosis of infections can happen, leading to delayed treatment.

Patients affected by HAIs can contact an attorney and discuss the situation to find out what options might be available.

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Tags: MRSA Hospital Infections

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