Dallas Hospital Infections Lawyers

Acquired an Infection During Your Hospital Stay?

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a serious concern for patients, as they can lead to prolonged hospital stays, severe complications, and even death. In some cases, these infections occur due to the negligence of healthcare professionals or the hospital itself. If you or a loved one has suffered from a hospital-acquired infection, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. At Aldous & Walker LLP, our experienced team of Dallas hospital infection lawyers is committed to holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring that victims of HAIs receive the compensation, treatment, and justice they deserve.

To request a free consultation, contact us today at (214) 307-6307.

How Can You Get Infected at a Hospital?

Hospitals are meant to be places of healing, but they can also be breeding grounds for infections. With a high concentration of patients, medical procedures, and potentially infectious materials, hospitals pose a unique risk for acquiring infections. Infections can occur in several ways, including but not limited to:

• Contaminated Equipment: Medical instruments, devices, or tools that have not been properly sterilized or cleaned can introduce bacteria or viruses into a patient’s body. This is one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired infections.
• Poor Hand Hygiene: Healthcare workers who fail to wash their hands or use proper hygiene before performing medical procedures can transfer harmful bacteria to patients. Hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent infections, and its neglect can have serious consequences.
• Invasive Procedures: Certain medical procedures, such as surgeries, catheterizations, and intravenous insertions, can introduce pathogens into the body. If sterile techniques aren’t followed, patients are at risk for infections.
• Hospital Environment: The hospital environment itself can be a source of infection. Poor cleaning practices, unmaintained air quality, or improper waste disposal can contribute to the spread of bacteria and viruses.
• Antibiotic Resistance: Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic-resistant infections. If hospital staff fail to administer proper antibiotic treatment, patients can develop infections that are harder to treat, leading to severe complications.

Common Types of Hospital-Acquired Infections

Hospital-acquired infections can affect virtually any part of the body and vary in severity. Some of the most common types of HAIs include:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs are often caused by the use of urinary catheters, which introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. Improper insertion or maintenance of the catheter can lead to infections that are painful and difficult to treat.
• Pneumonia: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) occurs when patients are on a mechanical ventilator and develop an infection in their lungs. This can result from bacteria in the ventilator or improper hygiene by medical staff.
• Bloodstream Infections (BSIs): These infections occur when bacteria or fungi enter the bloodstream, often through an intravenous (IV) line, catheter, or surgical wound. BSIs are life-threatening and can cause sepsis, a potentially fatal condition.
• Surgical Site Infections (SSIs): Surgical wounds can become infected if proper sterilization techniques aren’t followed before, during, and after surgery. This can lead to prolonged recovery, additional surgeries, and other health complications.
• Clostridium Difficile (C. diff): This bacterial infection is commonly associated with the overuse of antibiotics. It affects the intestines and causes severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. It can be difficult to treat and can result in life-threatening complications if not managed properly.
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): MRSA is a type of bacteria resistant to many antibiotics. It can cause serious infections in the bloodstream, lungs, or skin. MRSA can be contracted through contaminated hospital equipment or improper sterilization.
• Hepatitis and HIV: In some cases, hospital-acquired infections can be transmitted through blood or bodily fluids. If proper infection control protocols aren’t followed, patients may be at risk for diseases such as hepatitis or HIV.

Each of these infections can have serious consequences, including extended hospitalization, long-term health issues, or even death.

Who is Liable for a Hospital Infection?

When you contract an infection in a hospital, determining liability is essential for pursuing a legal claim. Several parties may be responsible for hospital-acquired infections, including:

• Hospital Administrators: If the hospital fails to implement proper infection control policies, provide adequate sanitation, or ensure that staff are trained in hygiene practices, the hospital administration may be held liable for negligence.
• Doctors and Surgeons: Medical professionals who fail to follow proper sterilization procedures or perform invasive procedures without adequate precautions may be liable for causing an infection.
• Nurses and Healthcare Staff: Nurses and other healthcare workers have a direct role in maintaining hygiene standards. Failure to wash hands, wear protective equipment, or properly clean medical devices can result in infections.
• Manufacturers of Medical Equipment: In some cases, infections may result from defective or contaminated medical equipment. If a manufacturer’s product is responsible for causing the infection, they may be held accountable for their failure to ensure safety.
• Third-Party Contractors: In some instances, third-party contractors responsible for cleaning or maintaining hospital facilities may be liable for infections caused by improper cleaning or inadequate sanitation.

To determine who is liable for your hospital-acquired infection, it’s important to work with an experienced Dallas hospital infection lawyer. Aldous & Walker LLP can investigate the circumstances of your case and identify all responsible parties.

Ready to Help You Now

If you or a loved one has suffered from a hospital-acquired infection, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. An experienced Dallas hospital infection lawyer at Aldous & Walker LLP can:

• Investigate the Cause of the Infection: We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the source of the infection and whether negligence played a role in its development.
• Build a Strong Case: Our team will gather medical records, witness testimony, and expert opinions to build a solid case to support your claim.
• Negotiate with Insurance Companies: We will handle all communication with insurance companies and negotiate for a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
• Represent You in Court: If a settlement cannot be reached, we will take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Aldous & Walker LLP, we are dedicated to helping victims of hospital-acquired infections seek justice. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with a Dallas hospital infection lawyer who will work tirelessly to protect your rights.

Contact us today at (214) 307-6307 for exceptional legal counsel if you have suffered injury by way of a medical professional.