San Antonio Hospital Infection Lawyer

Suffered from a Hospital-Acquired Infection due to Medical Negligence?

At Maloney Law Group, P.L.L.C., we understand how devastating a hospital-acquired infection can be. Hospitals are supposed to be safe places where patients receive treatment and care, but unfortunately, infections contracted in these environments can have serious, even life-threatening consequences. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a hospital-acquired infection in San Antonio, our experienced legal team is here to fight on your behalf. As your trusted San Antonio hospital infection lawyers, we are committed to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable and securing the compensation you need to make the best possible recovery.

Contact us today at (210) 361-2997 to schedule a free case evaluation and discuss your case with our firm.

How Can You Acquire an Infection at a Hospital?

Hospitals are busy environments where many patients receive care for various medical conditions. While hospitals implement strict infection control protocols, patients can still contract infections. There are several ways this can happen:

• Surgical Procedures: Invasive surgeries often increase the risk of infections, especially if sterilization protocols are not properly followed. Even minor contamination during surgery can introduce harmful bacteria to the body.
• Catheters and IVs: Long-term use of catheters, central lines, or intravenous (IV) drips can serve as entry points for bacteria into the bloodstream, potentially leading to infections such as sepsis.
• Contaminated Medical Equipment: Medical devices that are improperly cleaned or sterilized can harbor harmful bacteria. Patients who come into contact with these devices may be at risk of developing an infection.
• Open Wounds and Bedsores: Patients who are bedridden or immobilized for extended periods may develop bedsores or pressure ulcers, which can become infected if not properly treated.
• Healthcare Workers: Hospital staff can inadvertently spread infections by failing to follow proper hand hygiene or by carrying bacteria from one patient to another through contaminated gloves, instruments, or surfaces.

Hospital-acquired infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), can be life-threatening and may lead to prolonged hospital stays, additional surgeries, or even death. 

Common Types of Hospital Infections

There are several types of infections commonly acquired in hospital settings. Some of the most prevalent hospital infections include:

• Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA): MRSA is a type of staph infection that is resistant to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat. MRSA can enter the body through surgical wounds, catheters, or even via contact with contaminated hospital surfaces.
• Clostridioides difficile (C. diff): C. diff is a bacterium that causes severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. It often occurs after patients take antibiotics, which disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, allowing C. diff to overgrow.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs are common hospital-acquired infections, especially in patients who have had urinary catheters in place for an extended period. If not treated promptly, these infections can spread to the kidneys and cause serious complications.
• Pneumonia: Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is a lung infection that develops 48 hours or more after being admitted to a hospital. Patients who are on ventilators or have difficulty breathing on their own are particularly susceptible.
• Sepsis: Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to an infection. When an infection spreads throughout the bloodstream, the body can go into septic shock, leading to organ failure and death if not treated quickly.

These infections can have serious consequences, particularly for patients who are already vulnerable or recovering from surgery.

Common Causes of Hospital Infections

Hospital-acquired infections can often be traced back to a failure to follow proper infection control protocols. Some of the most common causes of hospital infections include:

• Improper Sterilization: Hospitals and medical facilities are required to sterilize equipment and maintain a clean environment. Failure to properly sterilize surgical tools, catheters, or other medical devices can lead to infections.
• Inadequate Hand Hygiene: Healthcare workers are required to follow strict handwashing protocols. If medical staff do not wash their hands properly or fail to use gloves when handling patients, they can transmit harmful bacteria from one patient to another.
• Overuse of Antibiotics: The overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, making infections harder to treat. In cases where patients are prescribed unnecessary antibiotics, their risk of developing resistant infections like MRSA or C. diff increases.
• Negligent Wound Care: Patients recovering from surgery or who have bedsores require proper wound care to prevent infections. Failure to regularly clean and dress wounds, or leaving bedsores untreated, can result in dangerous infections.
• Lack of Proper Staff Training: In some cases, hospital infections are the result of staff not being properly trained in infection control measures. This could include failing to follow correct sterilization procedures, improper use of medical equipment, or inadequate patient monitoring.

Who is Liable for a Hospital-Acquired Infection?

Determining liability for a hospital-acquired infection can be complex, as many factors come into play. Generally, hospitals and healthcare providers may be held liable if negligence contributed to the infection. Possible parties that may be held accountable include:

• Hospitals: Hospitals are responsible for maintaining a clean environment and ensuring that proper protocols are followed to prevent infections. If hospital policies or staff fail to meet these standards, the hospital may be liable for any resulting harm.
• Doctors and Surgeons: If a physician or surgeon fails to follow proper medical procedures, such as using sterile equipment during surgery, they may be held responsible for a patient’s infection.
• Nurses and Medical Staff: Nurses, technicians, and other medical staff must adhere to strict hygiene and care protocols. Failure to provide proper care can result in infections, and these individuals or the hospital that employs them may be held liable.
• Medical Equipment Manufacturers: In some cases, infections may be linked to defective medical equipment. If this occurs, the manufacturer of the equipment may be liable.

At Maloney Law Group, P.L.L.C., we investigate every detail of your case to identify who is responsible for your hospital-acquired infection. Our San Antonio hospital infection lawyers work tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve for your suffering.

Request a free consultation by calling (210) 361-2997 or contacting us online today.