What Are The Statistics?
When it comes to medical mistakes in the US, we have a major problem. Johns Hopkins researchers, leaders in this area of research, say that medical mistakes are the third leading causes of death in the country. Around 250,000 people lose their lives each year due to the careless or negligent actions of healthcare professionals.
- Infections and sepsis are the leading cause of death in hospital settings.
The CDC says that healthcare-acquired infections are “infections that patients get while or soon after receiving health care.”
- Many causes of healthcare-acquired infections are preventable.
Here are some more quick facts about these infections:
- A person admitted to a hospital has a five percent chance of contracting an infection. This can lead to extended hospital stays and an increase in medical costs for the patient.
- Nearly 100,000 people die each year from hospital-acquired infections.
- One in every three patients who die in the hospital has sepsis, a form of full-body infection.
It is important to understand that many of these infections can be prevented if healthcare staff follow proper infection control protocols. This includes many things, including proper monitoring of high-risk patients. The following need to be regularly checked:
- Central lines
- IV sites
- Catheter sites
- Surgical wound sites
- Any other open wounds
It is also vital that all members of the hospital staff properly wash and disinfect after seeing each patient in order to prevent the spread of infections.
We know that there is an increase in hospital-acquired infections outside of intensive care units, as strange as that sounds. Why would those who are not as high of a priority concerning care be acquiring more infections?
Because, as their priority in care decreases, it seems that staff also takes fewer precautions when it comes to infection control processes.
Why You Need An Attorney?
Infections may not seem like a big deal, but for those who are already weakened due to an injury or illness, they can lead to major complications and even death. At Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC, we are here to help if you think your infection was caused due to the negligent or careless actions of a healthcare provider.
We will work to investigate your claims so we can secure the following compensation:
- Compensation for all medical expenses related to the mistake
- Coverage of lost wages if you cannot work
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Pain and suffering damages
- Punitive damages against the people responsible
If you need a Charlotte infection malpractice attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 800-948-0577.
