December 28, 2018
The Weitz Firm, LLC

Today, we want to dive into hospital-acquired infections and sepsis, two of the biggest killers in the healthcare industry. We already know that medical mistakes are the third leading cause of death in the country, but what many people do not realize is just how many of those deaths are the result of infections or sepsis.

According to sepsis.org, a “healthcare-acquired infection is an infection that is contracted while you are in a healthcare facility, such as an acute care hospital or a skilled nursing care facility.”

They go on to point out that a person can even acquire an infection at a doctor’s office or clinic.

Sepsis goes a step further and is a more severe type of infection that is triggered by HAIs. People with chronic illnesses or who have compromised immune systems, as well as the very young and elderly, are vulnerable to sepsis.

At The Weitz Firm, LLC, we want to help you recover the compensation you deserve if you have been injured due to an HAI or sepsis. If you need a Philadelphia sepsis or infection attorney, contact us today.

What Can Happen?

Did you know that a person admitted to the hospital has a five percent chance of contracting an infection? This can:

  • Increase the amount of time a person spends in the hospital.
  • Increase the cost for the patient over time.
  • Can result in death.
  • Around 100,000 people die each year from hospital-acquired infections.
  • 1 in 3 people who die in a hospital have sepsis (according to the CDC)

The thing is that most of these infections are preventable. Healthcare professionals should always ensure that the following areas are cared for:

  • Central lines
  • IV sites
  • Catheters
  • Open or recent wounds
  • Surgical sites

When moving from patient to patient, doctors, nurses, and other aides should always disinfect their hands to prevent the spread of infections. We do know that the rates of HAI are higher once a patient leaves an ICU. It is almost as if infection protocols are neglected once it seems that a patient is doing better.

Healthcare professionals should ensure that they remain vigilant and constantly monitor patients for signs of infection. If they are negligent in their duties and a patient is harmed because of that negligence, they should be held accountable.

What Are Your Options

We know that you did not go to the hospital or doctor expecting to get worse. Unfortunately, there are times when the negligence of healthcare professionals causes us to become worse off. Healthcare-acquired infections and sepsis can be dangerous and deadly. They are also usually preventable through good practices and infection protocols.

At The Weitz Firm, LLC, we want to help you recover the compensation you deserve if you have been harmed by an HAI. This can include medical bill coverage, lost wage recovery, as well as pain and suffering damages. When you need a Philadelphia medical malpractice attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 267-587-6240.

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