Are infections just “one of those things” that sometimes happen? Maybe, but hospital-acquired infections are often preventable and an indication that malpractice occurred.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) has been a long-standing problem inside many hospitals in the United States. There’s every indication that hospitals and medical professionals still aren’t doing enough to prevent these deadly infections. Even though MRSA infections in hospitals declined by over 17% between 2005 and 2012, the rate of infection remained largely unchanged between 2012 and 2016.
What are the dangers of MRSA?
The chief problem with MRSA is that it is very hard to treat. The bacteria doesn’t respond to normal antibiotics. Since many hospital patients are already ill, MRSA can take hold in their body very easily. Their recovery can be significantly delayed. This can lead to more costly stays and longer rehabilitation times. It can also cause new complications, including:
- Sepsis, which is a bloodstream infection
- Poor healing and the need for repeated surgeries
- Amputations due to gangrene
MRSA infections can eventually cause pneumonia, strokes, heart attacks and death, if they aren’t treated in time.
What causes MRSA?
Sometimes the source of a MRSA infection is unknown. Often, however, the source is fairly simple. A surgical tool or piece of equipment inside the operating theater may not be sterilized properly or a physician may not properly wash their hands before conducting an exam. As simple as these things are, they’re chronic problems inside today’s fast-paced hospital environments.
Were you harmed due to an infection after a hospital stay? Did your loved one’s sudden infection turn what seemed like a positive outcome following surgery into a disaster? It may be time to start asking questions about medical malpractice and what it takes to pursue a claim.
