Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorney Blog | Pomerantz Perlberger & Lewis LLP

One of the most common but lethal outcomes of medical negligence is hospital-acquired infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 99,000 people suffer wrongful death every year from infections acquired at the hospital. A hospital is a place where sick people gather, so it is natural that it can become a breeding-ground for potentially deadly bacteria. Unfortunately, many doctors and other hospital personnel treat this fact too casually, and it is up to you to prevent infection.

Speak Up

Don't be afraid to advocate for your own rights. Make sure the doctor washes his or her hands before touching you, even when wearing gloves. If you don't see him or her washing, politely request that he or she should do so.

Make Sure Syringes Aren't Being Reused

Although most doctors know and comply with the practice of one-use, disposable syringes, some doctors do not. This has been responsible for numerous, huge outbreaks of hepatitis, and it can happen to you. Ask the doctor whether the syringe has been used before, and make sure you see it disposed after your injection. If you don't see it disposed, alert healthcare officials.

Avoid Catheters

Catheters can be not only a breeding-ground for bacteria, but also a direct line into your body. Ask that catheters only be used when absolutely necessary. This goes not only for urinary catheters, but also for central venous catheters (aka central lines), which can lead to serious infections of the cardiovascular system. Make sure they are only in as long as they are needed, and, once unnecessary, are quickly removed.

These and other simple measures can dramatically reduce the chance you will suffer a hospital-acquired infection. Your doctors and nurses should be just as cognizant as you of the risks, and should take all necessary precautions. There are no excuses for this form of medical malpractice.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a hospital-acquired infection, contact the medical malpractice lawyers at Pomerantz, Perlberger, and Lewis, LLP today for a free initial consultation and case evaluation.