Infections After Medical Procedures: New York Medical Malpractice Lawyer Explains

New York Medical Malpractice Lawyer Explains Infections After Medical Procedures

Any type of medical procedure can result in an infection.  This is because anytime the body is pierced, punctured, cut, or otherwise invaded, it could result in the introduction of bacteria which could cause an infection.  This is why healthcare providers must guard against the risk of infection by taking certain steps to avoid introduction of bacteria into the body.  When a healthcare provider fails to do this, it could result in serious personal injuries and even the wrongful death of a patient because of an infection.  This could be New York medical malpractice.

What is the Sterilization Protocol?

For instance, healthcare providers must follow a sterilization protocol.  This protocol differs on what is being done, such as scrubbing into the operating room or sterilizing tools before a surgery.  If a healthcare provider fails to follow the sterilization protocol which results in a serious infection, this could be negligence by itself and allow a victim to recover compensation.

Hospitals and healthcare providers could also be liable for not properly cleaning and sterilizing a room.  This could result in MRSA infections, which are drug-resistant.  This means that the bacteria may overpower antibiotics and not be controlled, or not completely controlled, but normal measures.  This allows the bacteria to run its full course, which could make a patient incredibly ill or cause the patient’s wrongful death.

Can a Patient Sue Even if They Assume Risk?

While the risk of infection is possible in EVERY procedure, this does not mean that a patient agrees to get an infection because a healthcare provider does not uphold the standard of care.  This also means that the healthcare provider does not get a free pass or license to cause an infection in a patient.  The bottom line is that a patient also does not consent to an infection either, meaning even though an infection is a normal risk, that does not mean that a patient accepts a misdiagnosis of an infection.

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Infections after medical procedures should be limited and made nearly completely preventable.  But what do you think?  I would love to hear from you!  Leave a comment or I also welcome your phone.  You are always welcome to request my FREE book, The Seven Deadly Mistakes of Malpractice Victims, at the home page of my website at www.protectingpatientrights.com.