(845) 802-0047Hospitals and other medical facilities have a duty to follow proper health and safety protocols to avoid infecting patients. When a hospital and its staff fail to take the necessary measures to reduce infection risks, they may be held liable if a patient acquires a serious infection. A Schenectady avoidable infection lawyer could fight for justice if you contracted an infection while at a hospital.
A surgical error attorney could evaluate your situation to assess whether negligence was responsible for your infection and resulting damages. You may be entitled to monetary compensation for your losses.
How Avoidable Infections Occur
Some common ways patients may contract avoidable infections include:
- Unclean surgical instruments
- Improperly sterilized equipment
- A medical provider’s failure to recognize signs of conditions that could cause infections
- A surgeon injures a patient during surgery
- Excessive use of antibiotics
- Poor hygiene practices among hospital staff
When a medical professional’s failure to provide the appropriate patient care standard results in an otherwise avoidable infection, a Schenectady attorney could seek financial damages to compensate victim for their losses.
Common Avoidable Infections Patients Experience in Schenectady
There are various avoidable infections which may be acquired by patients due to medical negligence. Common infections include surgical incision infections, Clostridium difficile (C-Diff), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and catheter infections. The intestinal bacteria vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) as well as ventilator-associated pneumonia are also examples of avoidable hospital-acquired infections.
When a patient suffers any of these avoidable infections, they may not only endure a setback in their recovery, but they may also face life-threatening conditions such as sepsis. Patients who have sustained an avoidable infection while at a hospital or other healthcare facility should reach out to a Schenectady attorney for help determining the viability of pursuing a negligence-based claim against the medical provider that harmed them.
Pursuing Compensatory Damages From Negligent Medical Professionals
Victims may incur significant monetary, emotional, and physical losses from avoidable infections. Accordingly, recoverable compensatory damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Ongoing treatment costs
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
It is vital to be aware that victims of malpractice generally have just two and a half years according to New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214-A to file a lawsuit for damages. Exceptions may apply for certain claims such as when a minor child is the victim of malpractice. Then, the 30-month period would not start until the child turned 18.
However, even in claims involving minors, the statutory deadline may not exceed the malpractice date by more than 10 years, regardless of the child’s age at the time. An avoidable infection attorney in Schenectady could advise the injured patient of the statutory deadline applicable to their claim, along with any relevant exceptions.
A Schenectady Avoidable Infection Attorney Could Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
If a physician’s negligent or reckless care caused your infection, you may be owed compensation. A Schenectady avoidable infection lawyer could help you understand your legal rights and evaluate your case to see if you have a claim. It is wise to seek legal assistance well before the close of the statutory deadline so you do not forfeit your right to compensation. Schedule your case consultation by calling an attorney today.