Hospital Acquired Infections
To bring a medical negligence claim for contracting a hospital or healthcare-acquired infection, it is necessary to prove that the patient did not have the infection before admission. Our lawyers are here to guide you through the claims process.
Types of hospital or healthcare associated infections
Hospital-acquired infection, or healthcare-associated infection, is an infection acquired from the environment or staff of a healthcare facility. These infections can be spread in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, or other healthcare settings.
The majority of infections that become evident 48 hours after hospitalisation are considered hospital-acquired. Infections that occur after hospital discharge may be considered healthcare-associated if the organisms causing the infection were acquired while the patient was in the hospital.
To file a claim for contracting a hospital or healthcare-acquired infection, it must be proven that the patient had not had the infection prior to admission and was not already incubating it before entering the healthcare facility.
Bringing a claim against a hospital
Where a claim is being brought against a hospital it will be based on the allegation that there was a lack of hygiene in the hospital by staff members or a failure of procedures to prevent infection. It is also possible to show that once the patient had acquired the infection it wasn’t properly diagnosed or treated.
After taking detailed instructions regarding the nature of the infection that the patient has developed, how it was treated and what the health consequences were, We will take up all medical records relating to treatment received while in hospital and have these records reviewed by an independent medical expert in order to ascertain whether the patient has a statable claim for a hospital-acquired infection.
Independent medical report
In some cases, the independent medical expert may be in a position to pinpoint how and where the infection was acquired. If this expert believes that the infection was preventable, then we will be in a position to draft a letter of claim and initiate proceedings on your behalf. For further information relating to hospital-acquired infections and whether or not you are eligible to claim, contact one of our specialist solicitors today on 014537890 or fill out the callback form. We will provide you with all the information you need and explain the process of making your claim.
Hospital-Acquired Infections Information
Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infection
Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infection
This is a serious infection when germs enter the bloodstream through the central line. A strict protocol should be followed by all health practitioners when inserting a central line to ensure the line remains sterile and this infection does not occur.
Healthcare professionals should follow the strict guidelines in place when inserting the central line such as wearing gloves, sterile gown, cap and mask, hands should be washed and kept sterile and the central line should be removed as soon as it is no longer required. To file a claim for contracting a hospital or healthcare-acquired infection, it must be proven that the patient had not had the infection prior to admission and was not already incubating it before entering the healthcare facility.
Surgical Site Infection
Surgical Site Infection
This is an infection that occurs following surgery in the part of the body where the surgery was carried out. Most surgical site infections are of the skin and are not serious, however, some of these infections can get into the tissues which can be much more worrisome.
Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections
Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections
This infection occurs when germs enter the urinary tract through the urinary catheter and is the most common of hospital acquired infections. This type of infection has been associated with increased morbidity, mortality, length of stay in hospital and healthcare costs. Catheters should only be used when needed and removed as soon as possible thereafter.
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia
This is a lung infection that can develop in a patient that is on a ventilator. An infection can occur if germs enter through the ventilator tube and make their way into the patient’s lungs.
What is Gastroenteritis?
What is Gastroenteritis?
This infection causes inflammation of the bowel. Hospital-acquired gastroenteritis is most commonly caused by clostridium difficile (a spore forming bacteria) and the winter vomiting bug.
Common Infections that can be Transmitted in Hospital
Common Infections that can be Transmitted in Hospital
As a patient in a hospital or other healthcare facility, it is important to take note of any failures in hygiene procedures, such as a doctor failing to wear gloves when inserting a central line. Cases for hospital-acquired infection can be very complex, more so than any other claim for medical negligence, as it can be difficult to ascertain exactly where the infection was contracted.
- MRSA
- Hepatitis
- HIV
- Acinetobacter
- Burkholderia Cepacia
- Clostridium Difficile
- Clostridium Sordellii
- Gram-Negative Bacteria
- Klebsiella
- Norovirus (Winter vomiting bug)
- Tuberculosis
- Staphylococcus Aureus
Med Neg Claims
Cosmetic Surgery Claims
FAQs
Meet our Team
With our experience and knowledge on all types of Injury Claims and Medical Negligence, on your behalf, we represent you throughout the whole Legal Process. Whatever your injury, we are there to help you get your life back. Meet our trusted Legal Experts.
No Win No Fee Explained
No Win No Fee – The legal term used to describe how solicitors take on a case where they pay the costs of the litigation. Irish Law Firms who operate on this basis pay for the medical reports, expert fees and other legal costs associated with your injury case. It’s common for specialised personal injury firms to operate on a “no win no fee” basis. Solicitors are not allowed to advertise no win no fee services.
Start your injury case
If you’ve suffered injury, loss, damage or expense as a result of another party’s negligent act or omission, you may be entitled to claim from that party or their insurers. Starting a case with our legal team is a seamless process. Subject to strict exceptions, you have two years from the date of your accident to commence legal proceedings. A different claims policy applies to children under 18.
What can I claim for?
Personal Injury Claim amounts are difficult to value at the outset of any case, but the value of your case in terms of General Damages will depend on the severity of the injury, the pain, suffering and inconvenience caused by the length of time to recover and the prognosis for the future. In addition, you are entitled to claim for all financial losses and expenses sustained by you as a result of the accident.
Got a question about Starting a Claim for Personal Injury or Medical Negligence? Send us a message!
If you’ve suffered a personal injury through no fault of your own, the path to fair compensation can be daunting. Our experienced solicitors have successfully represented clients across Ireland, offering compassionate, expert advice. Contact us confidentially any day of the week by call, email, text, or contact form, and a solicitor will respond. We’re here to help 7 days a week.
Talk to a Solicitor today
Contact us 7 days a week by phone, email or fill out the tell us about your case form and a solicitor will contact you without delay. We are Here to Help.
