While most people like to avoid going to the hospital, hospitals are often the best place for people who need surgery or are suffering from certain conditions. Unfortunately, admission to a hospital is not without risk, as people in hospitals can develop MRSA and other healthcare-related infections. Although they can arise despite competent care, MRSA infections can also be the result of medical malpractice, and people who develop MRSA in healthcare settings should speak to a lawyer about their potential claims. The assertive Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys of Arfaa Law Group are well-versed in what it takes to hold negligent doctors responsible for the harm they cause, and if you contracted MRSA because of your doctor’s carelessness, we could help you seek a just outcome.
Preventing and Treating MRSA InfectionsMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly referred to as MRSA, is a bacteria that causes staph infections that are resistant to antibiotics and other typical treatments. The majority of MRSA infections arise in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. MRSA typically arises in patients who have open wounds, such as surgical sites. As such, it is important that medical professionals working in hospitals follow proper disinfecting and sterilization protocols to prevent MRSA infections from developing or spreading.
MRSA is usually diagnosed through blood tests. Symptoms of MRSA include pain, redness, warm skin, and blisters. MRSA infections must be treated immediately. The nature and administration of the treatment provided will vary depending on where the infection is located. Without prompt care, MRSA is often fatal.
Liability for MRSA InfectionsMRSA infections can cause significant detriments, which in many cases are permanent. As such, people who develop MRSA infections because of mistakes in the treatment setting will often seek compensation through medical malpractice lawsuits. The majority of plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases will seek to impose liability under a theory of negligence. In Maryland, to prove a defendant healthcare provider was negligent, the plaintiff must first show that the defendant owed them a duty. The duty owed is generally to comply with the applicable standard of care, which is the care that a reasonable doctor working in a similar environment as the defendant would use when presented with a similar scenario. The plaintiff then must show that the defendant deviated from the standard of care.
Typically, a plaintiff will need to hire a medical expert to explain to the fact finder what the standard of care that applies to the defendant requires and how the defendant failed to abide by the standard. After demonstrating the standard of care and the defendant’s breach, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s breach brought about the plaintiff’s harm. While it does not have to be the sole cause of the plaintiff’s injuries, it must be a significant factor in bringing it about. Expert testimony is usually needed to prove causation as well. As the defendant will most likely argue that the MRSA infection in question was either inevitable or brought about by factors other than their negligence and will offer testimony from their own expert in support of their assertions, whether the defendant is deemed liable will depend on which expert the judge or jury finds more convincing. If the plaintiff proves the defendant’s fault, they may be awarded compensation for their economic losses, like the cost of any medical care, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses, and non-economic harm, such as mental anguish, suffering, and pain.
Talk to an Experienced Baltimore AttorneyMRSA infections can arise when doctors fail to take the proper precautions in healthcare settings, and physicians that carelessly harm their patients should be held accountable. If you or someone you love contracted MRSA during the course of medical care, you should talk to an attorney about your possible claims. The experienced Baltimore lawyers of Arfaa Law Group can advise you of your rights and help you to seek a successful outcome in consideration of the facts of your case. We frequently represent parties in medical malpractice lawsuits in Baltimore, where our office is located. You can contact us through our form online or by calling (410) 889-1850 to set up a free and confidential consultation.