Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are, as the name suggests, infections that patients acquire during a hospital visit. These infections can be serious and sometimes even life-threatening.
Understanding what increases the risk can help patients and families stay informed. Here are some key points to be aware of.
Common risk factors in hospitals
A number of conditions make hospitals prone to spreading infections. These include:
- Poor hand hygiene by staff or visitors
- Use of invasive devices such as catheters or ventilators
- Overcrowded hospital rooms that limit effective infection control
- Improper cleaning of surfaces and medical tools
- Patients with weakened immune systems, such as those recovering from surgery or undergoing treatment
While hospitals are expected to follow strict infection control policies, lapses can and do happen.
Can these infections amount to medical negligence?
Not every HAI is caused by negligence. In some cases, infections occur even when proper care is taken. However, if an infection was preventable and occurred because staff failed to meet accepted medical standards, it may be considered medical negligence.
For example, if a hospital failed to sterilize equipment or ignored hygiene protocols, and a patient developed an infection, that could be grounds for a legal claim. The focus is on whether the hospital’s actions or lack of action fell below the standard of care.
If you or a loved one developed an infection during a hospital stay, it may be worth looking into the hospital’s sanitation protocols and practices. In some cases, further investigation can help clarify if the infection was avoidable and whether medical standards were followed.
If the hospital was negligent about taking the necessary steps to avoid HAIs, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This can cover pain and suffering, the cost of additional medical treatment and lost wages.
