When Post-Surgical Infections in Pottsville, PA May Be Hospital Negligence
Developing an infection post-surgery is a common risk associated with most procedures. However, when the infection develops due to the actions of your healthcare professional, you may be able to open a malpractice claim against them and the hospital. Proving these types of claims requires extensive evidence and experienced legal guidance. It’s important to seek legal counsel from the medical malpractice attorneys in Pottsville at Fanelli, Evans & Patel, early on in your case.
Surgical Infections and Medical Negligence
Hospitals and surgical teams are responsible for maintaining a sterile environment. When safety standards are overlooked, infections can place patients at risk. Not every surgical infection is the result of malpractice. However, if a healthcare provider failed to provide the same level of care that another reasonably skilled medical professional would have under similar circumstances, negligence may have played a role. Post-surgical infections can stem from issues such as the following:
- Failure to properly sterilize surgical instruments or operating rooms
- Poor hand hygiene among the surgical team
- Failure to treat signs of infection promptly
- Improper wound care after surgery
- Delayed diagnosis of serious infections, such as sepsis
- Failure to administer appropriate antibiotics after surgery
- Allowing unsanitary conditions within the hospital
These mistakes can cause infections that range from relatively minor complications to life-threatening medical emergencies.
When the Hospital May Be Liable
In some situations, the hospital or medical facility itself may bear partial responsibility for the harm caused to the patient. Hospitals have a duty to maintain safe conditions for patients and ensure that proper procedures are consistently followed.
When hospitals prioritize profits, efficiency, or convenience over patient safety, preventable infections can occur. You can work with your attorney to file your claim against every party who was responsible for your injuries.
Evidence to Prove Medical Negligence
During your case, you’ll need to provide the court with substantial evidence showcasing negligence. Evidence that can support your malpractice claim often includes medical records detailing your surgery, post-operative care, and the timeline in which symptoms of infection developed and were treated.
Hospital infection-control records may also be important if they show past lapses in sterilization procedures. Surgical reports and nursing notes can help establish whether proper protocols were followed, while laboratory test results can confirm the presence and severity of the infection.
Photographs of your visible injuries can document the extent of harm caused to you. Witness testimony from hospital staff or your loved ones can provide insight into the situation. In Pennsylvania, acquiring a professional medical opinion is crucial evidence needed in a malpractice case to explain the standard of care and how your original medical team failed in their duty.
Consult With Our Pottsville Medical Malpractice Lawyers Today
When hospital negligence causes an infection to develop after your surgical procedure, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Our Pottsville medical malpractice attorneys at Fanelli, Evans & Patel have years of experience helping injured Pennsylvania residents pursue the financial recovery they deserve. You can contact us online or by calling 570-622-2455.