How To Start a Lawsuit For Healthcare-Associated Infections

Healthcare-associated infections tend to increase hospital stay, mortality, and medical care costs. According to a study by NCBI, the top five healthcare-acquired infections cost about $9.8 billion, with surgical-related diseases leading the pack. Many people assume that hospitals are germ-free and safe, but that’s not always true. As odd as it may sound, you can get pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections while receiving medical care at a hospital.

While specific surgical processes increase the risk of infections, you can get infected with various disorders due to medical negligence. Fortunately, you can sue the hospital and get compensation if doctors, nurses, and other medical staff failed to follow treatment guidelines. Read on to learn essential tips on how to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against a hospital.

Take action before the statute of limitation deadline expires

Each state has statutory time limits that require patients to file medical malpractice lawsuits promptly. With this in mind, research and understand the statute of limitations in medical malpractice. You’ll notice that time limits vary by region, ranging from one year to two and a half years. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, you can extend the deadline to sue your healthcare provider if you discover an object left in your body long after a surgical process.

Consult a legal expert

Medical malpractice cases revolving around healthcare-associated infections can be complex and take years to resolve. To increase your chances of getting a fair settlement, consult a medical malpractice attorney specializing in hospital infection cases. By hiring an experienced medical malpractice lawyer, you’ll have peace of mind because they’ll help you collect evidence and process all the paperwork required. According to medical malpractice professional advice, a hospital infection lawyer will obtain your medical records and assess them. That way, they can determine if your infections occurred due to medical negligence and then begin building a solid case.

Collect evidence

To win a legal claim against a hospital for a medical care-related infection, you need to provide evidence for the injuries and their value. Types of evidence used to prove medical malpractice include medical records and bills of treatments received after the infection. You’ll also need to produce statements of lost income during the treatment period and accounts of your pain and mental anguish. People seek urgent medical care in hospitals expecting to recover quickly, but that’s not always the case. Many patients contract infections while in hospital due to surgical procedures and medical malpractice. In most cases, healthcare-acquired conditions extend patients’ stay in the hospital and sometimes result in severe injuries. If you or a loved one contracts hospital-related infections, you have a legal obligation to sue the healthcare provider. To achieve the best results, file the lawsuit within set deadlines, hire a lawyer, and provide evidence to prove medical negligence.