Kansas City Hospital-Acquired Infection Lawyers

Licensed Medical Doctor-Attorneys with 40+ Years of Experience

When you or someone you love is admitted to a hospital, you expect to receive the care and treatment you need to get better. Unfortunately, many patients end up suffering serious harm due to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). These are infections that patients develop while they are in the hospital, and they are often the result of medical malpractice.

At Cullan & Cullan, our Kansas City hospital-acquired infection attorneys are committed to helping patients and families hold negligent medical professionals and facilities accountable. We have a proven record of success in complex medical malpractice cases, and we are prepared to fight for you.

Call (816) 861-7600 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.

What are Hospital-Acquired Infections?

Hospital-acquired infections are infections that patients develop while they are in the hospital. These infections are also known as nosocomial infections. They are typically caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and they can be extremely dangerous, especially for patients who are already sick or have weakened immune systems.

There are several different types of hospital-acquired infections, including:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs are the most common type of hospital-acquired infection. They are typically caused by catheters, which are used to drain urine from the bladder. UTIs can be very serious, especially for patients who are already sick or have weakened immune systems.
• Surgical site infections (SSIs): SSIs are infections that develop in the area where a patient has had surgery. They are typically caused by bacteria that enter the body through the incision site. SSIs can be very serious and may require additional surgery to treat.
• Bloodstream infections: Bloodstream infections are infections that occur when bacteria enter the bloodstream. They can be very serious and may lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that can cause organ failure.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Pneumonia can be very serious, especially for patients who are already sick or have weakened immune systems.
• Gastrointestinal infections: Gastrointestinal infections are infections that cause inflammation in the stomach and intestines. They are typically caused by bacteria or viruses. Gastrointestinal infections can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of hospital-acquired infections. If you or someone you love has developed an infection while in the hospital, it is important to seek medical attention right away. You should also contact an experienced hospital-acquired infection lawyer in Kansas City to learn more about your legal rights and options.

How Do Hospital-Acquired Infections Happen?

Many hospital-acquired infections are the result of medical malpractice. Medical professionals and facilities have a legal obligation to provide patients with a certain standard of care. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any resulting harm.

Some examples of medical malpractice that can lead to hospital-acquired infections include:

• Failure to properly clean and disinfect: Medical professionals and facilities have a legal obligation to properly clean and disinfect all equipment and surfaces. When they fail to do so, patients can develop serious infections.
• Exposure to Pathogens: Hospitals can harbor various infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. Despite stringent cleaning protocols, these pathogens can persist on surfaces, medical equipment, or even in the air.
• Invasive Procedures: Invasive procedures such as surgery, catheterization, or the use of ventilators breach the body's natural defenses, providing a direct pathway for pathogens to enter and cause infections.
• Improper Hand Hygiene: Healthcare workers may unknowingly transmit infections from one patient to another through improper hand hygiene. Despite protocols in place, lapses in handwashing or inadequate sanitation can contribute to the spread of infections.
• Contaminated Equipment: Medical devices and equipment, if not properly sterilized or cleaned, can serve as reservoirs for pathogens. Reusing inadequately cleaned instruments or surfaces can transfer infections between patients.
• Overuse of Antibiotics: Overuse or misuse of antibiotics in hospitals can lead to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, making infections harder to treat.
• Close Proximity of Ill Patients: In hospitals, patients often share rooms or corridors, increasing the likelihood of spreading infections among individuals with weakened immune systems.
• Staff and Visitor Interactions: Hospital staff and visitors can inadvertently transfer pathogens if they don't follow proper hygiene protocols. Even seemingly healthy individuals can carry and transmit infections.

Legal Remedies for Hospital-Acquired Infections

If you or someone you love has developed a hospital-acquired infection, you may be entitled to compensation. You should contact an experienced hospital-acquired infection lawyer in Kansas City to learn more about your legal rights and options.

Depending on the specific circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement
• Disability
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of consortium

Why Choose Cullan & Cullan?

At Cullan & Cullan, we are committed to helping patients and families who have been harmed by hospital-acquired infections. Our team can listen to your story, investigate your case, negotiate with healthcare providers and insurers, and maximize your entitled compensation.

When you choose us, you can expect:

• Compassionate counsel: We understand how difficult it is to deal with a hospital-acquired infection. We will provide you with the compassionate counsel you deserve every step of the way.
• Aggressive advocacy: We are not afraid to take on big hospitals and insurance companies. We will fight to protect your rights and help you secure the maximum compensation you are owed.
• Unparalleled experience: Our firm is unique in that we have a team of experienced medical professionals on staff. We can quickly and accurately evaluate the merits of your case and help you understand your legal options.
• Proven results: We have a proven record of success in complex medical malpractice cases. We have secured numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients.

Contact us today at (816) 861-7600 to let us fight for you while you recover from your illness.