MRSA: Infection, Hospital Liability and Malpractice

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MSRA, is a strand of bacteria that is notoriously difficult to treat in human patients. This type of infection is sometimes transferred to patient admitted for non-related reasons, and is often grouped into Community Acquired MSRA or Health Care MSRA.

Cases of MSRA infection, treatment and injury may sometimes be the result of negligent medical treatment for which patients can seek justice through a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Hospital Acquired MSRA

In cases where a patient contracts MSRA while in a hospital or clinical setting, the hospital may be held liable for any resulting injury to the patient. Hospital acquired infections, also known as nosocomial infections are defined as an infection that is not correlated to the injury or illness for which the patient was admitted.

MSRA can be transferred to a patient in a variety of ways, and there are several risk factors that contribute to hospital acquired infection. These include patient factors such as a decreased immune system, hospital factors such as efficiency of the HVAC system, and treatment factors such as care used during invasive procedures.

Late Diagnosis of Infection

Sometimes a patient may complain of a foul smell coming from a treated injury or surgical site, or of redness and swelling. All are signs of infection, and if left untreated may cause serious injury, loss of limb or even death from sepsis and septic shock.

It is important that medical staff respond appropriately to such signs in order to treat the infection early and minimize further injury to the patient.

Hospital Liability

If a patient suffers an undue injury due to untreated or a delayed diagnosis of MSRA, then the hospital may be held liable for any resulting damages.

In order to bring a medical malpractice lawsuit against the hospital or doctor responsible for allowing an infection to spread and cause undue injury, it must be shown that the cause of the infection was negligent medical treatment. Patients suffering injuries resulting from medical negligence have the legal right to pursue compensation.

The first step in finding out if you are a victim of negligent medical treatment is to discuss your situation with a medical malpractice lawyer. These attorneys specialize in lawsuits stemming from medical mistakes and have the requisite legal skills and knowledge to get their clients the compensation they deserve.