Hospital Infection Claims

How Can an Infection Be Acquired in Hospital?

A hospital-acquired infection can develop during or following medical treatment. Potential causes may include inadequate hygiene, poor infection control procedures, contaminated equipment or a failure to follow appropriate precautions.

Infections may also arise following surgery, the use of medical devices or other procedures where appropriate monitoring and care are particularly important. Where an infection develops after an operation, concerns about the treatment provided may also be relevant to Surgery Negligence Claims.

When Could a Hospital Infection Be Negligence?

Developing an infection does not automatically mean that a hospital was negligent. A potential claim may arise where reasonable steps to prevent, identify or treat an infection were not taken.

For example, concerns may involve inadequate infection control, failure to recognise symptoms, delays in testing or treatment, or a failure to respond appropriately when a patient's condition deteriorates.

Where an infection is not identified promptly, the circumstances may also be relevant to Delayed Diagnosis Claims or Medical Misdiagnosis Claims. Whether negligence occurred will depend on the medical evidence and the standard of care provided.

The Effect of an Untreated Infection

The impact of a hospital-acquired infection can vary considerably. Some infections may respond to treatment, while others can result in prolonged illness or more serious complications.

A patient may require additional medication, further procedures, a longer hospital stay or ongoing rehabilitation. In serious cases, an infection can develop into sepsis, potentially leading to organ damage or lasting injury. Where sepsis is not recognised or treated appropriately, the circumstances may also give rise to a Sepsis Negligence Claim.

In the most serious cases, complications from an infection may be life-threatening. The consequences will depend on the type of infection, the patient's condition and whether appropriate treatment was provided.

Looking Into Your Hospital Treatment

A Medical Negligence Claim may require a detailed review of the care you received. Medical records can provide information about your condition before admission, procedures carried out, medication, test results and how the infection was identified and treated.

Independent medical evidence may be required to establish whether appropriate infection prevention and treatment measures were followed and whether any failure caused or contributed to your injury.

The investigation may also consider whether hospital staff responded appropriately to signs of infection, arranged relevant investigations and provided timely treatment when your condition changed. This can help establish whether there are grounds for a claim.

Compensation for Hospital Infection

Where negligence is established, compensation may reflect the physical and financial consequences of the infection. Depending on the circumstances, this could include additional treatment, medication, rehabilitation, travel expenses and loss of earnings.

If the infection has caused lasting health problems, future care and support needs may also be considered. The assessment will depend on the severity of the injury, its impact on your everyday life and the available medical evidence.

Discuss Your Hospital Infection Claim

If you believe you developed an avoidable infection because of negligent hospital care, Step Legal Solicitors can investigate the circumstances and advise you on your legal options.

If it is a matter we can assist with, your claim may be handled on a No Win No Fee basis, subject to the terms of your agreement. The applicable fees and financial arrangements will be explained before you proceed.

Call 0800 195 6412, contact us online, or visit any of our offices during working hours to discuss your Hospital Infection Claim.

Even if you are unsure whether you have grounds for a claim, speaking to a solicitor can help you understand your legal options.