Health Care Associated Infections on the Rise

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Health Care Associated Infections on the Rise

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

When persons are admitted to a medical facility for treatment, the staff that is caring for them are required to take strict preventative measures to prevent medical induced infections from occurring. While numbers of deaths associated with certain infections have been reduced in recent years, infections caused by the germ C. difficile (Clostridium difficile Infection) are at a historical high. It is reported that nearly 14,000 American deaths each year are caused by the C. difficile germ.[1] If you or a loved one suffered from an illness caused by a health care associated infection, you may have a legal case. Call a personal injury attorney today to learn about your rights to compensation.

What is C. difficile?

C. difficile is a germ that causes an infection of the gut. It is one of the most common and growing infections that causes serious harm and even death to patients.

How is it caused and are there preventive methods?

The infection can be triggered by consuming antibiotics. While antibiotics can be life-saving, they can also cause future infections if the patient is not cared for properly. When antibiotics are taken, the good germs in the body are killed for several months, which can cause the body to easily pick up other germs that cause serious infections. The germs can be transferred from unclean facilities or staff member’s hands.

To best prevent C. difficile Infection, staff members are advised to not over prescribe antibiotics, to wear gloves when treating patients at risk and to create a clean and safe environment for patients. Additionally, patients who are prescribed antibiotics are advised to never take more than the prescribed amount by the health care facility.

Who is at risk and where is it often found?

Elderly adults, especially those under medical care, are often victims of C. difficile Infection. The infection is most often found in nursing homes, long-term care facilities and nurseries with newborns or infants.

If preventative measures were not properly taken and you or a loved one suffered from a serious illness that required future treatment, a health care facility could be responsible for your pain and suffering. To learn more about your legal rights, call an Illinois abuse and neglect attorney as soon as possible.

Steve Malman

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, truck accidents, car accidents, premises liability, construction, and workers’ compensation cases in Chicago, IL.

Years of experience: +30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active and authorized to practice law—Last Registered Year: 2024

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