
In some cases, medical malpractice stems from hospital acquired conditions.
Each year, thousands of people each year file medical malpractice claims and many of them are the result of carelessness or negligence on the part of a medical professional.
However, sometimes being in the hospital can be the root of the problem. In some cases, conditions that you contract after entering the hospital are at the center of a malpractice claim, and a Tucson personal injury lawyer can help.
Any hospital claim can be stressful– while trying to recover from illness or injury you are often worried about your family and your job, and getting back on your feet is the top priority. This can be hindered when patients get even sicker in the hospital because of hospital acquired conditions.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines hospital acquired conditions as those that were not present at admission but presented themselves during the hospital stay.
There are several conditions and types of incidents to be aware of if you or a loved one is admitted to the hospital:
- Slips and falls — they’re common among elderly patients, but can happen to anyone.
- Instruments left in patients — you’ve heard of cases like this, and it’s common enough that HHS has guidelines to prevent it.
- Infections — there are many avoidable ways to contract an infection, especially post procedure.
Each of these types of incidents are very real and can seriously complicate the recovery period for patients who have been hospitalized, meaning they can keep people away from their families for longer and lead to more serous illnesses or injuries. A Tucson personal injury attorney can help if you have been the victim of a hospital acquired condition, and it is important to contact a lawyer to help you through the complexities of these types of cases.