Are Staph Infections Caused by Medical Negligence?

Staph infections can be caused by medical negligence if medical professionals are negligent in maintaining sanitary and preventative practices. The risk of a staph infection is greater for hospital patients undergoing surgery or receiving post-operative care.

When a medical professional’s negligence played a role in you or a loved one’s suffering from a Staph infection, you may be able to pursue a medical malpractice claim. Keep reading to learn more about this topic.

What Is a Staph Infection?

A staphylococcal infection is an infection caused by the staphylococcus bacteria. According to the Mayo Clinic, these bacteria are commonly found on the skin or in the nose and typically don’t cause problems aside from minor skin infections.

What Are the Symptoms of a Staph Infection?

A staph infection can exhibit symptoms such as the following:

  • Skin irritation
  • Boils
  • Impetigo (a contagious, painful rash with large blisters)
  • Cellulitis (an infection of the skin’s deep layers, causing surface redness and swelling)
  • Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome
  • Bacteremia (blood infection)
  • Toxic Shock Syndrome
  • Septic Arthritis

If you believe you or a loved one is suffering from a staph infection, immediately seek medical treatment. If you think a medical professional is responsible for the infection, contact an attorney and ask if you have a medical malpractice claim.

Are Staph Infections Deadly?

Staph infections can be deadly when germs reach the bloodstream. When they do, sepsis can set in and cause death if left untreated.

Death and other complications from a staph infection can be avoided, however, upon proper diagnosis and treatment. If a medical professional doesn’t demonstrate the accepted standard of care for either diagnosing or treating a staph infection, this may generate cause for a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Contact Us for Legal Assistance

The Law Office of David Kates can assist clients with medical malpractice claims, including those that involve complications from a staph infection. When medical professionals and hospitals can avoid staph infections by following basic sanitary guidelines. If they don’t, they may be liable for damages incurred by someone’s suffering or death.

For more information about our medical malpractice legal services, contact the Law Office of David Kates today.

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