Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is caused by a staph bacteria commonly found in hospitals, nursing homes, and dialysis centers. When medical staff fail to follow correct sanitary procedures to prevent bacteria growth, patients can develop an MRSA infection. This can lead to pain, missed time from work, severe illness, amputation, and if left untreated, even death.
MRSA is dangerous, because it is resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat normal staph infections. Some surgical equipment can spread MRSA. In addition, a person can be a carrier of MRSA and not know it, because it’s possible to have a MRSA infection but show no symptoms. So, you can become infected with MRSA through close contact with an infected asymptomatic person through medical malpractice that is no fault of your own.
What Are the Symptoms of MRSA Infection?
- According to the Mayo Clinic, if you think you have an MRSA infection, look for these symptoms:
- Swollen painful bumps that resemble pimples or spider bites
- Fever
- Affected area is warm to the touch
- Affected area is filled with pus or drainage
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Are You or a Loved One at Risk of MRSA Infection?
MRSA bacteria is more or less ever-present in hospitals and nursing homes. Older patients and people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable.
Other high-risk patients include those who undergo invasive procedures such as catheters and joint surgery. Even something as simple as an intravenous line can cause a MRSA infection, if staff fail to follow safe sanitary procedures.
In unsanitary conditions, outbreaks can spread MRSA to many people in a short period of time before it is identified. Outbreaks have also been reported at military training facilities, childcare centers, and jails.
Medical professionals recommend prevention techniques such as hand-washing and the covering of wounds, in addition to the sanitation of linens.
Treatment for MRSA Infection
Once properly diagnosed, doctors can typically treat MRSA infections with the right antibiotic. Severe infections may require intravenous antibiotics, and in some cases invasive surgery.
However, if left untreated, MRSA infections can burrow under the skin’s surface and become serious, sometimes life-threatening. An untreated MRSA skin infection can cause infections of the bones, blood, heart, and lungs.
Who Is Responsible and What Do You Do If Infected?
According the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, nearly 95,000 MRSA infections causing almost 19,000 deaths are reported annually in the United States, 86 percent of which are associated with healthcare facilities.
The sad fact is that many of these infections and deaths could be preventable; sometimes by safety precautions as simple as diligent hand washing.
MRSA Infections Are Expensive
Hospital stays are already expensive, but exposure to the dangerous MRSA bacteria because of another’s negligent behavior puts the phrase “adding insult to injury” in a whole new light.
MRSA means more medical treatment, which could mean more medical bills and additional time away from work — especially if hospitalization for a serious form of the infection is required. It could also mean wrongful death in its most serious forms.
If you were diagnosed with a MRSA infection or a loved one has been diagnosed or died as a result, and you believe it was caused by the negligence of medical personnel at a hospital, nursing home, or other care facility, you may be able entitled to compensation.
If the medical personnel were negligent, our medical malpractice attorneys at Morgan & Morgan can help you get compensation for loss of wages, pain and suffering, and even instances of a wrongful death. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out what you are entitled to.
