Hospital Acquired Infection Claims
Unfortunately, hospitals are not as clean (and therefore not as safe) as we would all like them to be. Set in the context of an environment where so-called “superbugs” – hospital acquired infections (also called nosocomial infections) such as MRSA, MSSA and C Difficile – are becoming increasingly prevalent, poor levels of hygiene and cleanliness can have terrible consequences for you or your loved one.
With growing antibiotic resistance, fighting off an infection whilst already very unwell can prove difficult or even impossible.
Nosocomial Infection Specialist
David Gazzard has over 25 years’ experience as a specialist clinical negligence solicitor. During that time he has gained considerable experience in claims involving hospital (or healthcare) acquired infection (HAI).
“I would like to thank David and his team for their kindness, support and understanding over the last few months since my mother’s passing. Without your prompt action, thoroughness and sound advice I’m certain that we wouldn’t have seen such an early end to this matter.” JK, February 2018
David can help you to claim compensation if:
- you were screened before admission and found to be free of MRSA, MSSA and C Difficile; or
- diagnosis and treatment of the infection was delayed; or
- the infection was not treated with the correct antibiotic.
Recent Claim
In a recent claim, David acted successfully for a young mother who contracted MRSA whilst in hospital for a caesarean section. As a pre-surgical screening had been negative and the infection manifested itself within 48 hours of her hospital confinement, it was possible to prove that the infection had been caused by the hospital’s failure to follow its own infection control policies, ie hand washing.
In another claim, David successfully represented a client whose recovery from surgery was interrupted by Necrotising Faciitis – an infection with Group A Streptococcus, commonly known as “flesh-eating bacteria”. She required immediate and prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy alongside careful wound management and rehabilitation. The infection was proved to be a hospital acquired infection caused by poor nursing hygiene.
“David, thank you so much for your support through this very difficult time for my whole family. You really do have an amazing ability to explain things in a way that ordinary people can understand and that has helped us so much in making the decision we have.” TH, September 2017
Contact
Should you wish to discuss any of these issues, our Head of Medical Negligence, David Gazzard, will be delighted to speak with you informally and in complete confidence. You may call him on 01793 615011 or email him at david.gazzard@blbsolicitors.co.uk