Undergoing surgery is an inherently risky proposition. Even routine surgeries can have unexpected consequences. When those consequences are preventable—like postoperative infections—you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.
As patients, we expect that our doctors, nurses and other healthcare practitioners will adhere to widely recognized industry safety standards. Unfortunately, some healthcare providers may be overworked, distracted or simply careless. If this leads to an infection, it could jeopardize your recovery time or even your life. If you believe that you suffered a postoperative infection as a result of medical malpractice, the Law Offices of Tim Misny can help.
What leads to postoperative infections?
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Infections after surgery are caused by germs. The most common of these include the bacteria Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas. Germs can infect a surgical wound through various forms of contact, such as from the touch of a contaminated caregiver or surgical instrument, through germs in the air, or through germs that are already on or in your body and then spread into the wound.”
There are other risk factors for postoperative infections, including smoking, cancer, abdominal surgery, emergency surgery, surgeries over two hours and being elderly. Your doctors should take into account any risk factors, and adjust accordingly.
Be sure to follow your doctors’ orders to the letter (including smoking cessation). This will improve your chances of recovery.
Symptoms of surgical site infections
Postoperative infections can become very serious. Keep your incision site clean and sterile, according to your doctor’s instructions. If you notice the following signs, see a doctor immediately:
- Fever
- Inflammation
- Pus originating from the wound
Your doctor may take a germ culture to find out what’s causing the infection. Most infections can be treated with antibiotics, when caught in time. It’s imperative that you inform your healthcare team of any concerns or signs of infection.
Medical malpractice and postoperative infections
If you suffered from a postoperative infection, the Law Offices of Tim Misny can assist you in filing a medical malpractice claim. When you schedule a consultation with us, we’ll review your claim and explain your legal options. If you have a good case, our attorneys will fight to ensure you receive compensation for your medical bills, future medical care, pain and suffering, lost income and more. Because the statute of limitations can pass quickly, call our lawyers right away.
Consult with Ohio medical malpractice lawyers today
Have you suffered from a postoperative infection? If your healthcare providers caused the infection, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me today at (800) 556-4769 for a consultation. I’ll fight to get the compensation you deserve.