Tampa Hospitals And Risk Of Postoperative Infection
When you compare Tampa hospitals to others throughout Florida, you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that facilities in the area perform well when graded according to a reputable source on patient safety. According to the Hospital Safety Grades report published by The Leapfrog Group, 17 of the 32 regional hospitals received an A grade and another 10 earned a B for their answers to a survey. Just 5 facilities were given a C, and there were no D or F grades. Overall, the 184 hospitals in Florida performed relatively well, with just 1 F and 2 D’s statewide.
A closer look at the Tampa hospitals that received C grades reveals that postoperative infection is a major problem for quality patient care. Hospital acquired infection (HAI) contributes to almost 100,000 deaths every year, and one of the most serious is also among the most common: Sepsis. If you or a loved one suffered because of HAI, it is critical to reach out to a Tampa medical malpractice attorney right away. You may have legal remedies under Florida medical malpractice laws, so an overview may be useful.
Dangers of Postoperative Infection
Sepsis is the human body’s extreme response to an infection, which creates a chain reaction affecting other parts of the body. This condition can spread quickly, leading to tissue damage and organ failure, though sepsis and septic shock might be fatal. Another common HAI is MRSA, a type of staph bacterial infection that is resistant to many antibiotics. In connection with postoperative infection, there are two concerns:
- Colon Surgery: Any surgical site can be prone to infection, but these issues are especially concerning for patients who have undergone colon surgery. A surgical site infection in the colon can quickly spread and, though sometimes fatal, the biggest problem for patients is a long recovery in intensive care. Health care providers can reduce the risk by employing specific antibiotics before the procedure and monitoring the patient post-surgery.
Sepsis Infection After Surgery: Sepsis can be linked to numerous hygiene and sanitation issues in a hospital, but it is often the result of bacteria entering the body after surgery. Though the surgical site is vulnerable to infection, sepsis can also develop from an infection in the lungs. Hospital staff must closely watch patients after a procedure for signs of sepsis, such as high heart rate, low blood pressure, fever, and shortness of breath.
Compensation for Victims of Sepsis and Other Infection
Monetary damages in medical malpractice cases are based upon how your injuries affect your life, so they will vary among patients. You may be entitled to:
- Medical costs to treat your infection and related medical conditions;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress, which is a concern considering post-sepsis syndrome – a condition that may have physical and psychological effects in the long-term.
Talk to a Florida Medical Malpractice Attorney Lawyer About Your Legal Options
For more information about your rights after developing sepsis or other HAI, please call 813.223.7849 or go online to reach Greco & Wozniak P.A. We are happy to schedule a free consultation at our offices in Tampa, FL.
