Hospital Central Line Infection Lawsuits

By Harvey Kirk
Posted June 15, 2010

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Last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the latest results of a survey of central line bloodstream infections in hospitals throughout the United States, also known as catheter bloodstream infections. These central line infections account for about one-third of the estimated 100,000 annual hospital-acquired infection deaths in the U.S. each year, more than any other kind of hospital-acquired infection.

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The federal health officials report suggests that the rate of these hospital infections is declining, with 18% less infections being reported by hospitals than the CDC expected. However, less than 25% of the nation’s hospitals actually turned in their infection rate data to the CDC.

The survey was the first attempt by the CDC to quantify hospital-acquired infections by getting the nation’s hospitals to self-report. However, the task was made difficult by the reality that only 17 states actually mandate that hospitals keep track of the information, and only 5 of those states actually verify that the data is accurate.

Central line infections occur in patients who have had a central venous catheter inserted during a hospital stay. The central venous catheters (CVC) are associated with more infections than peripheral intravenous catheters, and often result in more serious infections and are more likely to occur in people who are severely ill.

These serious and often life-threatening hospital infections can be largely prevented by good hygiene practices by hospital staff and following the proper standards of medical care. By sanitizing hands before and after any skin contact with patients, the risk of contamination can be reduced.

CENTRAL LINE INFECTION LAWYERS

In recent years, a growing number of central line infection lawsuits have been filed as more and more experts have come to the opinion that through proper preventative steps, these infections can often be avoided.

The hospital infection lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential lawsuits over central line infections which result in serious consequences. To review a potential claim with our attorneys, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.