Experienced Solicitors For Hospital-Acquired Infection Claims
When you place your trust in medical professionals during childbirth, you expect safe, competent care. If that trust is broken through negligence, the consequences can be lifelong.
Our clinical negligence team has extensive experience in hospital-acquired infection and MRSA claims. We understand how distressing it is to leave the hospital in worse health than when you arrived. We will work to establish what went wrong and secure appropriate compensation for you.
For a free, confidential consultation, call us on 0161 665 3502, send an email to [email protected] or use our contact form.
What Are Hospital Infections?
Hospital (or nosocomial) infections are illnesses contracted during a hospital stay, rather than before admission. They are most commonly spread through contact with contaminated hands, equipment or surfaces. Surgical wounds, catheters, drips or burns can allow bacteria to enter the body more easily.
Common hospital infections include:
- MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
- MSSA (Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus)
- Colistridium difficile (C. difficile)
These infections can cause serious complications, especially in older patients or those with weakened immune systems.
When Can You Make a Hospital Infection Claim?
You may be able to make a hospital infection claim if the infection or its effects could have been avoided with proper care.
Examples include:
- You were screened on admission and found free of infections, yet later contracted MRSA or another hospital-acquired infection.
- There were delays in recognising or treating the infection.
- The hospital failed to provide correct antibiotic treatment or wound care.
- Infection control procedures such as hand hygiene or sterilisation, were ignored or poorly followed.
These situations often indicate a breach of duty of care, which may give rise to a valid negligence claim.
Case Study: £32,500 compensation following a heel ulcer
Mr P underwent a knee replacement at a private hospital. Shortly afterwards, a blister developed on his heel, which was noted but not treated. The blister deteriorated into a Grade 4 pressure ulcer, causing prolonged pain, scarring and loss of earnings.
Our investigation found that no preventative measures had been taken to protect his heel, a clear failure in basic care. We achieved an early settlement of £32,500 for Mr P to recognise his pain, recovery time and ongoing sensitivity.
Read the full case study.
What Evidence Is Needed For a Claim?
Your solicitor will gather and review medical evidence to understand how the infection occurred and whether negligence played a role.
Helpful documents can include:
- Admission and discharge notes
- Screening and test results
- Photographs of wounds or affected areas
- Written communication with the hospital
- A record of how the infection affected your health, work and daily life
We will also obtain independent expert reports to confirm whether infection control fell below an acceptable standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step when making a hospital infection claim?
A: The first step is to contact our specialist clinical negligence team for a free, confidential discussion. We will listen to your experience, review the basic details, and explain the next steps in a No Win No Fee claim. There is no obligation to proceed.
How will I know if I have a valid claim?
A: To have a valid claim, we must prove two key elements:
- Negligence (breach of duty) - that the care you received fell below the standard expected of a competent medical professional.
- Causation - that this failure directly caused your infection or made your condition worse.
We will work with independent medical experts to assess whether infection control procedures were properly followed.
What compensation could I receive?
A: Compensation varies depending on how the infection has affected your health, recovery, work and quality of life.
It can cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income or earnings
- Ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation costs
- Psychological distress
- Care or support needs
Is there a time limit for making a hospital infection claim?
A: Yes. You normally have three years from the date of the negligent treatment, or from when you first realised your infection was caused by negligence.
If the claim is for a child, the three-year period does not start until their 18th birthday, allowing a claim to be brought up to their 21st birthday.
Will making a claim affect my ongoing medical treatment?
A: No. Your legal claim is separate from your medical care. Hospitals and GPs remain under a professional duty to treat you appropriately, regardless of any ongoing legal proceedings.
Will I have to go to court?
A: Most claims are resolved before reaching court. Legal proceedings may be issued to keep the case on track but full trials are rare. If your case does go to court, your solicitor will guide and support you through each step.
