Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in Georgia

Hospital Acquired Infections

I am writing for a family member who was hospitalized in October for open heart surgery.The surgery was a sucess and 2 days prior to his discharge I visited him on a Friday and noticed a IV needle in his arm.It was red,warm to the touch and sore.We called the nurse and she asked how long the needle had been in.He stated it was inserted 5 days ago and the nurse stated it was infected and removed the needle.When the needle was removed it was oozing puss from the insertion site and the vein was very cordlike/hard.The nurse called the doctor and he was sent home on Sunday with oral antibiotics.On the following Thursday he began to run a slight fever and by Friday he had been re-admitted to the hospital.After blood cultures was obtained it confirmed MRSA.Since the MD and hospital was aware of the infected IV site it is documented that the MRSA was a direct cause.The infection got in his chest incision from the open heart surgery and he was taken back to surgery to open up the chest and clean it out.The incision was left open for 3 days before they took him back to OR to close it up.Now the bills are coming in and he feels he should not be responsible for the 30,000 from 2nd hosp stay and missed additional work.He is a 57Y.Help!


Asked on 1/12/06, 10:32 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Robert Windholz Robert S. Windholz, Attorney At Law

Re: Hospital Acquired Infections

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus that you refer to in your question and the resultant injury are worthy of reviewing. Please check my web site at www.robertswindholz.com and contact me. We'll need the medical records.

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Answered on 1/13/06, 6:42 am
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Re: Hospital Acquired Infections

His best(and really only viable)option is to speak with a qualified and experienced medical malpractice attorney. Many have medical personnel, such as a nurse, on staff, but a second opinion from another doctor will virtually always be required to move forward. That should not be a problem, as qualified attorneys have contacts with respected physicians. You may want to ask friends or other lawyers for a referral to a lawyer who specializes in med mal (not just personal injuries, car accidents, etc.). MRSA can enter the body even in normal surgical procedures or IV's, or even minor cuts and scrapes, and there are often reasons for leaving an incision open, but given the potential severity of the issue and the questions you and your friend have, it is worth a visit to a qualified, experienced and reputable medical malpractice attorney. Good luck.

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Answered on 1/13/06, 7:31 am


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