After Surgery in Illinois: Common Causes of a Bacterial Infection

No one expects to sustain further injury from a surgical procedure but unfortunately, developing an infection after surgery is not uncommon. Yet in many cases, it is preventable.

When you suffer an illness because of a bacterial infection after surgery, you may be eligible to file an Illinois medical malpractice claim. But proving medical negligence requires the help of an experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorney. To get started, your attorney may investigate your case to see if it was related to one of the common causes of a surgical site bacterial infection.

Some of the common causes for a surgical site bacterial infection include: 

• cross-contamination;
• contamination of surgical instruments;
• unsterile surgical dressings, drapes and attire;
• failure to treat remote infection prior to surgery;
• unnecessary hair removal (shaving rather than clipping);
• inadequate washing of the surgical site (with antiseptic skin preparation);
• prolonged hospital stays; and
• inadequate hand washing. 

Additionally, if a surgeon fails to recognize risk factors in the patient, such as diabetes, obesity or smoking, the risk for bacterial infection increases. Doctors should take these risk factors into consideration when performing surgery.

When a surgeon or medical staff demonstrates medical negligence that results in a bacterial infection after surgery, consulting with a Chicago medical malpractice attorney should be your next step to determine if you have a valid Illinois medical malpractice claim. 

When to Hire a Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney

A Chicago medical malpractice attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in a medical malpractice claim in Illinois, contact us today for a free case evaluation - 312-263-1080.