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Medical Negligence in Illinois Can Lead to Bacterial Infections after Surgery (Part B)

Risk Factors that May Lead to an Infection after Surgery

There are risk factors that can increase the chance a patient will develop a bacterial infection after surgery. Some of the risks pertain to the patient's health, such as those who have diabetes, are malnourished, smoke, use steroids or are obese.

Because of these risk factors, doctors need to use extreme caution when performing surgery. They owe a standard of care to the patient to make sure the surgical site doesn't become infected and that the increased risk factors are carefully considered.

Other risk factors that may put a patient at an increased risk for bacterial infection include:

• lengthy surgery;
• signs of infection before surgery that were not treated;
• inappropriate use of antimicrobial prophylaxis (antibiotics to prevent bacterial infection);
• improper skin/surgical site preparation;
• shaving the surgical site rather than clipping it;
• unsterile equipment, room ventilation, surgical attire or drapes; and
• inadequate hand washing.

Keep in mind that even in a sterile hospital, bacteria can grow and spread. This is why hospital staff must take every precaution to keep it from infecting patients.

How a Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help

It can be difficult to prove that a bacterial infection was the result of medical negligence, which is why you need the help of a knowledgeable Chicago medical malpractice attorney. An attorney knows the type of evidence that will be needed to help prove your Illinois medical malpractice claim.

A Chicago medical malpractice attorney will thoroughly investigate your case, examine all evidence, collect documentation, medical reports, charts and anything else that will help prove medical negligence.

When you have suffered a bacterial infection after surgery, you may have the right to receive compensation for your additional medical expenses, along with other damages, such as pain and suffering. A Chicago medical malpractice attorney can explain the types of damages you may be eligible to recover in an 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.

The Law Offices of
Barry G. Doyle, P.C.
5215 Old Orchard Road
Suite 710
Skokie, IL 60077
Phone: 312.263.1080
Fax: 312.263.0153

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