Richmond Post-Operative Infections Attorney
Post-operative care is essential for a patient’s recovery and sometimes, it could mean the difference between life and death. Medical negligence after an operation can delay the recovery process and expose patients to infections that have the potential to become life-threatening. In many cases, the success of a procedure relies on proper post-operative care. When healthcare professionals do not comply with the appropriate standard of care necessary after surgery, the consequences are devastating.
If you or a loved one has suffered from this type of medical malpractice, you can file a claim against the negligent parties. An experienced Richmond Post-Operative Infections Attorney can help you claim the full damages you need.
What is Post-Operative Care?
As its name suggests, post-operative care is the care patients receive following a surgical procedure. The type of post-operative care a patient receives will depend on their own medical history and the type of procedure they underwent. Post-operative care includes pain management and caring for the wounds.
Many people think post-operative care is limited to the recovery room, but it is not. It lasts throughout the patient’s hospital stay and may even extend once they have been discharged. Healthcare professionals are responsible for educating patients about the potential complications and side effects of their surgery, and advise on proper wound care.
How Do Post-Operative Infections Develop?
The skin is the body’s largest organ and one of its many functions is to act as a natural barrier against infection. When someone undergoes surgery, that barrier is broken, which can allow an infection to develop. It is estimated that the chance of complications from post-operative infection is between one and three percent. Surgical site infections typically develop within 30 days of a patient’s surgery.
Post-operative infections are caused by pathogens, mainly bacteria. Pathogens can infect a wound in a number of ways. The touch of a doctor in the operating room or unclean surgical equipment can cause a post-operative infection. Germs in the air, and even in the patient’s body can also reach a wound and cause a post-operative infection.
Infections after a surgery are often preventable, but they still injure and kill too many patients every year. A number of healthcare professionals may be liable for a post-operative infection. A Virginia medical malpractice lawyer can identify the liable parties and hold them accountable for paying the damages patients and their loved ones deserve.
Our Virginia Medical Malpractice Lawyers Can Help with Your Case
If you or a loved one has experienced complications as a result of a serious post-operative infection, our Richmond Post-Operative Infections Attorney want to help with your case. At MichieHamlett, we have the necessary experience with complex medical malpractice claims and we will put our knowledge to work for you. To learn of your rights and your legal options, call us at (434) 951-7200 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
