If you or someone you love developed an infection while staying in or being treated in a hospital or similar medical facility, such as an emergency room, you could have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. By filing a claim, you can seek financial compensation for your damages, such as costs associated with further medical care, pain and suffering, and lost income or wages. A successful claim can also allow you to hold the liable party accountable and send a message that such conduct will not be tolerated.

We encourage you to contact our Albuquerque hospital-acquired infection lawyers at Curtis & Co. as soon as possible after discovering that your illness or infection occurred while you were in the hospital. Our team can review your claim and determine whether you have a valid case. If so, we are ready to aggressively protect your rights and pursue the full, fair compensation you are owed.

What is a Hospital-Acquired Infection?

Also known as a “nosocomial” infection, a hospital-acquired infection (HAI) is any type of infection a person develops while being treated in a hospital or by hospital doctors, nurses, or staff. Hospital personnel has a responsibility to protect patients from being exposed to harmful airborne and bloodborne pathogens, as well as other contaminants and toxins that may result in infection. Failure to do so may constitute a breach of the accepted standard of care—and the hospital or its staff could be liable. 

Generally speaking, for an infection to be considered an HAI, it must meet the following criteria: 

• The infection was not present before the patient went to the hospital or sought medical care
• The infection occurred up to 48 hours after the patient was admitted to the hospital or up to 3 days after the patient was discharged when the patient did not undergo surgery
• The infection occurred up to 30 days after the patient underwent a surgical procedure 
• The infection occurred in a hospital or similar healthcare facility where the patient sought or was receiving medical care 

There are some exceptions. We invite you to reach out to our team at Curtis & Co. if you suspect that you or a loved one may have developed an HAI to learn more about your legal rights and options. 

While it may seem somewhat obvious that hospital patients could be exposed to various infections, HAIs are far from inevitable. In fact, medical providers and hospital staff are required to follow certain procedures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases and other causes of infection.

Many HAIs are the result of hospital negligence or malpractice. Examples include: 

• Failure to isolate patients or improper isolation 
• Improper hand washing and hygiene 
• Poor or missing hygiene standards and procedures
• Failure to wear proper protective equipment, such as gloves and masks
• Poorly ventilated rooms
• Improper cleaning and sterilization of surfaces 
• Unnecessary or improper use of catheters 

Most HAIs are avoidable. When they occur, it is likely because someone—a hospital doctor, nurse, staff member, etc.—failed to uphold the accepted standard of care. 

At Curtis & Co., we thoroughly investigate our clients’ claims to determine whether a hospital’s negligence or misconduct was the cause of their HAI and related damages. We have a registered nurse and licensed physician on staff, as well as access to invaluable resources and in-depth knowledge of the law. Our Albuquerque hospital-acquired infection attorneys can evaluate your situation to determine if you have a claim and, if so, tirelessly pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

​In the event that you were infected in a hospital in New Mexico, you might be eligible for a number of legal options. First, you have the option to sue the medical facility or the healthcare practitioners who treated you for medical misconduct. In addition to pain and suffering, this claim may also include lost wages and medical costs.

You can get assistance navigating the complexities of New Mexico medical malpractice laws from an expert attorney specializing in hospital-acquired infections in Albuquerque at Curtis & Co.. We are ready to compile pertinent documentation, confer with medical professionals, and engage in negotiations with insurance providers on your behalf to ensure you receive fair recompense.

Because medical malpractice claims in New Mexico are subject to particular statutes of limitations, it is imperative that you take immediate action. To explore your case and choose the best course of action for obtaining justice and compensation, speak with an Albuquerque hospital-acquired infection attorney from Curtis & Co.