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. 

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Examples of Hospital-Acquired Infections 

Hospital patients may be exposed to many different types of contagious infectious diseases. 

Common examples of HAIs include: 

  • Meningitis
  • Pneumonia 
  • Sepsis 
  • Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
  • Surgical site infections
  • Respiratory infections
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) 
  • Gastroenteritis 

If you or a loved one developed any of these or another type of serious infection after going to the hospital or seeking medical attention for something other than the infection, you or your loved one may have an HAI. 

How Do Hospital-Acquired Infections Happen? 

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.

How Our HAI Attorneys Can Help

In addition to conducting exhaustive investigations, we handle every aspect of our clients’ claims. We can obtain critical documents, medical reports, and other evidence to support your case. With our methodical approach and dedication to our clients, we have earned a reputation for taking on tough cases—and winning results. 

When you hire Curtis & Co., you can expect to be treated with respect, honesty, and compassion throughout the entire legal process. We treat every client like our only client, meaning you will have direct contact with your attorney and legal team, prompt responses to your calls and emails, and answers to all of your questions and concerns. We also offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay any upfront or out-of-pocket expenses when you work with our firm. Instead, we only collect legal fees after we recover a settlement or verdict in your case.

Our bilingual staff can assist you in English and Spanish. Call (505) 871-3740 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. 

Curtis & Co. Curtis & Co.
You are passionate, persistent, and from everything that I saw today, a brilliant lawyer and orator.

What Sets Us Apart:

  • 25 Years of Experience
    Founding Attorney Lisa K. Curtis has pursued law since the young age of 6. This is all we've ever wanted to do, and we've done it well for decades.
  • Treating Clients Like Family
    We're a smaller firm so we can give our clients the focus and attention they deserve. You've been wronged, and we stop at nothing to make it right.
  • Compassionate, Capable Advocates
    We know how difficult it is not only to experience the injustice you did, but to be brave enough to move forward. We're here with you every single step of the way.
  • Committed to the Well-Being of New Mexico
    New Mexico is and always has been our home and chief priority. Our families go back centuries here, and we look to better this community with every move we make.

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