MRSA Attorney | Medical Malpractice Failure to Diagnose

MRSA, which is short for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a type of staph infection that can affect any part of the human body.  The germs that cause MRSA can cause infections on a person’s skin, developing into serious rashes or boils; or it can accelerate into a more serious condition by penetrating into the joints, bloodstream or other organ such as the heart, lung or brain.  Additionally, unlike the common staph infection, MRSA is a strain that is more resistant to many popular antibiotics including methicillin, amoxicillin, oxacillin and others, making it especially harmful.

How Did I Get MRSA?

MRSA is contracted through skin contact, most commonly touching. Usually, the bacteria is harmless, as many carry it without even knowing it.  In fact, it has been reported that up to 30% of people carry some form of the infection in their nose.  However, MRSA becomes especially dangerous if it enters the body through a cut or a wound.  Moreover, MRSA infections are more likely to affect people with weakened immune systems or those who have recently undergone a surgical procedure.  This is one of the reasons why MRSA is more likely to be present in hospitals and clinics.  However, MRSA can be contracted anywhere there is skin-to-skin contact. Common places where people are at danger for MRSA are:

• Hospitals
• Manicure and pedicure salons
• Adult nursing homes
• Child day care centers
• Tattoo parlor
• Salons and spas
• Military personnel

How Do I Know If I Have MRSA?

About 1% of the population has some sort of staph infection on their body, and almost always it fails to cause any sort of medical concern.  As noted above, the germ only becomes harmful once it enters the body.  When MRSA has not infected  or caused any symptoms, it is known as colonization.  However, even when a person is being colonized, they can still infect other people. If you believe that you or a loved one has MRSA, we strongly advise you to seek medical attention.  A doctor will extract a sample from the infected area, known as a “culture,” which is sent to a lab for further testing. Some overtly apparent symptoms of MRSA include:

• Rash
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Chest pains

In more severe cases, MRSA has been known to cause serious health conditions, such as:

• Boils
• Abcesses
• Impetigo
• Heart valve issue
• In very serious situations, MRSA can cause death

Contact a MRSA Attorney

A MRSA attorney will help you determine who was at fault for your injuries, which is the first step in determining whether you have a case.  Our lawyers will hold facilities culpable for their negligence resulting in your injuries.  Additionally, medical facilities and doctors will be held liable for their failure to diagnose MRSA. For more information, or to speak directly with a MRSA medical malpractice attorney, contact us online or call us direct at (855) 339-8879