Denver Improperly Sterilized Surgical Tools Lawyers
Representing Denver Victims of Injuries Caused by Improperly Sterilized Surgical Tools
Patients go into surgery with the hope that their surgeons and nurses will take every precaution to help them come out the other side healthy. Surgeons should be prepared for any situation, follow all procedures, and act quickly and carefully to improve a patient’s condition, but surgical errors are still possible when hospital staff fail to follow proper procedures. One of the most serious acts of medical negligence that a hospital can commit is failing to properly sterilize surgical tools, which can lead to a deadly surgical infection.
If you or someone you love has suffered a surgical infection due to improperly sterilized medical equipment in Denver, you deserve full and proper compensation for your injuries. There is no excuse for disobeying procedures and putting a patient’s life at risk. At Leventhal & Puga, P.C., our medical malpractice attorneys will provide the strong representation you need to hold a negligent healthcare provider accountable for your injuries. Call us at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to discuss your case in a free initial consultation.
How Improperly Sterilized Tools Injure Patients
Healthcare-acquired infections (HAI) are a major issue in United States where staff do not follow proper cleaning and sterilization procedures. Hospitals can see hundreds of patients every day, many of whom will require invasive surgeries, which presents the danger of patients contracting bacteria and other micro-organisms from unsanitary conditions. Proper surgical procedures require that staff properly clean and sterilize tools to prevent the spread of deadly micro-organisms.
Anytime a surgeon cuts into a patient, there is a risk of residual fluids and tissue remaining on the surgeon’s tools. This residual material can contain several dangerous micro-organisms that can spread to other patients if surgical tools and equipment are not sterilized properly, resulting in surgical infections. Surgical site infections can result in deadly bacteria entering a patient’s bloodstream, potentially leading to pneumonia or sepsis, or cause a patient to contract viruses like HIV and hepatitis from infected blood.
The Importance of Sterilization
There are procedures outlined by the CDC that minimize the risk of HAI, including requiring all surgical staff to wash their hands, wear protective gear such as gloves and masks, and properly cleaning an operating room.
For surgical tools, sterilization is the best method of cleaning the equipment and preventing surgical infections. Sterilization can destroy all micro-organisms on surgical equipment, including deadly bacteria, viruses like HIV, and parasites. Whether sterilization is handled on-site at a hospital or by a private lab, every piece of equipment should be carefully cleaned and packaged before it is labeled as safe to use.
Who Is Responsible for Your Injuries?
Failure to follow proper sterilization procedures is unacceptable and can constitute a never event. If a surgeon knowingly uses unsterilized tools or if a sterilization facility breaks protocol and allows a hospital to use contaminated material, it is medical malpractice. Patients who have suffered surgical site infections due to such negligence are eligible for compensation for their injuries and should not hesitate to speak with Leventhal & Puga, P.C. about the case. Surgical infections can result in serious disabilities, including amputations, vision loss, hearing damage, and organ damage. You should not have to be the one to pay for a surgeon’s negligent actions.
Families who have lost loved ones due to surgical infections can also pursue compensation. Improperly sterilized surgical tools can cause deadly infections, resulting in a wrongful death. If you have lost a loved one due to medical negligence, do not hesitate to reach out to Leventhal & Puga, P.C. to discuss your options.
Denver Attorneys Advocating for Injured Patients and Their Families
Leventhal & Puga, P.C. has represented clients from across the country since 1981 in recovering compensation for medical negligence. Our medical malpractice lawyers understand the harsh consequences of medical negligence and can use our expertise to advocate for your best interests. We are experienced trial attorneys who are not afraid to take on big hospitals and their insurance companies to get our clients the highest possible award. To discuss your case in a free consultation, call us at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906.
Additional Information
- Disinfection of Healthcare Equipment
- Reprocessing of Reusable Medical Devices
- Poor Cleaning Can Jeopardize Sterilization of Medical Tools
Great Trial Lawyers Obtaining Unparalleled Results
303-759-9945 
877-433-3906