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Problems With Urinary Catheters

Many patients who are bound to their beds during a hospital stay may require the use of a catheter in order to drain the urine from the patients' bodies without having them get up to use the bathroom. Though this is a relatively standard procedure and is done to maintain good health, there can also be some problems associated with catheters if they are unsanitary, cared for in a negligent fashion, or simply put in incorrectly. When these complications occur, there can be serious consequences for the patient (especially if their immune system is already compromised).

Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff have a responsibility to provide you with a reasonable standard of care. This includes taking care of your catheter and making sure it is kept clean and properly placed during your hospital stay. If this is not done, you may be able to bring the offenders to court on a medical malpractice claim. These irresponsible individuals should be held accountable for their actions and the best way to make sure justice is served is through the court system. It would be in your best interest to speak with an experienced lawyer right away if you think you have experienced malpractice.

Typical complications that are commonly associated with urinary catheters include:

  • Allergy to latex
  • Bladder stones
  • Septicemia
  • Hematuria
  • Kidney damage
  • Urethral injury
  • UTIs
  • Kidney infections

Medical malpractice is a sometimes difficult to prove in a court of law, which is why it is vital to work with an experienced attorney to present your case. Especially when you are in the hospital and suffering from other ailments, dealing with a legal claim should be one of the last of your worries. By placing your trust in an attorney, you can increase your chances of a favorable result in court and take some of the stress off of your shoulders so that you can focus on recovery.

About this Author

If you or someone you love has acquired an infection or been harmed due to catheter use in a hospital, visit the web site of the Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today.

James Witherspoon

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