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Needles are an important part of the medical field, as they can provide direct access to an individual's bloodstream. They allow individuals to receive medications and vaccines, as well as allow healthcare providers to draw blood from individuals for testing.
However, their main asset, that they allow direct access to the bloodstream, is also what makes them so potentially hazardous. Blood-borne pathogens are easily spread through used needles, which may cause an individual to contract an incurable disease.
The most common diseases spread through contaminated needles are:
- HIV
- Hepatitis
- Viral hemorrhagic fever
Many of these diseases can be fatal, and others may require a lifetime of painful treatments.
Contaminated needles often get reused because of the negligence of healthcare providers. While healthcare providers are supposed to dispose of used needles immediately, some fail to do so. Worse yet, some mishandle the needles and accidentally poke patients with contaminated needles.
Individuals who contract diseases, whether deadly or minor, may be entitled to financial compensation for their suffering. Using dirty needles is a form of medical malpractice and, as such, individuals wishing to pursue legal action against their healthcare providers for negligence should consult with experienced medical malpractice lawyers.
Though suing an individual for using a dirty needle will not cure an individual of the disease he or she caught, it can help the individual to afford treatment options to make the disease more manageable. At the very least, pursuing legal action holds the responsible individual accountable and may prevent him or her from infecting future patients with contaminated needles.
About this Author
If you or someone you love contracted a disease when a because of the actions of a careless medical professional, the experienced Wausau medical malpractice attorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C. will help you identify your legal options.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_S_Caldwell
