Medical Malpractice - Needle Stick Injuries

Victims of a needle stick injury usually have to take a wait-and-see approach after their incident. While many of those exposed to a needle will not contract a disease, they are at risk for potentially life-threatening diseases from bloodborne pathogens including hepatitis B and C, typhus, herpes, malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, spotted fever and syphilis.

According to the Center for Disease Control, between 600,000 and 800,000 accidental needle stick injuries occur every year throughout the healthcare industry. The injuries are caused by various medical devices such as hypodermic needles, blood collection needles, intravenous (IV) stylets, and needles used to connect parts of IV delivery systems. The victims of needle stick injuries cost the healthcare system more than $3 billion every year.

According to Center for Disease Control data, the number of needle stick and other percutaneous injuries among health care workers is growing every year as well. More than 8 million health care workers in the United States work in hospitals and other health care settings. About half of these injuries go unreported. The average hospital sees its workers incur nearly 30 needle stick injuries per 100 beds per year.

Most reported needle stick injuries involve nursing staff; however, laboratory staff, physicians, housekeepers and other health care workers are also at risk. These injuries expose can workers to blood-borne pathogens such as HBV, HCV, and HIV.

Each of these pathogens are potentially life threatening, and infections are preventable. Of all the infections, HIV is the one with the most cause for concern. In one study of 20 health care workers with an HIV exposure, 11 reported acute severe distress, 7 had persistent moderate distress, and 6 quit their jobs due to the exposure.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a needle stick injury, call VanDerGinst Law at 1-866-843-7367 or click here for a FREE online case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your injury case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. So please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.

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