MRSA Claims

We rely on hospitals to make us well and, although hospitals and healthcare sites try their best to provide sterile environments, infections do happen.

So what happens if you get an MRSA infection while you’re in hospital or under healthcare?

What is MRSA?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a form of bacteria that’s resistant to standard antibiotics. Its ‘superbug’ label is due to its ability to resist treatment, which can make it difficult to treat.

Drug-resistant superbugs are on the rise because of the massive global consumption of antibiotics, according to a 2018 study.

MRSA can be debilitating, both physically and psychologically, leaving sufferers with compromised immunity. If not treated quickly, it can be fatal.

Much of the time MRSA causes are down to poor hygiene in hospitals during surgical procedures or in the after-care.

There are a number of superbugs, including:

• Clostridium Difficile (C. difficile)
  The strain of bacteria found in Tetanus. Causes gut problems and if not treated properly can be fatal.
• MSSA (methicillin-susceptible staphylococcus aureus)
  Similar to MRSA and can be fatal.
• E. coli
  Common type of bacteria – mostly harmless but more serious strains can cause serious food poisoning and if infection sets it, it can be fatal.
• Klebsiella
  Common bacteria known to cause a range of illnesses like pneumonia and urinary infections. Serious infection can be fatal.

Symptoms of MRSA                                                           

The symptoms of MRSA include small red bumps that initially look a bit like insect bites. They may be accompanied by fever and, occasionally, rashes. Within a few days, the bumps become larger and more painful, developing into boils. If bacteria enters the bloodstream through broken skin, it can cause blood poisoning. MRSA treatment depends on the severity of the infecting strain.

Why claim for MRSA compensation?

If you’ve been the victim of medical negligence and received an MRSA diagnosis, you need to make the hospital or health facility aware of it. They have a duty of care to look after you and ensure good standards of hygiene.

You may have a claim if:

• There was a delay in diagnosing the MSRA or other superbug
• You were operated on when you had an infection
• There was a delay in treating the MRSA
• There were poor levels of hygiene in the hospital where you were treated

More about making a claim

How can First4Lawyers help?

First4Lawyers have No Win No Fee MRSA claims solicitors with many years’ experience in medical negligence (not applicable in Scotland or Northern Ireland for medical negligence). They will guide you through the claims process, keeping you informed every step of the way. Our aim is to take the pressure off you, allowing you to make a full recovery without the worry of paperwork and chasing up progress.

How much compensation will I receive for an MRSA claim?

It’s very difficult to put an exact figure on MRSA compensation payouts, as they can vary greatly in nature.

However, two factors are assessed when calculating compensation for medical negligence claims:

1. General damages examine the direct effects of the MRSA. The pain and suffering endured, as well as loss of amenity are assessed. Loss of amenity can be both physical and psychological.
2. Special damages are the financial losses, or ‘out of pocket’ expenses, caused by the injury. This might include time off work, loss of earnings and costs of medical treatment.

Is there a time limit for making a claim?

For MRSA claims, the time limit is usually three years from the date of diagnosis or the ‘date of knowledge’, for example, if the effects have taken a while to become apparent.

There are some exceptions to the three-year rule, but our advisors will explain everything to you once they know your particular situation.

I think I have a claim, what do I do next?

If you’d like to make a No Win No Fee* MRSA claim, just get in contact with us by phone (the number at the top of the screen), or by completing our online claim form. We’ll call you back shortly and go through your situation, before assessing whether you have a medical negligence claim.