Clostridium Difficile Lawsuit Help
The Weinberg Law Firm is currently assisting individuals or their loved ones, who may have a C. difficile personal injury or C. difficile wrongful death claim based on medical negligence. If you or a loved one would like more information regarding a C. difficile lawsuit, please call our law firm toll free at 877-934-6274. Our phones are answered 24/7.
C. difficile bacteria
About Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a spore-forming, toxin-producing bacterium that can cause inflammation of the colon known as colitis. The bacterium is commonly referred to as “C. diff.”
There are approximately 500,000 cases of C. difficile infection per year in the United States. Complications of the illness may range from mild diarrhea to colitis, sepsis, or death, underscoring the importance of C. difficile infection control, and prompt C. difficile diagnosis and treatment.
C. difficile Lawsuits
Although testing for C. difficile infection and treatment for the illness are readily available, medical errors resulting in patient injury or death do occur. A patient, or their survivor may be entitled to compensation based on injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of companionship and guidance.
Filing a C. difficile lawsuit may be warranted in the following instances:
• Delay or failure to test for C. difficile infection, or to initiate C. difficile treatment.
• Inappropriate antibiotic use, or failure to discontinue the disease precipitating antibiotic.
• Inappropriate use of anti-peristaltic medications, e.g., Imodium (loperamide) or Lomotil (diphenoxylate-atropine)
• Failure to properly treat a C. difficile infection, e.g., length of antibiotic therapy, etc.
Risk Factors for C. difficile Infection
According the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk for C. difficile disease increases in patients with:
• Current or recent antibiotic use
• Current or recent stay in a hospital, rehabilitation facility, or long-term care facility
• Advanced age
• Serious or severe underlying illness
• A weakened immune system
• Use of proton pump inhibitors
• Gastrointestinal surgery/manipulation
C. difficile Transmission
Clostridium difficile is spread by the fecal to oral route. The bacteria and spores are shed in the feces of C. difficile infected patients. Environmental surfaces, objects, and medical equipment can become contaminated with feces and serve as a source for C. difficile infection. A patient may touch a surface contaminated with C. difficile and then unknowingly swallow the bacteria and/or spores. Healthcare personnel may spread the bacteria to patients, or contaminate environmental surfaces by hand contact.
Obtain a Free C. Difficile Lawsuit Case Evaluation
The Weinberg Law Firm represents medical malpractice victims, including those who have suffered injuries related to C. difficile infection. For a free legal case evaluation, please call our firm toll free at 1-877-934-6274. You can also contact our firm online by using the easy-to-use Legal Case Evaluation Form found on this page.
