The majority of patients in intensive care units receive lifesaving medicine and fluids through central venous catheters. Unfortunately, when improperly inserted or maintained, these catheters can lead to dangerous bloodstream infections. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 12 percent and 25 percent of patients who develop catheter-related bloodstream infection die.
At Miller & Wagner, our attorneys investigate and present damage claims for wrongful death from negligent placement or management of a central venous catheter. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case. With offices in Pacific City and Portland, our lawyers represent family members of wrongful death victims throughout Oregon and Washington.
Catheter Infection and Medical Negligence
The most common cause of bloodstream infections in a medical setting is improper placement or maintenance of a central vein catheter. Dangerous germs, including those causing staph infections, can enter the bloodstream though the catheter. In many cases, patients survive the medical condition that resulted in their admission to an intensive care unit, only to die from a catheter-related infection.
According to the CDC, central venous catheters may cause an estimated 80,000 bloodstream infections in intensive care units in the United States each year. If your loved one has died from an infection following admission to an intensive care unit, contact our lawyer for a case evaluation. We will conduct a full and fair investigation to determine if the medical provider was negligent.
From our offices in Portland, our medical malpractice trial attorneys represent plaintiffs in medical negligence claims against physicians and health care providers throughout Oregon and Washington. For your convenience, we have a satellite office in Pacific City.