MRSA Infections: Causes, Risks, and Legal Options

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is a bacterial infection caused by a staph bacteria commonly found in hospitals, nursing homes, and dialysis centers.

The infection is resistant to many common antibiotics, making it particularly difficult to treat. MRSA infections can spread rapidly, especially in healthcare settings, schools, and public places. 

These infections can cause serious health complications, and in some cases, negligence in medical facilities or workplaces can lead to outbreaks. 

When medical staff fail to follow correct sanitary procedures to prevent bacteria growth, patients can develop an MRSA infection. This can lead to pain, missed time from work, severe illness, amputation, and if left untreated, even death.

What Is MRSA?

MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that has developed resistance to methicillin and other antibiotics. While Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found on the skin and in the noses of healthy individuals, MRSA can cause severe infections if it enters the body through cuts, wounds, or medical procedures.

MRSA is categorized into two main types:

• Healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA): Found in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities, typically affecting patients with weakened immune systems.
• Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA): Occurs in otherwise healthy individuals and spreads through skin-to-skin contact, contaminated surfaces, or shared personal items.

Causes and Risk Factors

MRSA spreads through direct contact with an infected wound, personal items contaminated with the bacteria, or surfaces that have not been properly disinfected. The primary risk factors for MRSA infections include:

• Hospitalization: Long hospital stays or surgeries increase the risk of MRSA exposure.
• Medical Devices: Catheters, IV lines, and ventilators can introduce MRSA into the bloodstream.
• Weakened Immune System: Individuals undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplants, or those with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable.
• Poor Hygiene Practices: Sharing razors, towels, or personal hygiene products can facilitate MRSA transmission.
• Overuse of Antibiotics: The excessive use of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance, making MRSA more difficult to treat.
• Close-Contact Environments: Gyms, schools, military barracks, and daycare centers are common places for MRSA outbreaks.

Symptoms of MRSA Infections

MRSA infections can manifest in different ways, depending on where the bacteria enter the body. Common symptoms include:

• Skin infections: Painful, red, swollen, and pus-filled boils or abscesses.
• Pneumonia: Fever, chills, cough, and difficulty breathing.
• Septicemia (bloodstream infection): Fever, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and dizziness.
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection): Severe pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
• Endocarditis (heart infection): Chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

If left untreated, MRSA infections can lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis, organ failure, or amputation.

Diagnosis and Treatment of MRSA

Diagnosing MRSA involves laboratory tests, including blood tests, wound cultures, and nasal swabs. Once diagnosed, treatment options depend on the severity of the infection:

• Drainage of Abscesses: Small MRSA-related skin infections are often treated by draining pus from the infected area.
• Antibiotics: While MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics, some alternative antibiotics, such as vancomycin, daptomycin, and linezolid, can still be effective.
• Hospitalization: Severe MRSA infections require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic treatment and close monitoring.

Preventing MRSA Infections

Preventing MRSA requires good hygiene and infection control measures. Some effective prevention strategies include:

• Hand Hygiene: Regular hand washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Proper Wound Care: Keeping wounds clean, covered, and properly bandaged.
• Avoiding Shared Personal Items: Not sharing razors, towels, or clothing with others.
• Disinfecting Surfaces: Regular cleaning of gym equipment, medical devices, and frequently touched surfaces.
• Antibiotic Stewardship: Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Legal Considerations for MRSA Infections

In some cases, MRSA infections result from negligence in healthcare settings, workplaces, or public facilities. Victims who suffer due to improper medical care, lack of sanitation, or workplace exposure may have legal grounds for a lawsuit.

Medical Malpractice Claims

Healthcare facilities have a duty to maintain sanitary conditions and prevent infections. If a patient contracts MRSA due to:

• Unsanitary hospital conditions
• Failure to follow infection control protocols
• Delayed or misdiagnosed MRSA infection
• Improper use of antibiotics

they may have grounds to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Workplace and Public Exposure Claims

Employers and public facility managers must take reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of MRSA. Negligence claims can arise if:

• Employers fail to provide proper protective equipment for workers.
• Schools or gyms neglect sanitation procedures.
• Nursing homes do not implement infection control measures.

Product Liability Claims

In rare cases, MRSA infections may be linked to contaminated medical devices, personal care products, or pharmaceutical drugs. If a product contributes to an MRSA outbreak, victims may have grounds for a product liability lawsuit.

Seeking Compensation for MRSA-Related Harm

Victims of MRSA infections caused by negligence may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and follow-up treatments.
• Lost wages: Income lost due to hospitalization or long-term illness.
• Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress caused by the infection.
• Wrongful death damages: Compensation for families who lost a loved one due to a fatal MRSA infection.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Morgan & Morgan is committed to fighting for individuals who have suffered from MRSA infections due to negligence. Our experienced attorneys investigate cases, gather evidence, and pursue justice on behalf of victims. 

Whether the infection stems from medical malpractice, workplace exposure, or unsafe public facilities, we work to secure the compensation and accountability our clients deserve.

MRSA infections can be life-threatening, especially when caused by negligent healthcare practices, unsafe working conditions, or inadequate infection control. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a preventable MRSA infection, you may have legal options. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to explore your rights and take the first step toward justice.