Drug-resistant infections represent the leading challenge facing the medical community. These infections result in thousands of deaths each year and billions of dollars in unneeded medical expenses for those affected.
In New York, infections arising from drug-resistant pathogens, including bacteria and fungus, have been found in some of the state’s largest hospitals. If you or a loved one has been infected during a hospital stay or medical procedure, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
The Rise of Drug-Resistant Pathogens: A Deadly Toll
In 2019, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report that underscored the deadly toll drug-resistant infections are taking on our nation’s residents. In a previous report published in 2013, the CDC found that these infections sickened nearly 2 million people. The new report’s statistics are even more alarming:
- 2.8 million people are affected by drug-resistant infections each year.
- This figure represents an increase of 800,000 per year since 2013.
- Almost 35,000 people lose their lives to infections.
According to a researcher at the CDC, someone in the U.S. acquires a drug-resistant infection every 11 seconds, and someone dies from these infections every 15 minutes on average. Victims can be found in healthcare settings of many types, including hospitals, nursing homes, medical clinics, and outpatient surgery centers.
Although advances have been made in facility and medical staff hygiene practices, drug-resistant infections represent the United States’ greatest public health threat.
Deadly Fungus in New York’s Healthcare Facilities
Among the many pathogens that have developed a resistance to common antibiotics is a fungus known as Candida auris. In data compiled by the New York State Department of Health, C. auris has been found in 64 state hospitals and over 100 nursing homes. The heaviest concentrations of infections were in three of New York City’s five boroughs: Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. Some of the area’s largest hospitals were affected, including those run by some of the nation’s most prominent academic institutions.
About half of the patients who contract an infection caused by C. auris die within 90 days. In 2019, 388 people in New York have gotten such an infection, which is just under half of all confirmed cases in the United States.
Seeking Legal Help for Drug-Resistant Infections in NYC
Patients and family members who have acquired an infection caused by drug-resistant pathogens have many questions and concerns. At The Ashley Law Firm, our experienced team of medical malpractice attorneys in NYC has helped infection victims fight for their rights.
The Ashley Law Firm has represented hundreds of clients with drug-resistant infections, helping them to recover millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements.
With our legal representation, our clients have received financial compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses. If you or someone you know has been affected by a drug-resistant infection, call us today at (718) 701-8903 for a free consultation.
The Ashley Law Firm is the New York City area’s most experienced medical malpractice attorney, working directly with clients to preserve their rights and to fight for fair compensation for their injuries.
