MRSA is a bacterium which causes infections on the skin; it is usually contracted when people are being treated in hospital with an open wound or on a drip. It is difficult to treat because it has become resistant to many antibiotics.
For healthy people, MRSA does not usually pose any threat. However, for people with weakened immune systems, such as the sick and the elderly, MRSA has the potential to be very harmful.
MRSA skin infections include impetigo, boils, cellulitis, abscesses, styes and carbuncles.
MRSA can also cause serious infections in almost any part of the body such as septic shock, severe joint problems, septicaemia, infection of the heart lining, lung infection (pneumonia), scalded skin syndrome, bone marrow infection, inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), internal abscesses anywhere in the body and occasionally toxic shock syndrome.
MRSA infections can be treated with certain medicines. However, while some people go on to make a full recovery, others are left with permanent disabilities or scarring, so it is no surprise that some cases of MRSA lead to personal injury claims.
Usually, MRSA can be avoided by ensuring strict hygiene measures are taken in hospitals. One important measure hospitals should take is to make sure all visitors wash their hands using the special disinfectant dispensers available on most hospital wards, to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Medical staff must also wash their hands after each task they carry out.
If you have contracted MRSA due to the uncleanliness and poor hygiene of the medical staff were treating you then you can claim compensation.