A Springfield, Mo. man has files a medical malpractice suit against Mercy Clinic in Springfield, Mo. and two of its physicians, claiming that they failed to provide proper treatment to prevent the spread of flesh-eating bacteria. Claiming he was denied emergency room treatment because he did not have health insurance, a claim the clinic disputes, the 66-year-old patient subsequently endured four operations, including a colostomy, removal of dead and damaged tissue and a skin graft to repair devastating damage to his buttocks and leg caused by necrotizing fasciitis, popularly known as flesh-eating bacteria. His hospital and related medical bills totaled $400,000.

Flesh-eating bacteria, antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE), which the CDC calls “nightmare bacteria,” and other super bugs are on the rise. Occurring in hospitals and medical care facilities, these dangerous bacteria attack already weakened patients, prolonging hospital stays, increasing medical care bills and often causing permanent disability or killing infected patients. Death rates from some of these bacteria are an appalling 50% or more.

The nightmare experienced in Springfield could easily repeat itself at any St. Louis hospital, warn St. Louis medical malpractice lawyers. Hospital or employee failure to adhere to proper medical hygiene protocols is typically found to be at fault when hospital patients become infected with super bugs.

If you or a loved one has suffered or died due to negligent bacterial exposure during medical treatment or a hospital stay, you need the experienced St. Louis medical malpractice lawyers at Hoffman & Gelfman on your side.