Miami Children’s Hospital has moved children from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) into another section of the hospital in order to cleanse the ward of toxic substances. At least two strands of pseudomonas, a fatal and drug-resistant bacteria, have been discovered in the NICU recently. Two babies have died from exposure to the toxic substance within the past week.
The NICU at Miami Children’s Hospital is responsible for treating premature or sick newborn babies. Doctors who had originally planned on sending newborns to the NICU for treatment have been making alternate arrangements as a precautionary measure.
Hospitals have an obligation to maintain a safe environment for their patients. This includes ensuring that hospital wards are sterile and sanitary so that sick patients with already weakened immune systems do not suffer needless harm from exposure to toxic substances. This obligation is especially important in a children’s ward or a neonatal area. When a hospital fails to maintain a safe environment for its patients, it is guilty of premises liability and should be held accountable for its negligent actions.
Most likely, Miami Children’s hospital will face two premises liability or possibly even wrongful death lawsuits for failing to remove the deadly bacteria before young children became sick and died. When you or a loved one has suffered an illness or injury due to the unsafe conditions at a hospital, you should consult an experienced premises liability attorney immediately to find out if you are eligible to receive compensation for your damages.
If you have a premises liability claim in the Columbus, Ohio area, please contact the Law Offices of Robert W. Kerpsack Co., L.P.A. today to schedule a consultation.
