MRSA and Hospital Infection Claims: A Complete Guide to Medical Negligence Claims

When you go into a hospital — whether for surgery, treatment, or tests — you expect to be cared for in a clean, safe, and hygienic environment. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, avoidable hospital infections like MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) can lead to serious illness, long recovery periods, emotional stress, and long-term health problems.

If you’ve suffered from MRSA or another hospital-acquired infection due to poor hygiene, substandard care, or negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation. This guide explains how these claims work, what you can claim for, and how we’re here to help you every step of the way.

What is an MRSA and Hospital Infection Claim?

An MRSA or hospital infection claim arises when a patient suffers illness, complications, or harm due to an infection acquired during a hospital stay or treatment, particularly where it could have been prevented with proper hygiene standards and care.

Rather than being treated as an unavoidable risk, hospital-acquired infections can often be linked to failures in cleanliness, infection control, or medical oversight — making them grounds for a legal claim.

For example:

• A surgical wound becomes infected with MRSA due to poor sterilisation of equipment or a contaminated environment.

• A patient in intensive care develops sepsis from an untreated hospital infection.

• Inadequate cleaning of hospital rooms and wards leads to the spread of dangerous bacteria.

• Poor hand hygiene from staff contributes to cross-infection between patients.

In these situations, you may have the right to seek compensation for the harm caused.

How to Make an MRSA or Hospital Infection Claim

We understand that making a legal claim after a traumatic medical experience can feel daunting — especially while you’re still recovering. That’s why we’ve broken the process down into clear, manageable steps:

Step 1: Arrange a Free Consultation

Contact our team for a no-obligation, free consultation. We’ll listen to your experience, review your circumstances, and explain whether you have a valid claim — and what your next steps could be.

Step 2: Gather Essential Information

To support your claim, we’ll need to gather key evidence, including:

• Details of your hospital stay or treatment

• Medical records documenting your infection, diagnosis, and care

• Test results confirming the presence of MRSA or other hospital-acquired infections

• Copies of complaints made to the hospital (if any)

• Evidence of financial losses (such as lost earnings and medical expenses)

• Witness accounts from family members or other patients (if applicable)

Once the evidence is gathered, your claim will be handled by a solicitor experienced in medical negligence and hospital infection cases.

What If the Hospital Denies Responsibility?

If the hospital disputes liability for your infection, don’t worry — that’s not the end of your claim. Our specialist solicitors will:

• Review your medical records and treatment history

• Identify breaches in infection control policies and hygiene procedures

• Arrange independent medical expert reports

• Highlight hospital failings against NHS or private healthcare standards

• Negotiate with hospital legal teams and insurers

• Take formal legal action if required

A detailed, well-documented claim is key to proving negligence — and we’ll manage that for you.

Who Can Make an MRSA or Hospital Infection Claim?

You could be eligible to claim if you:

• Suffered an MRSA or other infection during or following hospital care

• Experienced complications such as delayed healing, sepsis, or long-term health issues

• Endured extended hospital stays, corrective surgery, or additional treatment because of infection

• Lost a loved one due to an avoidable hospital-acquired infection

Claims can be made by:

• The patient directly

• A representative if the patient lacks mental capacity

• Family members, if a loved one has sadly passed away due to infection-related negligence

What Can You Claim for in a Hospital Infection Case?

The value of your claim will depend on how serious the infection was, how it has affected your life, and what your recovery looks like. A successful claim may cover:

• Medical expenses: Costs of extra treatment, surgery, medication, or physiotherapy

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma

• Loss of earnings: For time off work or an inability to work in the future

• Care costs: If you require help with daily living or mobility due to complications

• Travel costs: Journeys for medical appointments, treatments, or specialist care

• Adaptations: Changes to your home or car if needed due to long-term health problems

• Loss of future income: If the infection has long-term impacts on your ability to work

Your solicitor will make sure every aspect of your financial, physical, and emotional losses are factored into your claim.

Can You Claim on Behalf of a Family Member?

Yes — if a family member has been seriously harmed by a hospital-acquired infection and cannot pursue a claim themselves, you may be able to act on their behalf if they:

• Are under 18

• Lack mental capacity

• Have passed away as a result of their infection

In the case of a fatality, family members may also be entitled to claim for dependency losses, funeral costs, and the emotional impact of their loss.

How Long Does an MRSA or Hospital Infection Claim Take?

The length of time to settle a claim depends on:

• Whether the hospital accepts responsibility

• The complexity and severity of your case

• How long your recovery or prognosis will take

• Whether disputes over evidence or negligence arise

Straightforward claims with clear evidence might settle within several months, while more complex cases involving long-term complications or disputes could take a year or longer.

We’ll manage everything for you, providing regular updates and ensuring you’re supported throughout.

Are Hospital Infection Claims Complicated?

Yes — hospital infection claims often involve detailed medical, legal, and expert assessments. These claims require:

• Proving that the hospital failed to meet hygiene and infection control standards

• Showing that this failure directly caused your infection and resulting harm

• Handling complex medical evidence and expert opinions

• Dealing with hospital insurers, solicitors, and healthcare regulators

This is why it’s so important to have a solicitor with specific experience in medical negligence and hospital infection claims.

We’re Here to Support You

Contracting a hospital-acquired infection like MRSA can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial effects. But you don’t have to face it alone.

Our specialist medical negligence solicitors are here to:

• Support you through every stage of the claims process

• Help you access corrective treatment, specialist care, and financial support

• Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve to help you move forward

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation — and take the first step towards justice, recovery, and peace of mind.