MRSA Compensation Claims

MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a type of bacteria that affects people with a low or compromised immune system. Its resistance to many antibiotics means healthcare professionals often struggle to treat MRSA infections effectively.

MRSA is often spread through skin-to-skin contact but can also be spread through contaminated surfaces, including towels and clothing. The bacteria can lead to serious conditions when it enters the bloodstream, including:

• Sepsis
• Pneumonia
• Endocarditis
• Osteomyelitis
• Abscesses

All of these conditions can lead to severe complications and even fatalities in worst-case scenarios.

While MRSA cases have steadily decreased, the infection can still occur and cause significant damage. Understanding the risk factors of MRSA can help you limit the risks of infection.

There’s a reason doctors are resistant to prescribing antibiotics: frequent and improper use puts people at greater risk of bacteria that don’t respond to antibiotics. Resistant bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, will survive and multiply, turning into an MRSA infection.

In contrast, not finishing your prescribed course of antibiotics might leave some bacteria behind. If it develops a resistance to antibiotics, you could develop MRSA.

MRSA can spread from person to person and thrives in places where there’s a lot of close contact. Nursing homes and hospitals often carry the highest risks due to invasive procedures and antibiotic use.

Elderly individuals are also more at risk than younger adults, making nursing homes a high-risk environment. Living in unsanitary conditions also promotes the spread of bacteria.

Individuals with weakened immune systems carry a higher risk of contracting MRSA. For example, someone with a chronic illness will have long-term susceptibility, but people with short-term infections could still contract MRSA.

Open wounds, IV lines, and surgical incisions are potential entry points for bacteria.

The symptoms of MRSA vary, and it’s hard to spot early signs of infection. Red flags include pain, pus, warmth, swelling and redness when the bacteria hasn’t fully gone into the skin. As the condition worsens, people might display the following symptoms:

• Feeling dizzy and confused
• General pains and aches
• High temperatures or chills

• MRSA rates in the UK decreased by 49.6% between 2011 and 2023 (NICE).
• Between 2022 and 2023, 174 deaths occurred within 20 days of an MRSA infection (GOV.UK).
• MRSA infections are most common in elderly adults (GOV.UK).

Many people make a full recovery from MRSA, but it depends on the condition’s severity and how quickly it spreads. Research from Harvard Medical School highlights the potential complications and ongoing symptoms—some of which could cause long-term health issues.

Even if the initial treatment is successful, some people might experience frequent skin infections, which often result in pain and discomfort. Osteomyelitis is another significant risk, as it’s an infection that impacts the bones. Serious cases usually need medication and even surgery.

Some cases of MRSA can turn into a severe condition called necrotizing fasciitis, which destroys tissue. If not treated in time, the condition can lead to a loss of feeling and function. Many people also have permanent scars.

MRSA can cause extensive organ damage, including damage to the heart, lungs, and kidneys. The infection can lead to pneumonia, which requires immediate treatment. If MRSA impacts the heart, patients are at risk of developing endocarditis and might need surgery.

Kidney damage is also common, with the most severe cases causing long-term issues with kidney functioning.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can cause ongoing complications, septic shock and even death if not treated immediately. Even with proper treatment, individuals can experience long-term symptoms, including cognitive problems and chronic fatigue.

Studies confirm that individuals who have MRSA in the past are more at risk of future infections—particularly when there’s an underlying condition. Frequent infections might gradually worsen and cause long-term damage.

The ongoing effects of MRSA might cause mobility issues due to arthritis, an inability to work and problems when performing daily activities. All of these complications can impact a person’s quality of life, but making a medical negligence claim provides financial assistance.

MRSA is a potentially life-threatening condition. Even if someone makes a full recovery, they might still deal with the long-term emotional effects. Depression, anxiety and feeling hopeless in general all contribute to a decrease in quality of life.

If you or a loved one contracted MRSA and can prove that another party was negligent, you have every right to file for compensation. These cases are complex to prove, but filling out the online form or calling 0800 234 6438 gives you access to specialist legal advice.

An advisor will ask questions about your cause and determine whether you’re eligible for compensation. To claim compensation, you’ll need to prove that someone else was responsible for the injuries.

Most MRSA cases fall under medical negligence compensation claims, as they’re common effects of hospital stays and nursing homes. While any form of negligence can support your claim, the most complex component is verifying that the MRSA occurred as a result of negligence.

• Poor Hygiene Standards: All businesses must adhere to strong hygiene standards, but it’s even more important for healthcare providers. Failing to promote disinfect surfaces, use antibacterial wash and maintain a clean environment means you could be eligible to make an MRSA claim.
• General Errors: Hospitals and nursing homes are responsible for checking other patients for signs of infection. Failing to do this could cause MRSA bacteria to spread. Other general mistakes that count as hospital negligence include not dressing open wounds and monitoring a patient’s condition.
• Diagnosis & Treatment Mistakes: Healthcare providers are trained to spot the symptoms of MRSA and take immediate steps. It counts as negligence if they miss the symptoms or misdiagnose a patient. Prescribing the wrong treatment for an MRSA condition also constitutes hospital negligence.

If you’re eligible for compensation, you can claim on a no win no fee basis, which offers numerous benefits. A conditional fee agreement works differently from traditional solicitors, as you won’t pay any upfront fees or hourly rates.

Instead, the no win no fee solicitor only takes their fee if they secure compensation. If your claim is unsuccessful, there won’t be any financial losses. Another key benefit of no win no fee MRSA claims is that the solicitor will only take on your case if they’re confident that you’ll win.

The amount of compensation you receive depends on the extent of your condition and how it impacts your daily life. All medical negligence claims have two key components: general and special damages.

1. General damages cover your condition and its impact on your life. For example, pain and suffering, along with any loss of amenity.
2. Special damages equate to any financial losses caused by MRSA, including travel costs, time off work and medical expenses.

Every MRSA case is different; the following amounts are estimates based on other claims. The only way to get an accurate idea of your compensation is by asking your solicitor.

Evidence is always beneficial as it proves medical negligence and ensures you receive the correct amount of compensation. Your solicitor will support you in gathering the following forms of evidence:

• Medical Records: Your treatment records can show whether you were incorrectly diagnosed, previous treatments, and the care you received. They’ll also highlight your current treatment plan and provide detailed evidence of your MRSA complications.
• Witnesses/Experts: Anyone else who suffered due to a hospital infection can provide evidence on your behalf. Supporting evidence from a medical specialist will also improve your claim.
• Hospital Policies: Gathering proof of hospital policies and infection control reports can highlight if there were issues in the past.
• Expenses: Any financial losses as a result of your MRSA, including private medical treatment costs, travel expenses, time off work and mobility aids.

In most cases, NHS Resolution will pay for your claim, as the official body handles all NHS complaints. If you develop an infection in a private hospital, the negligent party’s insurance provider will often handle your case.

As with the majority of compensation cases, you have up to three years from the date of your infection diagnosis to claim compensation. There are some exceptions to the rule, including a lack of mental capacity and claims involving children.

If you were diagnosed with MRSA as a child, you can claim compensation for up to three years after you turn 18.