

Needlestick and Syringe Injury Claims
If you have been injured by a needlestick, you should contact a lawyer
to protect your rights.
Often victims have to wait and see after a needlestick injury. While many
people will not contract a disease, they are in danger of getting potentially
fatal diseases from bloodborne pathogens including: Hepatitis (including
hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Diphtheria, Typhus, Herpes,
Malaria, human immunodeficiency virus HIV, that causes acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS), Tuberculosis, Spotted Fever, and Syphilis.
According to the Centers for Disease control about 600,000 and 800,000
Needlestick injuries occur in the health care industry each year. The injuries
are caused by needles such as hypodermic needles, blood collection needles,
intravenous (IV) stylets, and needles used to connect parts of IV delivery
systems. Over 3 billion in health care costs is spent each year treating
the victims.
More than 8 million health care workers in the United States work in hospitals
and other health care settings. According to Centers for Disease Control
data the number of needle stick and other percutaneous injuries among health
care workers is growing every year. About half of these injuries are unreported.
At an average hospital, workers incur approximately 30 needle stick injuries
per 100 beds per year.
Most reported needle stick injuries involve nursing staff; however laboratory staff, physicians, housekeepers, and other health care workers are also at risk. These injuries expose workers to blood borne pathogens such as HBV, HCV, and HIV.
Infections with each of these pathogens are potentially life threatening-and
preventable.This impact is particularly severe when the injury involves
exposure to HIV. In one study of 20 health care workers with an HIV exposure,
11 reported acute severe distress, 7 had persistent moderate distress,
and 6 quit their jobs as a result of the exposure.
Lawyers are currently pursuing possible legal theories against the manufacturers
of needles, including products liability theories that safer needles and
syringes are not being used because healthcare administrators have colluded
with needle manufacturers.
Needle Stick Injuries involve unique factual and legal issues. Few attorneys
have experience handling these matters, however legal help is important
to protect your rights, and obtain compensation for treatment and the long
term consequences of these injuries.
If you have suffered a Needle Stick
Injury contact us>>.