Needlestick injury

A friend who lives in USA received a needlestick injury during a short stay in hospital.

The usual HEP vaccination and blood tests followed but alas the result is HEP B positive.

How does she go about taking legal action.

Was she a patient? If so how did she get a needlestick injury, if she got stuck with a clean needle there is no possibility of contracting disease. If she got stuck with another patients needle how did it happen? Needles are disposed of after use so it is unlikely that a patient would come in contact with another patient's needle. When did she get a blood test drawn? And you do realize of coorifice that you may discuss your friend's problem here if you wish; but we will not give legal advice. we are not lawyers.

Exactly what i was wondering. As a patient how was she in contact with a used needle other than one used on her? I dont get it. If i think hard, i maybe can think of one or possibly two ways,, but they are highly unlikely.

I wonder if she wasnt possibly Hep B pos already and didnt know it.

not that this was what happened... but the only thing I can think of is that a patient digging through a needbox for drugs would be at risk for a needlestick!

How do you receive a needlestick injury as the patient?

Great question!

Great question!

And why the heck isn't the victim of this incident posting, instead of a friend?

NurseFirst