Avoid an Infection After a Workplace Accident

When a workplace accident results in an open wound on the victim's body, the wound can become infected if it is not closed and treated with an antibiotic. This is because foreign bodies and bacteria can enter the wound through the opening in the skin and develop in the tissue beneath the skin. Infections can have many complications for a wound victim, such as keeping the wound from healing properly, becoming an abscess, or leading to a new type of infection.

If you have suffered a wound in a workplace accident, you need to address it appropriately in a timely manner. Only after this should you consider seeking compensation for your damages from the negligent party.

When a wound is left untreated for a prolonged period of time, an infection can become sepsis, which is a potentially life-threatening inflammation that spreads through the bloodstream to the victim's entire body. Sepsis can cause organs and entire organ systems to fail. Sepsis is treated with antibiotics and, in some cases, intravenous re-hydration of the victim's body.

Symptoms of sepsis include a body temperature below 96.8 degrees or above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, abnormally fast breathing, and an abnormally fast heart rate.

After an accident, the open wound must be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water. To avoid introducing potentially-dangerous bacteria into the wound, use drinking-quality water. If this is not available, boil water and allow it to cool before using it to clean a wound.

Use an antiseptic solution to clean the wound and the area around it. Once this step is complete, cover the wound in clean, dry dressing. Do not use gauze or any other material that can stick into the wound – you want to cover it, but not risk any foreign objects entering and staying in the body.

If the wound is severe, seek medical attention for it as soon as you can. Otherwise, keep an eye on it and apply antiseptic ointment each day. If the wound does not heal on its own within a week or so or if it becomes worse, seek medical attention. You might need a tetanus shot, depending on your vaccination status. Tetanus is another type of infection that can have serious complications for a wound victim.

After an accident, it is critical that any open wounds on the victim be adequately cleaned and dressed to prevent them from being infected. An infection can have significant complications for the victim and make his or her recovery time much longer and more complicated. If you have suffered an injury at work, contact an experienced San Jose workplace accident attorney to discuss your options for pursuing monetary compensation for your damages after you receive appropriate medical care. Our team at Corsiglia, McMahon, & Allard, L.L.P. can help you seek the money you deserve. We proudly serve clients throughout the Bay Area, San Mateo County, Alameda County, San Benito County, Monterey County, and Santa Clara County.

• Wound Infection
• Sepsis