The organism Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA is found on many individual's skin and can cause no major problems.
However if it gets inside the body, for example under the skin or into the lungs, it can cause infections such as boils or pneumonia.
Individuals who carry this organism can be healthy and can have no problems whatever. The term MRSA or methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus is used to describe those examples of this organism that are resistant to commonly used antibiotics.
Although many people will be carriers of MRSA and will suffer from no symptoms, unfortunately hundreds of deaths a year are linked to MRSA with many more people left seriously injured after getting the infection.
Despite the problem, traditionally compensation claims have been hard to pursue as it is nearly impossible to tell exactly where and when and how a person may have been infected.
Medical negligence claims for MRSA have in the past been very difficult as it has been very hard to attribute the blame to the NHS.
However, it may be that a breach of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSH) can be argued. This may enable victims of MRSA to claim compensation.
The legislation was previously only used in industrial accidents and places a requirement on employers to control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent accidents and illnesses.
Many accident compensation lawyers are now arguing that MRSA comes under the definition of a "substance hazardous to health". Furthermore they are arguing that if the legislation applies to the staff working in the hospitals, then it should also apply to patients who are in the hospitals.
If you have been affected by MRSA then you may be eligible for compensation. Call our advice centre free on 08000 89 03 90 to find what we can do for you.