Needle stick injuries refer to any injury, including disease, that is a result of being accidentally stuck by a medical needle. Needles to be considered are hypodermic needles, blood collection needles, intravenous (IV) stylets, and needles used to connect parts of IV delivery systems.

Nearly 600,000 to 800,000 needle stick injuries occur each year, according to the Center for Disease Control. Needle stick injuries happen primarily to those who work in the health care field, but not just doctors and nurses. Victims include laboratory staff, nurse's aides, housekeepers and anyone exposed to injective devices.

With any needle stick, there is a risk of contracting potentially fatal diseases from blood-borne pathogens including:

  • Diphtheria
  • Hepatitis, including Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
  • Herpes
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
  • Malaria
  • Spotted Fever
  • Syphilis
  • Tuberculosis
  • Typhus


As a victim, you can make a claim for hospital negligence or medical malpractice. You are owed compensation for the psychological distress of waiting for test results to come back, and if positive results return, the treatment for diseases that could have been prevented if it wasn't for someone else's negligence.

If you have suffered from needle stick injuries, contact Castle Law Office. An experienced personal injury attorney will assist you or your loved one in your case. Call us today at 816-842-7100 to speak with an attorney that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Or you can click here to email us and schedule your free consultation. 

Jason C. Amerine
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President and Owner, Castle Law Office of Kansas City