What Is a Central Line Infection (CLABSI)?

A central line infection, or CLABSI (Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection), is one of the most serious types of hospital-acquired infections, often occurring when a patient is already vulnerable and relying on critical medical care. For families, the diagnosis can feel sudden and overwhelming, especially when questions arise about whether the infection could have been prevented.  

At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, we understand how devastating complications like these can be. When a medical procedure intended to help leads to harm, patients and their loved ones deserve clear answers, accountability, and a path forward.

Understanding Central Lines and CLABSI

  A central line, also called a central venous catheter, is a tube placed into a large vein, typically in the neck, chest, or groin. These lines are commonly used in hospitals to deliver medications, fluids, blood products, or nutrition over an extended period.  

A central line infection (CLABSI) occurs when bacteria or other pathogens enter the bloodstream through that catheter. Because central lines provide direct access to the bloodstream, infections can spread quickly and become life-threatening.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, thousands of CLABSIs occur in U.S. hospitals each year, despite the fact that many are considered preventable with proper protocols.  

What Causes CLABSI Infection?

  Understanding what causes CLABSI infection is essential to determining whether proper care was provided. In many cases, these infections are linked to lapses in sterile technique or inadequate monitoring.    Common causes include:  

• Failure to properly disinfect the insertion site,
• Improper hand hygiene by healthcare providers,
• Contaminated equipment or dressings,
• Delays in removing unnecessary central lines, and
• Inadequate training or supervision of staff.

  Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified CLABSI as a largely preventable condition when hospitals follow evidence-based safety protocols. When those protocols are not followed, the risk of infection increases significantly.  

Why These Infections Matter

  An infection in a central line is not just a complication; it can dramatically alter the course of a patient’s recovery.    CLABSIs are associated with:  

• Extended hospital stays,
• Increased medical costs,
• Sepsis and organ failure,
• Long-term disability, and 
• Increased risk of death.

  The federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has reported that hospital-acquired infections like CLABSI contribute to thousands of preventable deaths annually. For patients who entered the hospital seeking treatment, the consequences can be life-altering.  

When Prevention Fails: Could It Be Negligence?

  Not every infection is the result of negligence. However, because CLABSI cases are often preventable, they frequently raise important legal and medical questions.  

Healthcare providers are expected to follow strict guidelines, including those established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for inserting and maintaining central lines. These include the use of sterile barrier precautions, proper site care, and daily assessment of whether the line is still necessary.  

When those standards are not followed, and a patient develops a CLABSI, it may indicate a breach in the standard of care.    Examples of potential negligence include:  

• Improper insertion technique,
• Failure to maintain a sterile environment,
• Ignoring signs of infection,
• Delayed diagnosis or treatment, and
• Poor communication among medical staff.

  Determining whether negligence occurred requires a detailed review of medical records, hospital policies, and expert medical analysis.  

Can You Sue for a CLABSI Infection?

  This is a common and understandable question. The answer depends on whether the infection resulted from substandard medical care. If a healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care and that failure caused harm, a medical malpractice claim may be appropriate.  

Missouri and Kansas Medical Malpractice Laws

 In both Missouri and Kansas, medical malpractice claims are governed by specific statutes.   

In Missouri, claims must typically be filed within two years of the alleged negligence (with limited exceptions). Kansas law also generally applies a two-year limitations period. While states may extend the deadline for legal action in cases of delayed discovery, these extensions are limited.    Additionally, Kansas and Missouri also generally require the support of a medical expert who can establish that the healthcare provider deviated from the standard of care to bring a successful medical malpractice claim.  

Because CLABSI cases involve complex medical issues, these claims often rely heavily on expert analysis from physicians and nurses familiar with infection control standards.  

The Real Impact on Patients and Families

  A central line infection does not happen in isolation. It can affect every aspect of a patient’s life, and often the lives of their family members as well.   There may be:  

• Physical pain and prolonged recovery,
• Emotional distress and uncertainty,
• Lost income and mounting medical bills, and
• Long-term care needs.

  In severe cases, families may be left coping with permanent disability or the loss of a loved one. While financial compensation cannot undo what has happened, it can provide stability, access to care, and a measure of accountability.  

How Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen Approaches CLABSI Cases

  Cases involving a hospital-acquired infection in a central line are rarely straightforward. They require a careful, methodical approach that looks beyond surface-level explanations.  

Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen is known throughout Kansas City and beyond for handling complex medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases with precision and depth. Our team takes a client-first approach, working closely with families to understand not only what happened, but what will be needed in the years ahead.

 Here’s what sets our firm apart:  

• A collaborative approach using in-house physician and nurse consultants;
• Extensive experience litigating high-stakes medical malpractice claims;
• A reputation among insurers and defense counsel for thorough, relentless preparation; and
• A commitment to uncovering every detail and building the strongest possible case.

In CLABSI cases, the critical questions are often not just whether negligence occurred, but how it impacted the patient’s future. Demonstrating the full extent of damages (medical, financial, and personal) is where experienced advocacy can make a meaningful difference.  

Contact Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen

  If you or a loved one has experienced a hospital-acquired infection in a central line, it is reasonable to ask questions about how it happened and whether it could have been prevented. Medical records, infection control logs, and hospital protocols can all provide important clues. However, interpreting that information requires medical and legal insight.  

Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen approaches these situations with care, professionalism, and a deep respect for what clients are going through. Our role is to serve as advocates, helping families find answers, pursue accountability when appropriate, and secure the resources needed for the future. Contact our office today at (816) 421-6868 to learn more about how we can help.  

Legal References Used to Inform This Page:  

To ensure the accuracy and clarity of this page, we referenced official legal resources during the content development process:  

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CLABSI Basics
• Johns Hopkins Medicine – Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI)
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality  – Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI)
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.105 – Statute of limitations
• K.S.A. § 60-513 – Statute of limitations 

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