Is Sepsis a Sign of Nursing Home Negligence?

 Posted on July 23, 2020 in Nursing Home Abuse

Infections are a constant concern in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Nursing Home residents are often elderly and in poor health. This means that their bodies are not able to fight infections the way that a healthy person’s body could. Infections may develop into a condition called sepsis, which is often fatal. If your loved one was injured or killed due to a sepsis infection while living in a nursing home, you may choose to bring a nursing home injury claim or wrongful death claim.

What Is Sepsis?

Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other pathogens may cause the body to release chemicals into the bloodstream that are extremely harmful. This bodily response is called sepsis. Infections of the skin caused by bedsores, urinary tract infections, or other infections can potentially cause sepsis. Without prompt and aggressive medical treatment, sepsis can lead to severe damage including organ failure and death. Individuals over age 65 and people with chronic medical conditions such as cancer or diabetes are at the highest risk of developing sepsis. A nursing home resident with sepsis may experience fever, high heart rate, weakness, disorientation, and terrible pain. Sepsis can also lead to septic shock which is often fatal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that sepsis kills over 250,000 people in the U.S. every year.

When Is a Nursing Home Liable for a Resident Developing Sepsis?

Not every nursing home resident infection can be prevented. However, hospitals have a legal obligation to prevent resident infections whenever possible. Nursing home staff should take precautions to eliminate the spread of germs in the facility. This includes regularly sanitizing the facility and practicing proper hygiene such as hand washing between patients. Bedsores should be avoided by regularly repositioning residents who are unable to do so themselves. If a resident does develop an infection, staff should quickly address the issue. Resident infections that are ignored can lead to horrific suffering and an increased risk of death. If your loved one developed sepsis due to the negligent actions of a nursing home, a personal injury claim may enable you to hold the negligent facility accountable for the wrongdoing while also recovering compensation for you or your loved one.

Contact an Illinois Nursing Home Neglect Attorney

Sepsis is often preventable. If you believe that nursing home negligence played a role in your loved one developing sepsis, contact Schwartz Injury Law to discuss your legal options. Call us today at 312-535-4625 and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Cook County nursing home injury lawyer.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351214

https://www.healthline.com/health/septic-shock