need contingency lawyer for mother who died of sepsis in nursing home was neglect

by Jeramy Lebsack II 8 min read

Who is liable for sepsis in a nursing home case?

This lawsuit is typically brought by the spouse or children of the deceased resident, as well as the resident’s estate. If liable, the nursing home will be required to compensate the resident’s family and Estate for the value of life, medical bills, and pain and suffering. What is sepsis? Sepsis is the body’s abnormal reaction to an infection.

What are nursing home responsibilities for sepsis?

Nursing homes have a responsibility to prevent pressure ulcers by helping their residents move around and reposition themselves. Similarly, if a nursing home is careless with IVs, catheters, or other medical instruments, a patient can develop sepsis.

Can a lawyer sue a nursing home for medical negligence?

A nursing home neglect attorney may be able to hold a nursing home liable for medical negligence in a personal injury case. Call (800) 896-7040 to see if you can work with a nursing home neglect attorney right now. We can also determine if a nursing home abuse lawsuit would be better for your case. How do lawyers prove nursing home negligence?

Do I have a claim if my loved one died from sepsis?

My loved one died of sepsis at a nursing home- Do I have a claim? Yes. If your loved one died from sepsis, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the nursing home for wrongful death. This lawsuit is typically brought by the spouse or children of the deceased resident, as well as the resident’s estate.

Can you get sepsis in a nursing home?

Sepsis in nursing homes is a life-threatening condition. It occurs as the most extreme response to an infection and is especially dangerous to the elderly population. Severe cases can lead to septic shock, a dramatic drop in blood pressure that results in organ damage or even death.

Why do nursing home residents get UTI?

Your loved one may develop UTI in the nursing home if bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Chlamydia, and mycoplasma bacteria enter the urethra. These bacteria can infect the urethra in many ways, such as catheter use and soiled diapers.

Is sepsis a negligence?

Sepsis can be life-threatening and cause death if it isn't diagnosed and treated promptly. When sepsis occurs due to medical negligence, patients (or their families in cases of death) may be able to file a medical malpractice claim against the doctor, hospital, or other responsible parties.

Can you sue for UTI?

If your loved one suffered an injury from a urinary tract infection that developed and was untreated because of the negligence of the nursing home, you may be entitled to the following damages: Medical bills to treat the condition. Pain and suffering. Emotional distress.

What is Mcgeer's criteria?

One of the following criteria must be met: A- The resident does not have an indwelling urinary catheter and has at least three of the following signs and symptoms: Fever (>38ºC) or chills. New or increased burning pain on urination, frequency or urgency. May be new or increased incontinence.

Can you sue a hospital if someone dies of sepsis?

If you developed sepsis due to the negligence of a hospital doctor, you might be able to file a claim. If you lost a loved one because of sepsis, you might be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Can sepsis be listed as cause of death?

Sepsis is a person's overwhelming or impaired whole-body immune response to an insult—an infection or an injury to the body, or something else that provokes such a response. It's a serious condition and a leading cause of death in hospitals. It's also a main reason why people are readmitted to the hospital.

Can you claim for sepsis?

Making a sepsis claim People who recover from sepsis can be left with long-term health problems, including post-sepsis syndrome. It can result in life-changing injuries, including amputation. A successful sepsis medical negligence claim can secure compensation you can use to pay for rehabilitation and care needs.

What causes sepsis in nursing homes?

Here are some other causes of sepsis in nursing homes: Urinary tract infections. Pneumonia. Bed sores or pressure sores. Bloodstream infections. Kidney and bladder infections. Digestive system infections.

What happens if you have septic shock in a nursing home?

If an infection, sepsis or bedsore is not properly diagnosed and treated, septic shock can occur, it can cause damage to internal organs or lead to brain damage, amputations, encephalopathy (brain dysfunction) and even death. These medical conditions can be ...

What stage of sepsis is bedores?

The Stages of Sepsis. Common bedsores appear at stage I, where the skin remains unbroken. By stage II, the top layers of skin have died, creating a crater and/or eschar (hanging skin) in the damaged area.

How does septic shock happen?

Sepsis can occur when bacteria from an infection enters the bloodstream through a wound and spreads to other areas of the body. When not properly managed right away by nursing homes, the condition can bring about septic shock, where nearly 50 percent of all victims die.

What happens when you get septic shock?

Septic shock can set during hypothermia (decreasing body temperature), lowering blood pressure or clotting, where confusion or significant change in mental acuity occurs. An individual suffering from sepsis often has red spots developing on the skin (hemorrhagic rash) that appear as clusters of tiny dots of blood.

How to tell if you have sepsis?

When left untreated, sepsis infection can overwhelm the patient. Typical symptoms include: 1 The loss of interest in eating food 2 Lack of awareness of surroundings 3 Feet and hands that are cool or cold to the touch 4 Lethargy, anxiousness or agitation 5 Feverish body 6 Coma or death

What are the symptoms of Sepsis?

Feet and hands that are cool or cold to the touch. Lethargy, anxiousness or agitation. Feverish body. Coma or death. Sepsis infection is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical care. In most incidences, quick treatment involves antibiotic medications.

What happens if a nursing home is negligent?

Negligence in the nursing home from untreated infections and lack of care can result in significant financial settlements. The nursing home or medical facility may be responsible for physical, emotional and financial costs for both the resident and their family.

How to catch sepsis before it becomes fatal?

To catch sepsis before it becomes fatal, look out for symptoms including: Sepsis – body temperature above 101 F, heart rate higher than 90 beats a minute and quick breathing.

What is the difference between sepsis and septic shock?

Septic Shock – Severe sepsis with extremely low blood pressure. If you observe any of the following you should report a possibility of sepsis immediately: visible infection.

How to report nursing home negligence?

If you have had past trouble with reports on the nursing home care, recall and document the incident and when it occurred. First report the negligence to the nursing home or hospital directly. Then, file an official complaint to your state’s department of health services.

What to do if you believe someone has sepsis?

If you believe your loved one is suffering from sepsis, you should first alert a doctor or a member of the medical staff. Sepsis is a medical emergency; if the sepsis progresses into septic shock, the patient has a risk of losing limbs, brain function or even their life. If you believe the sepsis is a result of negligence on the part ...

What are the symptoms of sepsis?

If you observe any of the following you should report a possibility of sepsis immediately: 1 visible infection 2 loss of appetite 3 fever 4 sudden change of mental state 5 abnormal breathing or heartbeat

Why is my heart rate high during sepsis?

In the elderly, sepsis is commonly due to bedsores or illness such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, pneumonia or IV infections.

How did Sienna get sepsis?

A four-year-old British girl named Sienna made headlines when she contracted sepsis as a result of trying on shoes without socks while she was back-to-school shopping with her mother. The toddler contracted a form of life-threatening bacteria, which doctors believe entered her body by means of a cut or bite on her foot. Fortunately, Sienna’s doctors were able to avoid surgery or amputation by draining the infection from her leg, and she is expected to make a full recovery. While stories like Sienna’s are rare, sepsis in nursing homes and hospitals is prevalent – to the point of being a serious public health concern.

Can sepsis happen in everyday life?

Infections can happen by everyday means. When sepsis enters the picture, swift measures need to be taken to prevent an unnecessary loss of life. Sepsis is particularly threatening to vulnerable seniors, who are immunosuppressed and may be receiving inadequate care in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis, also known as septicemia, is a serious bacterial blood infection that is among the most common nursing home injuries and often a major issue in doctor and nursing home negligence cases. It is a bacterial or fungal infection that spreads through the bloodstream. When the white blood cells are overwhelmed by bacteria, sepsis can result.

What are the Causes of Sepsis?

Sepsis is caused by bacteria that enter through open wounds, ulcers, bed sores, and other infected areas. Some of the specific causes of sepsis include:

Barry Sugarman is an Experienced NJ Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Who Can Help You with Your Sepsis Case

You’ve trusted the nursing home to care for your elderly loved one and they’ve let you down. The facility failed to maintain a sterile environment. If your elderly loved one has contracted sepsis, it is a major sign of nursing home abuse or neglect.

Benefits of Working With a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

There are many reasons why nursing home neglect lawyers are helpful for those injured in long-term care facilities.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for Nursing Home Neglect?

Nursing home neglect lawyers can make the legal process easier on you and your family.

Types of Nursing Home Neglect Cases Lawyers Handle

Skilled lawyers are able to handle a variety of cases related to nursing home neglect. Learn about some of the most common types below.

Choosing a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

It’s not enough to choose a general lawyer to handle a nursing home neglect lawsuit. You can work with nursing home neglect attorneys with the right experience, resources, and ethical standards to make the legal process as easy as possible.

See If You Can Work With a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

It’s important to explore your legal options if a lack of nursing home care harmed you or a loved one. Thankfully, we can help you find top nursing home neglect lawyers if you qualify.

FAQs About Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers

A very wide range of issues can be considered nursing home neglect or mistreatment, including malnutrition that leads to weight loss, a lack of basic health care, and more.

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Sepsis in Nursing Homes

Nursing home residents with urinary tract infections, pressure sores, and decubitus wounds are highly susceptible to developing sepsis. Statistics show that newly admitted nursing home patients released from a hospital are most likely to develop sepsis due to a new surgical incision or open wound.

Vulnerable Nursing Home Residents

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities have established infection control measures that help prevent infection, bed sores, and sepsis.

Treating Sepsis, Decubitus Wound, UTI, and Septic Shock in Nursing Homes

Sepsis is typically the result of negligence in treating a decubitus wound, open sore, UTI (urinary tract infection), or pneumonia. The body’s inflammatory response often produces a rapid heart rate, increased body temperature, and excessive breathing.

Suing a Nursing Home for Sepsis

Any individual who contracted sepsis due to the nursing home staff’s negligent actions has the legal right to file a civil lawsuit, seeking compensation for their damages.

Nursing Home Sepsis FAQs

Our Chicago nursing home injury attorneys recognize that you likely have many unanswered questions on filing a civil lawsuit against a nursing home where assisted living facility. Our law firm has answered some questions below. For more information, contact us today at (888) 424-5757.

Can You Sue a Nursing Home?

Every nursing home and its staff members have a legal obligation (duty of care) to ensure the resident’s safety, well-being, and health management. Any failure through negligence, mistreatment, or abuse could create a potential liability against all those involved.

How Long Do You Have To File a Lawsuit Against a Nursing Home?

Each state has a unique statute of limitation law that restricts the length of time any injured victim can file a civil lawsuit against a nursing facility. In Illinois, potential plaintiffs are restricted to two years from when they were injured or when the victim became aware of their injuries.

What Is Sepsis?

One of the leading causes of death in nursing homes is infection. Untreated infections can turn into sepsis, a dangerous condition that occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight an infection trigger inflammation throughout the body.

How Neglect Plays a Role

Sepsis can be difficult to identify, but if medical staff carefully monitor residents of a nursing home, they should be able to recognize the above-mentioned symptoms. Early detection of sepsis is critical for treatments to be effective and the patient to have a chance at surviving.

Contact a Joliet Personal Injury Attorney

Many elderly individuals reside in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities. Unfortunately, in some cases, residents can be victims of abuse and neglect. This negligence can result in serious infections, such as sepsis, which may inflict long-term damage to your family member.