Cleveland Sepsis Lawyer

Mismanaged Sepsis Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries or Wrongful Death

Families want the best care possible provided to their loved ones in nursing homes. However, one of the most dangerous conditions, sepsis, occurs under the supervision of nursing staff as a result of inadequate or negligent care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that between the years of 1999 to 2014, 75 percent of sepsis deaths occurred in individuals over the age of 65. The nursing home abuse attorneys at Tittle & Perlmuter are committed to fighting for the rights to having a safe environment, free from avoidable contraction of sepsis in both hospital and nursing home settings. Our dedicated Cleveland sepsis lawyers could help you and your loved one take legal action.

One of the most common types of cases we see here in the office are cases involving sepsis. Now there’s really two types of cases involving sepsis. One, the failure to diagnose or a delay in diagnosing . Or two, a complete mismanagement of the condition. So folks, this disease is very dangerous. It’s essentially blood poisoning. In other words, an infection has gotten into your bloodstream and it’s spreading throughout your body. Because of that, it’s very important that the condition is diagnosed timely and treated properly.

There’s really two things that we see here in the office that results, that can be caused, by a mismanagement of sepsis. Number one, because this disease constricts the vessels, the arteries, constricts the blood flow to the limbs, because your blood pressure drops. And because of your blood pressure dropping, you then have to be put on pressers, which cause your blood pressure to increase. However, blood flow to the extremities is cut off. Folks, that leads to amputations. Your arms, your legs, might have to be chopped off if mismanaged. And because of that, I’ve seen cases where an individual had to have amputated both the legs and their arms as a result of these types of cases.

And obviously, if sepsis is really mismanaged, it can lead to death. Folks, if you or a loved one feel that this condition was mismanaged, and as a result, your loved one or yourself had limbs amputated, or passed away please give us a call.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis occurs when the immune system responds to an infection in the body, where that immune response causes inflammation and injury to tissues and organs. This reaction can cause impaired blood flow to vital organs, such as the brain, heart and kidneys leading to organ failure.

The Mayo Clinic defines sepsis as a condition involving three stages. The first involves a probable or confirmed infection as well as at least two of the following symptoms:

• Body temperature above 101 degrees Fahrenheit or below 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit
• Heart rate higher than 90 beats per minute
• Respiratory rate higher than 20 breaths per minute

The next, called severe sepsis, is diagnosed when an individual has one of the following symptoms that could mean an organ is failing:

• Decreased urine output
• Abrupt change in mental status
• Decrease in platelet count
• Difficulty breathing
• Abnormal heart pumping function
• Abdominal pain

If the sepsis is not treated immediately, the condition can reach the life-threatening third stage, known as septic shock. Septic shock means the individual has those symptoms indicative of severe sepsis as well as extremely low blood pressure and does not respond to fluid replacement. Fifty percent of those who develop septic shock die, according to the Mayo Clinic. A lawyer in Cleveland understands the types or sepsis and how to secure compensation for an injured individual and their family.

What Causes Sepsis?

Any type of infection – bacterial, viral, or fungal – can lead to sepsis. Some of the most common causes are pneumonia, abdominal infections, kidney infections or bloodstream infections. The highest risk age group to develop sepsis is those who are 65 or older. Additional risk factors for getting this disease include:

• Weakened immune system
• Untreated wounds or other injuries
• Invasive devices (such as a catheter or port)

Nursing home residents are particularly susceptible to contracting sepsis. This disease has a complicated treatment plan and if nursing home staff is not properly trained on how to identify and prevent the condition, it can result in residents going into septic shock. If a home or hospital does not properly train their employees, and individual and their attorney in Cleveland could seek reimbursement.

Signs and Symptoms of Infection

Not only should nursing homes and hospitals train their staff to efficiently detect sepsis, but they should also provide a safe and clean environment for residents and patients. Infections that turn into sepsis could be the direct result of medical malpractice, and nursing home negligence or abuse. A Cleveland lawyer could help someone file a claim for damages if a nursing home failed to provide a clean living environment and a resident contracted sepsis. The following factors should be carefully monitored to reduce the risk of facility-acquired infections:

• Are linens cleaned normally?
• Does the individual have untreated wounds or bedsores?
• Is the nursing home or hospital staff inattentive, overworked or understaffed?
• Are hot water and regular body cleanings provided?
• In Nursing Homes:
  • Does the resident wear the same outfit multiple days in a row?
  • Are the living areas cleaned regularly (bathroom, kitchen, common areas)?
  • Does the resident complain about neglect?

The CDC lists the following as signs and symptoms to be aware of that could be the result of an infection, as well as sepsis:

• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Shivering, fever, or very cold
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• Clammy or sweaty skin
• Confusion or disorientation
• Short of breath
• High heart rate

Speak with a Cleveland Sepsis Attorney

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that should be taken very seriously. The nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Tittle & Perlmuter are ready to listen to your case and advise you on the best course of action. Call for a free consultation or fill out an online contact form. Our Cleveland sepsis lawyers will promptly respond back to you. We can meet with you at your convenience, even on evenings and weekends.