What You Need To Know About Sepsis And Medical Malpractice
There is no doubt, that the word sepsis strikes fear in the minds of just about everyone who hears the word. And if you have experienced the ravages of sepsis on a family corner, it can be devastating. But then, if you couple the condition of sepsis with malpractice, you not only have a catastrophic situation but a legal issue as well.
Just take a look at what the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has to say about sepsis:
Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection, including COVID-19, can lead to sepsis, In a typical year.
- At least 1,7 million adults in America develop sepsis.
- Nearly 270,000 Americans die as a result of sepsis
- 1 in 3 patients who dies in a hospital has sepsis
- Sepsis, or the mention causing spots, starts outside of the hospital in nearly 57% of cases.
Now let's go into what sepsis is and how it can become a legal matter.
WHAT IS SEPSIS?
Sepsis is a life-threatening bodily response to infection. When an infectious disease spreads through your body, sepsis can begin in the lungs, skin, gastrointestinal tract, and urinary tract. These infections and septic shock can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death. Without proper treatment and continual care, septic shock can set in, raising the mortality rate.
Those most likely to go into shock are people who are of advanced age, are immuno-compromised, are recovering from surgery, have recently sustained physical trauma to the body, and those with liver disease, diabetes, and AIDS.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SEPSIS:
- Sepsis is not contagious, but the infection that caused the sepsis can spread.
- The causes of sepsis are infections. When germs get into a person's body, they can cause an infection. Untreated disease can cause sepsis.
- Bacterial infections cause most cases of sepsis.
- Sepsis can also result from other illnesses, including viral infections, such as COVID-19 or influenza.
- Those most at risk find themselves in one or more of the following categories.
- Adults 65 or older
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and Ladney divase
- People with recent severe illness or hospitalization
- Sepsis survivors
- Children younger one
FACILITY CONDITIONS THAT LEAD TO SEPSIS
When any patient is in the care of a medical or long-term care facility with pre-existing conditions, there is a risk of sepsis. If an Individual or facility is negligent, the conditions may include some or all of these situations:
- Bedsores and surgical wounds that worsen due to poor care
- Defective medical products and medications
- Improperly sterilized medical equipment
- Inadequate filtration of the facility's HVAC system
- Poor sanitation practices
SIGNS OF SEPSIS AND SEPTIC SHOCK
The signs or symptoms of sepsis and septic shock may look like a combination of the following. It all begins with a confirmed and current infection. Then the condition is followed by these:
- Confusion or disocientation
- Extreme body temperature and chills
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure
- Low urine stream
- Pale, cool, or clammy skin
- Shortness of breath
- Tachycardia & palpitation
DEFINING MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
According to the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys, ABPLA, medical malpractice is defined in the following way:
"Medical malpractice occurs when a hospital, doctor or other health care professional, through a negligent act or omission, causes an injury to a patient. The negligence might be the result of errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management."
The characteristics of medical malpractice cases include:
- A violation of standard care.
- An injury caused by negligence.
- The injury results in significant damages.
Indications of medical malpractice Include improper and mistaken diagnosis, failure to diagnose, failure to order the proper diagnostic tests, incorrect administration of drugs or treatment, misread lab reports or x-rays, failure to treat a patient in the first place, and more.
Medical malpractice's long-term ramifications may vary from patient to patient but range from minor injury to long-term disability and even death. And with sepsis cases, proper care, diagnosis, and treatment are the only ways to avoid the worst-case scenario.
WHEN SEPSIS BECOMES MALPRACTICE
If a person is hospitalized for an illness or infection, healthcare providers should remain on the lookout for the symptoms of sepsis.
When Identified and treated early on, antibiotics and fluids can be administered to aid in recovery. But the most essential part of the process is determining the continuation of an Issue and immediate treatment. It Is the only way to prevent limb damage, organ failure, and death.
If a misdiagnosis of sepsis or septic shock leads to serious health complications or worse, you may have a malpractice case. Then you would be entitled to a medical malpractice settlement that will aid in the payment of incurred medical expenses, time out of work, and
more.
Unfortunately, the substandard practices of individual healthcare facilities can cause even further injury or illness. These instances may warrant the pursuit of a medical malpractice case with Carpenter and Czelusta
THE PATIENT'S LAW FIRM HANDLES SEPSIS MALPRACTICE
Especially in cases of sepsis leading to a severe complication, there are times when "I am sorry" is not enough. Of course, doctors and nurses can make mistakes. But when there is considerable negligence that is the cause, malpractice laws cover the victim's rights. If the sepsis was identifiable and treatable, or the errors were deemed preventable, medical professionals must be held accountable.
Misdiagnosis or failure to treat any illness can lead to:
- Loss of wages
- Loss of employment
- Financial loss
- Accumulating medical bills
- Prolonged or permanent injury
- And even death
A qualified attorney can let you know whether you have a case for sepsis medical malpractice. Malpractice law requires a high burden of proof on the patient and enforces the highest professional standards on both the medical administration and the attorneys to get the right
For those reasons, folks considering a Tundica) malpractice cases need to have the very best medical expert witnesses and the rop ta tal lawyers in the field. The Patient's Law Firm guarantee personal attention, attention to detail, expertise in the held, and the highest legal and ethical standards. Our dual-experienced team focuses on both the medical and the legal side of your case. We would be more than pleased to take the time to listen to your situation.
If you feel you or a loved one has been a victim of Sepsis or Septic Shock Medical Malpractice, contact us at The Patient's Law Firm today to determine if you have grounds for a case.