Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can start with a superficial minor infection. The bacteria causing that infection start a chain reaction, with the bacteria winding its way throughout the body, infecting all the organs. Without prompt and proper medical treatment, organs and tissues are damaged, and ultimately, organ failure leads to death. The condition affects more than 1.5 million people in the U.S. every year, and at least 250,000 are fatally inflicted.
Although many sepsis infections start outside a hospital setting, according to the Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “on any given day, about one in 25 hospital patients has at least one health-care associated infection.”
Suspect sepsis due to medical oversight? Take action with a Chicago sepsis attorney from Blumenshine Law Group. Call (312) 766-1000 now for expert legal support in addressing this critical health issue. Protect your rights today.
Health-Care Associated Infection Defined
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are spread while receiving medical treatment or care. HAIs can occur in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings. Infections can be caused by various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and can be spread through contaminated medical equipment, the hands of healthcare workers, or the environment.
The CDC defines a health-care associated infection (HAI) as “infections patients can get while receiving medical treatment in a healthcare facility.” The infections are a significant threat to a patient’s life, yet are “often preventable.” If the infection was “preventable,” it most likely was caused by the negligence of hospital personnel. This is particularly true since a health-associated infection is not likely the reason the patient was admitted to the hospital.
Sepsis is an HAI
One of the most common causes of sepsis is the Staphylococcus aureus, simply “staph.” Although about 30 percent of people carry staph in their nose, a staph infection can be deadly for those who do not normally carry it. The mortality rate for HAI sepsis, which is caused by staph, is as high as 40 percent, particularly for those who were treated in emergency departments or intensive care units.
Staph preys particularly on those in hospital settings who have “weakened immune systems or have undergone procedures such as surgery or have intravenous catheters.” Some strains of staph are antibiotic-resistant, which means almost certain death to those infected with that particular strain.
Symptoms of Sepsis
According to the CDC Director, “Detecting sepsis early and starting immediate treatment is often the difference between life and death.” Some of the main symptoms to watch for include:
- Clammy or sweaty skin.
- Confusion and disorientation.
- Extreme pain or discomfort.
- Fever or shivering. Complaints of feeling very cold.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Shortness of breath.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms or notice that your hospitalized family member or friend is suffering from any of these symptoms, alert a healthcare professional. Do not be brushed off or allow your concerns to be dismissed. It truly is a life-or-death matter.
What Are the 4 Stages of Sepsis?
Sepsis is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection triggers inflammation throughout the body. Sepsis can progress through several stages, including:
- Mild Sepsis: The initial phase of sepsis, identified by symptoms such as fever, shivers, quick breathing, and elevated heart rate. The immune system can still successfully combat the infection during this stage.
- Moderate Sepsis: This phase is marked by severe symptoms like low blood pressure, fast breathing, and confusion/disorientation. The immune system is starting to have difficulty fighting off the infection despite still being able to do so.
- Severe Sepsis: This phase presents with symptoms such as decreased blood pressure, dysfunction of organs, and altered mental function. The immune system fails to effectively control the infection, putting the person in danger of septic shock.
- Septic Shock: The most critical stage of sepsis, marked by life-threatening low blood pressure, organ malfunction, and altered mental function. Without timely treatment, septic shock can result in death.
You Can File a Lawsuit Against a Hospital for HAI Sepsis
When the negligence of hospital policies or procedures is the cause of a patient contracting sepsis, the hospital can be sued for malpractice. It seems like an easy case; the patient did not have sepsis upon entering the hospital but contracted it while being treated for another condition or disease. But, some major issues are generally created by hospital insurers and attorneys:
- How did the patient acquire the infection that led to sepsis?
- Why was it not promptly diagnosed and treated?
- Could it have been prevented?
- Who was responsible for the patient getting the infection?
If you were the patient who suffered, you may bring a medical malpractice claim against the hospital and anyone, including the doctor, who may be responsible. Family members of someone who died due to HIA sepsis may bring a wrongful death action against the hospital.
How a Chicago Sepsis Attorney Can Help
Proving that hospital negligence caused your sepsis or your loved one’s death due to sepsis is not an easy task. Although there are no guarantees in the legal system, a skilled Chicago sepsis attorney, like one you will find at the Blumenshine Law Group, is vital to the success of your case. Expert testimony will be required to prove the hospital did not comply with the appropriate standard of care.
The law requires you to bring your hospital malpractice claim within a certain time after the incident. Call or text us as soon as possible at our Chicago office for a free consultation at (312)766-1000 or email [email protected]. We will review the circumstances of your HIA sepsis or the case of your deceased family member and advise you on how to proceed.