Sepsis is a very serious medical complication in which chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight bacterial infection trigger inflammation throughout the body. This can cause a number of changes in the body that can damage organ systems or cause them to fail if left untreated.
Sepsis can result in long-term injury, including:
Irreversible damage to vital organs
Acute kidney injury
Blood clots in the arms, legs, fingers, and toes
Sepsis usually occurs in people who have been hospitalized. If sepsis is not diagnosed or treated in a timely manner, or if the infection was hospital-acquired due to poor cleanliness and health practices, the doctor or healthcare facility may be guilty of medical malpractice.
Symptoms & Treatment of Sepsis
Symptoms of sepsis include:
Shallow or rapid breathing
Increased body temperature
Pale and/or clammy skin
Elevated white blood cell count
High fever or low body temperature
A significant decrease in urination
An abrupt change in mental state
Patients who exhibit the symptoms of sepsis may be treated in the ICU with IV fluids and antibiotics. If needed, dialysis or a ventilator may be used to support the kidneys and lungs.
When blood infections are not promptly diagnosed and treated, they can result in septic shock, brain damage, multi-system organ damage, encephalopathy, amputations, or death. The costs of additional medical care, or of funeral and burial costs in wrongful death cases, can be substantial. Victims should be aware of their rights in such scenarios.
If you or a loved one developed sepsis under the care of your doctor and suffered injury because of it, you should immediately contact The Florida Law Group to speak with a lawyer about your legal options. Failure to diagnose or treat sepsis can be considered medical negligence in the eyes of the law, potentially entitling you to compensation.
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