As a condition that can develop rapidly and move quickly, sepsis is a leading cause of death for hospital patients. It can be difficult to distinguish sepsis symptoms from those of other diseases. Estimates suggest it may account for one-third to one-half of all hospital deaths. So, if a patient gets sepsis while hospitalized, can you sue a hospital for sepsis death? Sometimes, these instances lead to sepsis malpractice settlements.
An older term for sepsis is “blood poisoning.” It was once believed that sepsis was caused simply by bacteria or other germs entering the bloodstream. Today, we understand that sepsis results from an infection combined with the body’s overactive immune response. The condition arises from the body’s attempt to fight the infection, which can lead to widespread inflammation and serious complications.
Before modern medicine and knowledge, sepsis almost always led to death. Today, it remains a serious condition as it claims the lives of approximately one in every five affected patients.
Often, those who experience sepsis contract it during a hospital stay or procedure. While the illness may occur naturally due to a pre-existing infection, sepsis may also occur because of medical negligence by your healthcare providers. If this is the case, you may need a Michigan hospital malpractice lawyer on your side.
If you believe medical malpractice caused your sepsis, Lipton Law is here to help you. You deserve fair compensation for enduring this often deadly condition. Our skillful Michigan sepsis lawyers know medical malpractice and the factors necessary for a successful case. Please establish your attorney-client relationship with our super lawyers by contacting our law firm today about your sepsis malpractice lawsuit. Call 248-557-1688 to schedule your free initial consultation with us.
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a medical condition that occurs when the body suffers from an infection and starts damaging the body’s tissues. Bacterial infections commonly lead to sepsis. These infections typically start in the bladder, kidneys, lungs, or stomach. Sepsis can also begin with something as simple as a small cut that becomes infected, or in people who are unaware of an existing infection.
When the body’s infection-fighting mechanism goes into overdrive and turns on itself, organs may function improperly or even shut down. Severe sepsis may even progress into septic shock. This is marked by a steep drop in blood pressure that may progress to severely damaged organs or death.
A patient with sepsis or septic shock needs immediate treatment. Medical providers must quickly identify symptoms and warning signs of the conditions. A failure to diagnose and treat sepsis may be the difference between life and wrongful death.
Adverse Health Outcomes Caused by Sepsis Medical Malpractice Cases
Sepsis can cause a number of negative health effects, including organ failure, tissue damage, loss of limb, stroke, heart failure, respiratory failure, or even death. If you or a loved one suffered from sepsis or any sepsis-related injuries, a lawyer can determine your eligibility to take legal action.
You may be entitled to compensation if your physician or other healthcare professionals failed to meet the medical standard of care for sepsis or septic shock and caused you preventable harm. The legal team at Lipton Law works tirelessly to demonstrate that proper care would have prevented the injury or death.
What Causes Sepsis?
Sepsis can develop from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. However, it most commonly arises from infections in the blood (also called bacteremia), digestive tract, lungs, or urinary tract. It can also occur as a result of burns, cuts, wounds, or bacteria introduced in a catheter or IV insertion.
Sepsis Symptoms
Sepsis can start in different locations throughout the body. As a result, it has various symptoms. Confusion and rapid breathing are typically among the first signs of the condition. Additional common symptoms of sepsis include:
- Chills and fever
- Clammy skin or sweating
- Diarrhea
- Discolored or blotchy skin
- Extreme pain
- Low body temperature
- Quick heartbeat
- Reduced urination
- Weakness or fatigue
- Vomiting and nausea
Sepsis Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with sepsis, a patient must have a confirmed infection as well as other signs. These include a high respiratory rate, a lowered systolic blood pressure reading, and a marked change in mental status.
Symptoms of Septic Shock
Septic shock occurs with a dangerous drop in blood pressure that causes cells to function and produce energy abnormally. Someone may be suffering from septic shock if their blood contains high levels of lactic acid/ serum lactate. This causes the cells to use oxygen inefficiently, leading to tissue damage. They may also be suffering from septic shock if they need medication in order to keep their systolic blood pressure at or above 65 mm Hg.
The risk of death increases when sepsis progresses into septic shock. This is because bodily tissues lose access to oxygen-rich blood when blood pressure falls. When this happens, it can result in organ failure and eventually death.
Risk Factors for Sepsis
While having an infection makes anyone vulnerable to sepsis, some people have a higher risk. Common risk factors include:
- Adults aged 65 years or older
- Children younger than one year
- Expectant mothers
- Invasive medical devices like breathing tubes or catheters
- Long hospital stays or time spent in intensive care
- Patients with chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, or lung disease
- Prior corticosteroid or antibiotic use
- Those with a weakened immune system
How Is Sepsis Contracted In The Hospital?
Some patients experience sepsis after developing a hospital-acquired infection (HAI). Several factors increase the risk of developing sepsis during a hospital stay. This is due to the various germs and diseases in the hospital environment. Many patients also have reduced immune function because of their ailment, making it harder for their bodies to resist germs.
When a patient requires an invasive procedure during their treatment, such as an IV, catheter, ventilator, or other devices, harmful bacteria and germs may enter the body and cause infections.
Hospital staff work diligently to reduce the risk of infections; however, mistakes do happen that result in an HAI. And sepsis may develop from there. Some common medical errors that occur are:
- Inadequate or improper handwashing
- Improper insertion of IVs or other invasive equipment
- Failure to properly sanitize medical equipment
- Lack of proper post-operative care
Providing the best care to patients is the medical facility’s responsibility. This includes preventing the possibility of HAIs and the development of sepsis. A patient may hold the hospital legally liable when this standard of care is not met, and the patient gets hurt.
What Are the Treatments for Sepsis?
Successfully treating sepsis often requires intensive care at the medical facility. IV fluids, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and extra oxygen may help stop the infection, normalize blood pressure, and assist organ function.
Once your doctor knows what caused the sepsis, medication that treats the specific infection-causing agent is administered. Your medical provider may also prescribe vasopressors, which make your blood vessels contract to improve blood pressure. Corticosteroids for inflammation or insulin for controlling blood sugar may also be prescribed.
In cases of severe sepsis, additional treatments such as kidney dialysis or a breathing machine may be necessary. Surgery is also a possibility for draining or cleaning out an infection.
Sepsis Complications
Sepsis causes a domino effect of complications within the body as the condition worsens, including:
- Damage to the brain, heart, or lungs
- Gangrene/dead tissue and amputation of toes and fingers
- Increased risk of future infections
- Kidney failure
Unfortunately, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), between 30 and 50% of sepsis cases end in death.
Can You Sue a Hospital for Sepsis Death?
Yes, you may be able to sue a hospital or emergency room if your loved one passed away due to sepsis. However, you have to be able to prove that medical negligence, such as a misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or missed diagnosis, led them to develop sepsis or to die from it.
Unfortunately, sepsis isn’t always preventable, and even timely treatment isn’t enough to save the patient’s life. This is especially true in elderly patients. Despite this, there are certainly situations in which gross medical negligence while handling a sepsis case can lead to wrongful death in Michigan.
If you suspect that your loved one died from sepsis as a result of medical negligence, contact Lipton Law. A Southfield misdiagnosis attorney on our team can evaluate the circumstances of your loved one’s case to determine eligibility for a lawsuit. If your loved one’s doctor misdiagnosed their sepsis as another condition, delayed diagnosing them, or failed to provide the proper treatment, they could be held liable.
How Do You Know If You Have A Valid Legal Claim Of Negligence?
Medical malpractice cases are difficult to prove. That’s because a successful lawsuit requires the establishment of the following four elements:
- The medical provider or responsible party owed a duty of care to you or your loved one.
- The standard of care was violated by a medical professional. You’ll have to prove that a diagnosis was made slower than what was reasonable or that you or your loved one was released from care too soon.
- You or your loved one suffered harm or injuries as a result.
- The injuries or harm were caused by the medical provider’s mistake.
Establishing that a standard of care has been violated is difficult. Representation by a knowledgeable Michigan medical malpractice attorney is critical. They’ll examine your medical records and the steps taken by your doctor and determine whether they made avoidable mistakes.
Compensation for Sepsis in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
When you’re the victim of medical negligence that causes injuries, you’re entitled to compensation for your harm, losses, or the wrongful death of a loved one. You may recover damages for:
- Medical costs – past and future
- Lost wages – past and future
- Physical suffering and pain from sepsis-related injuries
- Emotional suffering
- Disfigurement and disability
- Loss of emotional and financial support
- Therapy, rehabilitation, medical devices, and medication expenses
- Expenses for a funeral/burial
Hire a Trusted Sepsis Medical Malpractice Claim Attorney
In Michigan, medical malpractice claims are among the most complicated types of personal injury lawsuits. They require a review of medical records and often expert testimony. A healthcare provider’s failure to meet the expected standard of care and the fact that a patient suffered injuries as a result must be established.
It’s important to retain a Michigan personal injury attorney experienced in sepsis malpractice settlements for a successful outcome for your case. You’ll need to begin your case as soon as possible because there is a two-year statute of limitations for filing medical malpractice claims.
If you or someone you love contracted septic shock, sepsis, or septicemia due to a medical provider’s substandard medical care, you need the legal guidance of the Michigan medical malpractice lawyers at Lipton Law. Get a free consultation by calling 248-557-1688 or filling out our online contact form today.