Nursing Home Sepsis
Sepsis is a serious medical condition caused by a severe infection, most commonly bacterial but also fungi, viruses, and parasites in the blood, urinary tract, lungs, skin, or other tissues. Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bed sores or pressure sores (also called decubitus ulcers) are frequent triggers for infections in nursing homes. These conditions, if not properly and timely treated, sometimes develop into the very serious condition of sepsis. Symptoms that sepsis is developing may include chills, confusion, fever, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, rapid pulse and rapid breathing. If the disease progresses, it may result in organ dysfunction or death.
Besides the emotional distress for a patient and family members, there are real costs when sepsis occurs. Hospitalization followed by a lengthy rehabilitation and higher level of care needed upon return to a nursing home all add up. Considering that the No. 1 cause of bed sores in nursing homes is negligence, you and/or your family member who developed sepsis while in a long-term care facility may be able to recover compensation.
If our Chicago and Elgin law firm represents you in a nursing home neglect case involving sepsis, we are likely to mount an investigation to determine:
- When and how procedures designed to prevent bed sores broke down
- Who in the chain of command did not turn an immobilized person, keep him or her in a state of good hygiene or otherwise follow acceptable standards of care
- Who failed to monitor, observe and report signs of a developing bed sore
- Who failed to initiate timely medical care in the early stages of a pressure sore
- Who failed to initiate prompt medical care during the early stages of sepsis, when it would have been most readily treated with antibiotics and other measures
Is Your Loved One, A Nursing Home Resident, In A State Of Septic Shock? Chicago Lawyers Offer Free Consultations
Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd., advocates on behalf of long-term care residents who have suffered from nursing home sepsis infections due to neglect. Our Illinois lawyers offer free initial consultations. To schedule a discussion with an attorney, call 877-930-2551 or send an email.
