Naples Sepsis & Infections Attorney
Sometimes the human body develops infections. While the body’s immune system typically does a good job of responding to infections, sometimes it goes overboard. The immune system may provide an extreme response, causing a chain reaction throughout the entire body. This is a serious medical issue that needs to be dealt with promptly. Otherwise, sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
Sepsis occurs often in nursing homes and other medical facilities due to poor management of infections. If your loved one was affected, seek legal help from Kohn Law. A Naples sepsis & infections attorney can review your case and help you understand your legal options.
What Causes Sepsis?
Sepsis is often caused by an infection. Skin infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, lung infections, and gastrointestinal infections tend to lead to sepsis. However, there are some other ways in which sepsis can occur:
- Negligent post-surgical care
- Bed sores
- Broken bone with an open wound caused by a fall
- Physical abuse that results in cuts or other open wounds
- Poor cleaning or disinfecting of facilities
Symptoms of Sepsis
The most common symptoms of sepsis are:
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pain
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Drowsiness
- Listlessness
- Anxiety
A person is diagnosed with sepsis when they have at least two of the following symptoms:
- A temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- A heart rate above 90 beats per minute
- Very high or low white blood cell counts
- Respiratory distress
Sepsis Treatment
Once a patient is diagnosed with sepsis, time is of the essence. Treatment will involve various steps. First, blood cultures should be obtained to identify what is causing the infection. For example, gram-negative bacilli means that the infection came from the urinary tract. Cultures may also be taken from the chest or via a lumbar picture depending on the patient’s symptoms.
Sepsis treatment needs to happen quickly to reestablish blood pressure levels, blood flow, and oxygenation to the affected areas. Antibiotics should be started right away preferably via intravenous administration to deliver the medication quickly throughout the body. In some cases, surgery may be needed to get rid of the infection or possibly to relieve a bowel obstruction that may be causing the sepsis.
Sepsis treatment must be done in a timely manner to prevent septic shock. Septic shock occurs when the infection is taking over, causing a drop in blood pressure as toxins are released into the bloodstream. Blood flow decreases to vital organs, causing rapid breathing and an increased heart rate. This leads to internal bleeding, organ failure, and eventually death.
Contact Kohn Law Today
Sepsis can be caused by poor medical care or a response to surgery. It is an emergency medical issue that needs to be treated promptly.
If your loved one developed sepsis in a nursing home, hospital, or other medical facility, seek legal help from Kohn Law. Fill out the online form or call (813) 428-8504 to schedule a consultation with a Naples nursing home sepsis & infections attorney.
