Sepsis: A Deadly Threat to Nursing Home Residents

 Posted on February 16, 2023 in Sepsis

 Sepsis is an often-deadly medical condition that can pose serious risks for nursing home residents. In fact, it is estimated that about half of all deaths in nursing homes are due to sepsis. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of sepsis and what steps should be taken if a loved one contracts the infection.

What Is Sepsis?

Put simply, sepsis is an infection in the bloodstream caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. When bacteria enters the bloodstream, it triggers an immune response that causes inflammation and damage to tissues and organs throughout the body. Left untreated, sepsis can lead to organ failure and death. Sepsis can be caused by infections acquired at a hospital or nursing home, but it can also occur as a result of poor hygiene or inadequate sterilization techniques used by nursing home staff. The most common types of infections that can lead to sepsis include those that begin in the lungs, skin, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms of Sepsis

The most common symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills, rapid breathing, confusion, low blood pressure, dizziness, rash, and abdominal pain. If any of these symptoms are present in a nursing home resident, the resident should be immediately evaluated for possible sepsis infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are key for preventing serious complications from occurring.

What Should I Do if My Loved One Contracts Sepsis?

Nursing home residents and patients who are recovering from surgical procedures are especially susceptible to contracting sepsis. In fact, sepsis can be a deadly condition for elderly nursing home residents due to their weakened immune systems and lower activity levels compared to younger individuals.

If you think that your loved one may have contracted sepsis in a nursing home setting for any reason, your first step should be to contact the facility and ensure that your loved one gets the treatment they need. If you believe that your loved one’s sepsis diagnosis was caused by negligence on the part of staff members or other residents, then you should seek legal counsel immediately. An experienced attorney will be able to help you determine who may have been responsible for your loved one's illness and help you take action against those parties in order to receive compensation for medical bills and other expenses related to their care.

Contact a Compassionate Illinois Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer

Sepsis is a serious medical condition that can quickly lead to death. To learn more about the dangers of sepsis and what to do if you think negligence in a nursing home caused your loved one to contract the dangerous condition, reach out to an experienced Chicago nursing home injury attorney. Call 312-535-4625 for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of the team at Schwartz Injury Law today.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/sepsis/what-is-sepsis.html

https://www.sepsis.org/sepsis-basics/what-is-sepsis/