September is Sepsis Awareness Month, a time that elevates the education of the dangers of sepsis and how to aid in sepsis recovery. According to the Sepsis Alliance, it “affects 1.7 million people and takes 350,000 adult lives in the U.S. every year.” The CDC defines sepsis as “the body's extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency. Sepsis occurs when an existing infection triggers a chain reaction throughout the body.” This qualifies as a medical emergency that can have devastating health outcomes. It is crucial for medical providers to act swiftly to identify warning signs, arrive at an accurate and timely diagnosis, and provide the necessary treatment.
Adverse health outcomes caused by sepsis may include:
- Tissue damage
- Organ failure
- Loss of limbs/amputation
- Respiratory or heart failure
- Stroke
- Death
The majority of these outcomes can have long-term effects on one's daily life. Regardless of the age of the sepsis patient, many have experienced physical and mental decline that never reaches what it was before they got the infection. Paired with the mental turmoil caused by this infection, many survivors experience lasting difficulties (known as post-sepsis syndrome) with mobility, strength, and independence. Simple daily activities, such as walking, working, and caring for oneself, may become a struggle. For some, lifelong medical treatment, rehabilitation, or assistive devices are necessary to adapt to these changes.
When Sepsis is Caused By Medical Malpractice
If a patient suffers from sepsis due to medical malpractice, they may be entitled to file a compensation claim. It is of utmost importance to work alongside an experienced medical malpractice attorney to fight for maximum compensation, as the impact of sepsis on quality of life can last long after the initial infection. If the patient acquired sepsis due to the negligence of a medical professional, the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals responsible must be held accountable. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 23.6% of hospital-managed sepsis cases are healthcare-associated, and many are linked to negligence. Medical Professionals are causing injury to their patients and failing to maintain a high standard of care, which creates the risk of sepsis-related illnesses.
Medical malpractice is one of the most challenging areas of personal injury law due to the many legal nuances. Often, multiple individuals, institutions, and companies can be held liable for collective negligence that results in serious harm or wrongful death. In sepsis cases, it is essential to utilize all medical records for your attorney to evaluate alongside other medical experts.
When To Seek Out A Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you or a family member has experienced sepsis and its long-term repercussions due to the negligence of a medical professional, do not hesitate to contact a medical malpractice attorney. At Bostwick & Associates, our decades of experience lead to tremendous case results for our clients.
Dealing with medical malpractice takes an emotional and financial toll on everyone involved. Our attorneys will go above and beyond for you, ensuring you receive the compensation you need to heal.
Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.