At The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we understand the challenges involved when you or a loved one suffers from sepsis due to medical negligence. Our Florida sepsis lawyers are dedicated to representing your interests and helping you get compensation.
Our comprehensive knowledge of both the medical and legal aspects of sepsis cases can help you prove that you’re the victim of medical malpractice. Take back control of your life. Schedule a free consultation today to see what our Florida medical malpractice lawyers can do for you.
Understanding Sepsis and Its Impact in Florida
Sepsis is a serious medical emergency. It arises when the body’s response to an infection becomes uncontrolled, potentially causing tissue damage, organ failure, or even death. In Florida, if medical negligence has resulted in a sepsis diagnosis, you may have the right to seek compensation.
The law in Florida acknowledges your right to pursue justice if healthcare providers have failed to promptly diagnose or treat sepsis, resulting in harm. Filing a medical malpractice claim is a way to hold the accountable parties responsible.
Common examples of negligence that can lead to sepsis include:
- Failure to diagnose and treat infections promptly
- Improper management of surgical wounds
- Inadequate monitoring of patients with known infections
- Delayed administration of antibiotics
- Failure to recognize and respond to early signs of sepsis
It is important not to hesitate in exploring these legal avenues if you suspect negligence has played a role in a sepsis diagnosis. Speaking with a Florida personal injury lawyer can be crucial in securing the compensation you are entitled to receive.
Warning Signs And Risk Factors For Sepsis
Recognizing the warning signs of sepsis is crucial for seeking timely medical intervention. Healthcare providers are trained to watch for these symptoms, particularly in patients with known infections or those at higher risk.
Early signs of sepsis often include:
- Fever above 101°F (38.3°C) or a body temperature below 96.8°F (36°C)
- Heart rate higher than 90 beats per minute
- Breathing rate higher than 20 breaths per minute
- Suspected or confirmed infection
As sepsis progresses, patients may experience more severe symptoms, such as:
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Clammy or sweaty skin
- Confusion or disorientation
- Shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure
Risk Factors for Sepsis
Certain factors increase a person’s risk of developing sepsis. Healthcare providers should be especially vigilant when monitoring patients with these risk factors:
Adults over 65 and children under one year of age have immune systems that may be less effective at fighting infections. People with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease also face increased risk.
Those with weakened immune systems due to medications or conditions like HIV/AIDS are more susceptible to infections that can lead to sepsis. Recent surgeries, invasive procedures, or hospital stays expose patients to potential infections and increase sepsis risk.
If you had any of these risk factors and healthcare providers failed to monitor you appropriately or respond quickly to signs of infection, they may have breached the standard of care. This information can be important evidence in a medical malpractice claim.
How Our Florida Attorneys Build Your Sepsis Case
Building a strong sepsis medical malpractice case requires knowledge and resources. Our Florida sepsis attorneys follow a comprehensive approach to investigate your situation and develop a compelling claim for compensation.
The first step is a thorough review of your medical records. This includes documentation from all healthcare providers involved in your care, such as hospital records, doctor’s notes, test results, and medication administration records. Our team analyzes these documents to identify potential deviations from the standard of care.
We then consult with qualified medical experts who can evaluate your case and provide opinions on whether negligence occurred. These experts may include infectious disease specialists, critical care physicians, or other professionals with expertise in sepsis diagnosis and treatment. Their insights help establish what appropriate care should have looked like in your situation.
If the experts determine that healthcare providers breached the standard of care, we document how this negligence caused or worsened your sepsis and resulted in harm. This causal link is essential for a successful medical malpractice claim.
Compensation Available For Sepsis Victims
If you or a loved one has suffered from sepsis due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation for the damages you’ve experienced. Understanding the types of compensation available can help you evaluate the potential value of your claim.
Economic damages cover the financial losses resulting from sepsis, including:
- Medical expenses for hospital stays, medications, surgeries, and rehabilitation. This includes both past expenses and the projected cost of future care you may need due to sepsis complications.
- Lost wages for time missed from work during your illness and recovery. If sepsis has left you with disabilities that affect your ability to return to your previous job or work at all, you may also be entitled to compensation for loss of earning capacity.
Non-economic damages address the intangible but very real impacts of sepsis, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to limitations caused by sepsis complications
- Loss of consortium, which addresses the impact on your relationship with your spouse
In cases where a loved one died from sepsis due to medical negligence, family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims can provide compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a family member.
Choosing The Right Florida Sepsis Attorney
Look for an attorney with specific experience in sepsis and medical malpractice cases. These cases involve complex medical and legal issues that require specialized knowledge. An attorney who regularly handles sepsis claims will be familiar with the relevant medical standards, common forms of negligence, and strategies for building a strong case.
Consider the attorney’s track record with similar cases. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, a history of successful settlements and verdicts in sepsis cases suggests the attorney has the skills and resources needed to handle your claim effectively.
Most medical malpractice attorneys, including our firm, offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and attorney fees are only collected if your case results in compensation. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice regardless of your current financial situation.
Taking Action After Sepsis in Florida
Consult with an experienced Florida sepsis attorney as soon as possible. Early legal involvement allows for a timely investigation while evidence is fresh and witnesses’ memories are clear. It also ensures you don’t miss important legal deadlines for filing your claim.
Be cautious about communications with insurance representatives or healthcare providers regarding the circumstances of your sepsis. Statements you make could potentially be used against you in your claim. Direct these inquiries to your attorney once you have legal representation.
Remember that taking legal action isn’t just about compensation—it’s also about accountability and preventing similar harm to others. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your sepsis case and learn how our Florida sepsis lawyers can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
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