Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body responds to an infection with an uncontrolled immune reaction. While it often develops from infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or bloodstream infections, it can also result from medical errors or negligence.
Identifying the signs that sepsis was caused by medical negligence is the first step toward holding medical professionals accountable. The Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice lawyers at Anidjar & Levine can guide you through the rest of the legal process and help you obtain compensation.
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis occurs when the immune system overreacts to an infection. Instead of targeting only the infection, the immune response spreads inflammation throughout the body. This can damage tissues and organs, sometimes irreversibly. Common causes of sepsis include:
- Bacterial infections: Most sepsis cases are caused by bacterial infections in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or abdomen.
- Fungal or viral infections: While less common, these infections can also trigger sepsis.
- Hospital-acquired infections: Infections contracted during surgery or prolonged hospital stays increase the risk of developing sepsis.
How Medical Mistakes Can Cause Sepsis
Medical errors can directly or indirectly lead to sepsis. Examples of medical mistakes that can cause sepsis include:
- Surgical errors: Inadequate sterilization or leaving surgical instruments inside the body can introduce dangerous bacteria.
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: Failure to identify an infection early allows it to spread, increasing sepsis risk.
- Medication errors: Incorrect antibiotics or missed doses reduce the body’s ability to fight infections.
- Catheter or IV line infections: Improper handling or prolonged use of catheters and IV lines can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.
Signs That Sepsis Was Caused by Medical Negligence
Some of the most common indicators that sepsis was caused by medical negligence are as follows:
- Unexpected infection after surgery: If an infection develops shortly after a medical procedure, it may indicate poor sterilization or procedural mistakes.
- Delay in recognizing infection: Sepsis can develop quickly. If symptoms were ignored or misdiagnosed, negligence might have occurred.
- Incorrect or delayed antibiotic treatment: Not receiving the appropriate antibiotic therapy promptly can worsen the infection.
- Post-procedure complications: Swelling, redness, or pus around a surgical site or IV insertion point may signal that infection control measures were inadequate.
- Unexplained organ dysfunction: Kidney failure, respiratory issues, or liver problems emerging suddenly after medical care may point to sepsis caused by medical errors.
- Hospital-acquired infections: Contracting infections in a healthcare setting, especially when protocols weren’t followed, can be a sign of negligence.
Symptoms of Sepsis
Sepsis symptoms can appear suddenly or develop gradually. Typical symptoms include:
- Fever and chills: Sudden high fever or extreme coldness is often the first warning.
- Rapid heartbeat and breathing: Increased heart rate and shortness of breath indicate the body is struggling to cope.
- Confusion or disorientation: Sepsis affects the brain, leading to altered mental states.
- Severe pain or discomfort: Patients often experience extreme discomfort, including widespread body aches.
- Low blood pressure: Falling blood pressure may signal septic shock, a medical emergency.
If any of these symptoms occur after your medical treatment, it’s important to investigate whether a medical mistake is to blame.
Risk Factors That Increase the Likelihood of Sepsis from Medical Errors
Certain patients are more vulnerable to sepsis caused by medical mistakes. High-risk groups include:
- Patients with weakened immune systems: Chemotherapy patients, transplant recipients, or those with chronic illnesses have increased susceptibility.
- Elderly patients: Aging bodies often respond poorly to infection, making early recognition critical.
- Infants and young children: These groups’ immune systems are not fully developed, increasing sepsis risk.
- Patients with invasive devices: Catheters, ventilators, or central lines can introduce bacteria if not handled properly.
- Individuals undergoing surgery: Procedures that involve large incisions or long recovery times carry a higher risk of infection if sterility is compromised.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Sepsis Was Caused by a Medical Mistake
If you believe a medical error led to you or your loved one’s sepsis, take these steps:
- Seek immediate medical care: Stabilizing the patient and managing the infection should be the first priority.
- Document all medical interactions: Keep records of all procedures, medications, lab results, and communications with healthcare providers.
- Request copies of medical records: These documents can help you identify potential negligence.
- Consult a medical malpractice attorney: Our experienced lawyers can evaluate whether the medical care you received fell below accepted standards.
Consult Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Sepsis is a medical emergency that can be fatal if not addressed immediately. While infections can occur naturally, some cases result from medical errors, including delayed diagnosis, improper treatment, or procedural mistakes.
If you or someone you love developed sepsis as a result of a doctor’s mistake, a medical malpractice attorney from Anidjar & Levine can help strengthen your claim, negotiate with insurers, and secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Book a free case review to start building your claim today.
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