Has a Loved One Acquired Sepsis as a Result of Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing home residents are often more likely to develop medical problems because of their age, and having a weaker immune system. This is why it is crucial for nursing home staff to provide proper care to their residents to prevent falls and infections from occurring or getting worse. Many times though there may be more residents than staff and this means that some residents get overlooked or receive inadequate help and care. When this happens, a resident may get an infection that leads to sepsis. If this has happened to someone you care about, it is recommended that you speak to a nursing home neglect and sepsis lawyer at the Higgins Firm as soon as possible. We will work hard to help you get the compensation that is rightfully yours for the medical problems your elderly loved one has been through.
What exactly is Sepsis?
Sepsis is inflammation of the body from a serious blood infection that is often caused by other severe infections in the body. A sepsis infection can be dangerous and life-threatening if treatment is not given as soon as possible. It is important to know what to look for concerning systems. Some common indicators may include but are not limited to:
- having a temperature that is elevated or too low
- experiencing chills
- being dehydrated
- abnormal breathing
- an abnormal heart beat
- not feeling hungry
How Common is Sepsis in a Nursing Home?
More than seven hundred and fifty thousand cases of sepsis are reported per year. In the sepsis cases that are reported, two hundred and fifteen people died even though there is treatment for sepsis. This is because people are getting older and there have been more cases of nursing home abuse and neglect.
What should Nursing Homes do to Prevent Sepsis?
Nursing homes are responsible for providing adequate care and treatment for their residents. Some of the things they can do to prevent their patients from getting sepsis include efforts to prevent any sores and treating any acquired sores properly. Making sure any residents that are confined to a bed or wheelchair have their bed linens changed often and make sure they receive showers or baths when they should. It is also important that nursing homes pay attention to nutritional and hydration needs of residents to prevent infections and other illnesses. Finally, nursing homes should keep proper records of any falls, injuries or other problems and follow up on these conditions to prevent them from getting worse.
What should I do if I think I have a Nursing Home Sepsis and Neglect Case?
If someone you know lives in a nursing home and has gotten sepsis as the result of nursing home abuse or neglect, then it is important that you seek treatment for them right away. After treatment has been administrated, it is a good idea to keep a record of any treatment that was provided. Then you should contact a knowledgeable and caring nursing home neglect and sepsis lawyer with the Higgins Firm. We care about our clients and understand how confusing this all must be for you. We will help make the process as easy as possible. We will also help you to gather any evidence, photos, and witnesses that may be needed for your case. Then we will work on your behalf to get you the compensation you need for what you have been through. We will also make sure the nursing home is held responsible for their failure to prevent this from occurring.
Please contact us today online or by calling 800.705.2121 to discuss your legal options.
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
