Sepsis Infections Caused by Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Sepsis is a bacterial infection that travels through open areas of the body such as sores or other infected areas, that can be fatal if not treated properly and quickly. The Nursing Home Complaint Center states that sepsis infections are often a result of nursing home abuse and neglect. This is because sepsis occurs if infections, wounds or sores are not properly treated. This unfortunately can happen in nursing homes due to improper training and the nursing home not having enough staff for each resident. If you believe that someone you care about that had sepsis got the infection due to nursing home abuse or neglect, then you are encouraged to speak to a nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer at the Higgins Firm. We will answer your questions; review your claim and work to win your case. There is no fee unless we obtain financial compensation from the negligent nursing home.

When does Sepsis Develop?

Sepsis often develops because another infection has already occurred in the body. The skin is one of the most common areas that if broken down or infected can develop into sepsis. The skin typically is our body’s defense system against bacteria. However, if areas of the skin are open due to cuts, wounds, injuries, bed sores, or surgical procedures, this can allow bacteria to enter the body and sepsis to develop.

What Should I Know About Sepsis?

If sepsis is treated improperly or not treated quickly, it can advance and lead to organ failure and even death. This is why it is a good idea if your loved one is in a nursing home to know what signs to look for. Your loved one may have sepsis if:

• they already have an infection or serious medical condition
• if their heart is beating faster than it should
• if they are feverish
• if they are shaking or sweating
• if there skin is an unusual color or has a rash
• if they are breathing rapidly
• if they are not urinating normally

How do I Know if the Nursing Home was the Cause of the Sepsis?

When your loved one is in a nursing home, it is a good idea to visit them often. When you visit you should notice things like their behavior. Do they seem confused, agitated, sick, or in pain? Do they look like they have open sores that have gotten worse or are infected? Does it look like their bed sheets have not been changed in a while? Does the nursing home smell like it has been cleaned recently? Does your loved one appear dirty or are they in the same clothes often?

If any of these conditions are taking place when or around the time your loved one develops sepsis as the result of an infection, there is a good possibility that the sepsis was caused or exacerbated by nursing home abuse or neglect.

What Should I do?

If you suspect that someone you love, care about or know has acquired a sepsis infection because of nursing home malpractice, then you need to contact a caring and experienced nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer with the Higgins Firm. Our legal team knows how important it is for you to get this resolved so you can focus on caring for your loved one. We will be there to help you through this process by answering any questions, gather evidence as medical records, treatment plans, pictures, witnesses, and experts if needed for your case. We will do our best to make sure that you are compensated for what you have and the person you care about have been through.

You can contact us online or by calling 800.705.2121 to discuss your case and any questions you might have.