Sepsis in Nursing Homes is a Preventable but Deadly Condition

When we place our loved ones in a nursing home, we expect them to receive proper medical attention and care. Unfortunately, many nursing homes fail to prevent or promptly treat infections, leading to serious conditions like sepsis. If left untreated, sepsis can cause organ failure, septic shock, and even death.

If your loved one developed sepsis in a nursing home, it may be due to negligence, poor hygiene, understaffing, or lack of proper medical treatment. A nursing home neglect lawyer can help you hold the facility accountable and seek justice for your family.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening infection that occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection, triggering widespread inflammation. This can lead to organ failure, dangerously low blood pressure (septic shock), and even death.

How Sepsis Develops

Sepsis typically starts as an infection that spreads throughout the body. Without timely treatment, the infection overwhelms the immune system, leading to a chain reaction of severe complications.

Infections That Commonly Lead to Sepsis

• Pneumonia – a severe lung infection that can spread to the bloodstream.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – especially common in elderly residents who use catheters.
• Bedsores (pressure ulcers) – untreated wounds that become infected.
• Bloodstream infections – often caused by IV lines or poorly sanitized medical equipment.
• Gastrointestinal infections – bacterial infections from contaminated food or poor hygiene.

Since elderly individuals often have weakened immune systems, they are at an increased risk of developing sepsis from untreated infections.

Why Are Nursing Home Residents More Likely to Get Sepsis?

Nursing home residents are high-risk patients due to their age, medical conditions, and reliance on caregivers. Sepsis in nursing homes is often caused by neglect, poor hygiene, or lack of proper medical intervention.

Risk Factors for Sepsis in Nursing Homes

• Weakened Immune Systems: Elderly individuals are less able to fight infections.
• Poor Hygiene: Unsanitary conditions, dirty catheters, and unclean bedding can lead to infections.
• Bedsores & Open Wounds: Pressure ulcers that become infected can result in sepsis.
• Use of Medical Devices: IV lines, feeding tubes, and catheters can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.
• Understaffing & Neglect: Lack of proper monitoring means infections can go unnoticed until they become life-threatening.

Warning Signs of Sepsis in Nursing Home Residents

Sepsis progresses in three stages, and early detection is critical for survival. Watch for the following symptoms:

Stage 1: Early Sepsis Symptoms

• Fever over 101°F or below 95°F
• Rapid heart rate (over 90 beats per minute)
• Fast breathing (more than 20 breaths per minute)
• Shivering, chills, or extreme discomfort
• Unexplained confusion or dizziness

Stage 2: Severe Sepsis

• Difficulty breathing
• Severe stomach pain
• Low urine output
• Irregular heartbeat
• Mental confusion or unresponsiveness

Stage 3: Septic Shock (Medical Emergency)

• Dangerously low blood pressure
• Organ failure (kidney, liver, heart)
• Loss of consciousness
• High risk of death

Sepsis is a medical emergency. If your loved one shows these symptoms and the nursing home fails to act, they may be guilty of negligence or medical malpractice.

What to Do If Your Loved One Developed Sepsis in a Nursing Home

If your loved one suffered from sepsis due to nursing home neglect, you may feel overwhelmed, angry, and unsure of what steps to take. Here’s what you can do to protect your loved one’s rights and seek justice:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If your loved one is still in the nursing home, ensure they receive proper medical care immediately.
2. Document Everything: Take notes on symptoms, medical records, staff responses, and any communications with the nursing home.
3. Ask Questions: Demand clear answers about how the infection started and what was done to prevent or treat it.
4. Consult a Nursing Home Neglect Attorney: The Higgins Firm offers compassionate and experienced legal guidance to families nationwide. We can help you understand your options and take legal action against those responsible.

How a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Can Help

If a nursing home’s neglect caused your loved one to develop sepsis, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages.

A Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can:

• Investigate medical records and staff negligence
• Hold the nursing home accountable for poor infection control
• Work with medical experts to prove your case
• Pursue compensation for injuries, suffering, or wrongful death

Nursing homes must be held responsible when their failure to provide proper care leads to preventable infections and deaths.

Get Justice for Your Loved One

Sepsis in nursing homes is often preventable with proper care. If your loved one developed sepsis due to neglect, don’t wait. Take action today to protect their rights.

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