Northern California Nursing Home Sepsis Bacterial Infection Attorneys
Nursing Home Sepsis Bacterial Infection
Sepsis bacterial infections occur when the body, in an attempt to try and fight bacteria that has entered the bloodstream, releases microorganisms that invade the body and cause inflammation. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream anywhere in the body, but sepsis commonly develops from bacterial infections in the kidney, liver, bowel, skin, lungs or gall bladder. Nursing home residents are at high risk for developing a sepsis bacterial infection due to a weakened immune system and pre-existing medical conditions, and therefore, require more attentive care when a bacterial infection is detected. Nursing homes that fail to take reasonable care in preventing sepsis bacterial infections from occurring may be held responsible for the nursing home resident’s injuries or resulting wrongful death.
If you or a member of your family has suffered a sepsis infection caused by a caregiver or gone undetected by a caregiver, consider contacting the experienced northern California nursing home neglect attorneys at Estey Bomberger. Our attorneys fight to hold negligent or careless nursing homes and other medical professionals accountable for their actions that result in sepsis infections. We help family recover compensation for medical care costs, pain and suffering, and other losses associated with a sepsis bacterial infection.
Causes of Sepsis Bacterial Infection
Nursing home residents can develop bacteria from unattended injuries, medical conditions or equipment, bed sores, surgical wounds or various infections. The use of intravenous lines (IV lines) presents a considerable risk for developing sepsis because the IV line has direct contact with the blood stream through the vein. IV lines must be changed and cleaned frequently to prevent an accumulation of bacteria at the insertion site. Bed sores left untreated can blister, break open and spread infection into the bloodstream, which can eventually develop into sepsis. Surgical wounds need constant cleaning and bandage changes, however, inadequate medical attention often spreads bacteria from the wound to the surrounding tissue and into the bloodstream. Untreated kidney infections (pyelonephritis) and other urinary tract infection may also release bacteria into the body that can potentially cause sepsis.
The Levels of Sepsis Bacterial Infection
A sepsis bacterial infection has four different levels, according to the American College of Chest Physicians and the Society of Critical Care Medicine. The four levels include:
Systematic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)
SIRS is related to sepsis and puts the entire body in an inflammatory state. There is no confirmed infection process in the SIRS level, so it cannot be classified as sepsis, yet. SIRS is diagnosed when two or more of the following symptoms are present:
- Body temperature that is abnormally low or high
- Heart rate that is higher than 100 beats per minute
- High respiratory rate
- White blood cell count that is elevated or low.
Sepsis
Once an infection process has confirmed SIRS, it is now defined as sepsis.
Severe sepsis
Sepsis has now begun to affect one or more organs, reduced blood pressure (hypotension) and restricted blood flow (hypoperfusion).
Septic shock
Despite adequate fluid resuscitation (which is used to treat low blood pressure), reduced blood pressure and restricted blood flow persist.
Signs and Symptoms of Sepsis Bacterial Infection
A sepsis bacterial infection cannot be diagnosed without a blood test, but certain signs and symptoms can be evidence of this infection, which include:
- Hyperventilation
- Irregular heart rate
- Fever or hypothermia
- Severe drop in blood pressure
- Shaking or chills
- Hot or warm skin
- Confusion or light-headedness
- Unable to urinate.
Contact a Northern California Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
If a sepsis bacterial infection at a nursing home or hospital has caused your loved one to suffer, contact a northern California nursing home neglect lawyer at Estey Bomberger as soon as possible. Our personal injury law firm will stand up to the responsible parties, and if necessary, take the claim to trial if we are unable to reach a fair settlement out of court. Sepsis bacterial infections are often preventable, and delays in diagnosing them can result in death. To learn more about your legal rights, contact our northern California nursing home neglect law firm today at (800) 890-6722. All consultations are free, with no obligation.