San Jose Sepsis Attorneys

At Needham Kepner & Fish LLP, we understand the emotional, physical, and financial damage that sepsis can cause. With over 20 years of experience helping injury victims in the Bay Area, our San Jose personal injury attorneys are dedicated to getting results for you and your family. We offer the resources of a big firm, but provide the personal attention you would expect from a smaller practice. Whether through litigation or mediation, we are committed to representing your best interests. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Contact a qualified sepsis lawyer in San Jose at Needham Kepner & Fish LLP to schedule a consultation. Complete our online form or call (408) 716-1668.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition triggered by the body's response to an infection. When the body releases substances to fight the infection, it can cause widespread inflammation. This inflammation can lead to significant changes, damaging multiple organ systems and potentially causing them to fail. In severe cases, sepsis can lead to septic shock, characterized by a dramatic drop in blood pressure, which can be fatal.

What Causes Sepsis?

Any type of infection can lead to sepsis, but the most common infections that cause sepsis include:

• Lung Infection (Pneumonia)
• Kidney Infection
• Stomach Infection
• Bladder Infection
• Gallbladder Infection
• Bloodstream Infection (Bacteremia)

What are the Symptoms of Sepsis?

Early symptoms of sepsis may include:

• Fever and chills
• Increased heart rate
• Increased breathing rate
• Confusion or disorientation
• Swelling
• High blood sugar

Severe sepsis is the result of sepsis progressing and causing organ dysfunction. Symptoms of severe sepsis include:

• Significantly decreased urine output
• Changes in mental state
• Decreased platelet count
• Difficulty breathing
• Abnormal heart pumping function

If sepsis progresses to septic shock, blood pressure drops dramatically, which may lead to death.

What Are Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse That Could Lead To Sepsis?

It's critical to identify the warning signs of sepsis that indicate maltreatment in a nursing home in order to protect your loved ones and hold those responsible for negligence accountable. If left untreated, sepsis is a serious infection that may be fatal. It frequently results from untreated infections, which can be caused by negligence or abuse in assisted living facilities.

Here are key indicators to watch for:

• Untreated Wounds and Bedsores: Neglect in nursing homes frequently leads to bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers. Sepsis may result from an infection of these sores if treatment is not received. Check for sores on pressure areas such as the back, heels, and hips that are red, puffy, or filled with pus.
• Poor Hygiene: Infections can arise from improper personal hygiene. Unwashed bodies, filthy living quarters, and soiled bedding or clothes are all warning indicators. Sepsis can be caused by bacterial infections that rapidly worsen due to poor hygiene.
• Malnutrition and Dehydration: These conditions impair immunity, leaving inhabitants more vulnerable to diseases. Not ignoring warning indications such as dry skin, lack of energy, and noticeable weight loss is advised.
• Unexplained Bruises or Injuries: Physical abuse can result in cuts, bruises, or open wounds that could get infected if left untreated. Look out for chronic wounds or ones that don't have a clear cause.
• Mental and Emotional Changes: Emotional abuse and neglect can also affect physical health. Signs include sudden changes in mood, depression, anxiety, and withdrawal from social interactions. These changes can indicate underlying issues that may lead to physical neglect.

If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to act quickly. Document the evidence, speak with nursing home staff, and consult a bedsore lawyer in San Jose from Needham Kepner & Fish LLP. Legal action can help ensure your loved one receives the care they deserve and holds the negligent parties accountable for their actions.

How is Sepsis Diagnosed?

Medical professionals use a combination of tests to diagnose sepsis. These tests include:

• Blood tests that check for signs of infection or organ damage
• Urine tests that check for signs of infection
• A wound culture to check for infection
• A respiratory secretion test
• Imaging tests such as an X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound
• A cerebrospinal fluid test to check for infection

How is Sepsis Treated?

Doctors and nurses use a combination of treatments to treat sepsis. These treatments include:

• Antibiotics to fight infection
• Large amounts of intravenous fluids to maintain blood pressure
• Oxygen to maintain oxygen levels in the blood
• Medications to raise low blood pressure
• Sedatives for agitation, delirium, and discomfort
• Measures to prevent blood clots
• Kidney dialysis to filter the blood
• Surgery to remove sources of infection

Can I Sue for Sepsis Related To Nursing Home Abuse?

To successfully sue for sepsis related to nursing home abuse, you must demonstrate that the nursing home's negligence directly caused the condition. This involves proving that the facility failed to provide adequate care, resulting in an environment where infections could develop and lead to sepsis.

A San Jose sepsis lawyer at Needham Kepner & Fish LLP can help you gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case. This may include medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony to establish a direct link between the nursing home's actions (or lack thereof) and your loved one's sepsis. Your lawyer will also guide you through the legal process, ensuring that you meet all filing deadlines and procedural requirements.

Do not hesitate to get in touch with a San Jose sepsis attorney if you believe that the abuse in the nursing home caused your loved one's sepsis. Taking legal action can help guarantee that your loved one gets the treatment they need and that people who are at fault are held accountable.

Speak with an experienced San Jose sepsis attorney at Needham Kepner & Fish LLP during a free consultation. Contact us or call (408) 716-1668 to make an appointment.