Sepsis Causes Many Unnecessary Wrongful Deaths In the United States and Around the World

Written by Adam Peck Category: Nursing Home Infections March 8th, 2013 3 min read

Sepsis occurs when the body attempts to fight an ongoing infection. Initially, this can be an appropriate and necessary response to infection; however, sometimes sepsis causes the body’s immune system to go into overdrive and damage its own tissues and organs. This can lead to shock, which is the failure of multiple bodily organs, as well as death. Sepsis is common. Throughout the world, someone dies of the disorder every 3-4 seconds. Yet it’s not very well known.

Worldwide, sepsis causes more deaths each year than prostate cancer, breast cancer and HIV/AIDS combined. Elders and Dependant Adults who are residents of Long Term Care Facilities are especially susceptible to Sepsis, if they have incurred Urinary Tract Infections, become Malnourished and Dehydrated, and have avoidable Bed Sores, pressure Sores also known as Decubitus Ulcers.

Sepsis can present in many different ways, but some of the most common signs are:

Fever and shaking chills
Reduced mental alertness, sometimes with confusion
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Increased heart rate, greater than 90 beats per minute
Increased respiratory rate, greater than 30 breaths per minute
High or low white blood cell count
Low blood pressure
Altered kidney or liver function

Awareness of the problem and a high degree of suspicion are key tools in prevention and early treatment. Prevention includes good hygiene and hand-washing techniques, as well as close attention to signs of the disorder. Once the signs of sepsis are present, getting prompt and appropriate medical attention improves patient outcomes.

There’s no single agent or strategy to treat sepsis. That’s why it’s so dangerous. We have to not only fight the infection directly with antibiotics, but also support any failing organs resulting from the disorder (with dialysis and life support, for example). Using these strategies, we buy time for the body to heal and recover.

Sepsis can happen to anyone. It requires only an infection and a delay in identification and treatment.

In patients with depressed immune systems, such as some cancer patients, elders and dependant adults with co-morbidities sepsis can happen even if there’s no delay in identification or treatment, because the immune system can’t fight the infection.

The PECK LAW GROUP specializes in personal injury matters relating to Serious and Catastrophic Injury, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Bed Sores, Decubitus Ulcers, and Pressure Sores, Medical Malpractice, Surgery Errors, Traumatic Brain Injury, Birth Injury and Wrongful Death that are determined to be a breach of the standard of care. Our experts and our attorneys have superior knowledge and know how in handling these type of matters from inception to Trial if need be. You will receive superior representation and of course the best possible result based upon our know how and expertise.

Call us Now. THE PECK LAW GROUP In Southern California at (818) 908-0509; In Northern California at (925) 808-5708; or all across the United States toll free at (866) 999-9085

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.