Sepsis is a serious medical condition often overlooked, even though it’s considered a medical emergency. Once known as “blood poisoning,” sepsis claims the lives of over 258,000 Americans each year. Early detection and treatment can make all the difference in survival.
If your loved one has developed sepsis due to negligence, speaking with an Atlanta nursing home sepsis lawyer is a step toward holding the responsible parties accountable. Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law offers compassionate support to families in these difficult situations.
Bedsores are another common issue caused by neglect. If your loved one has suffered from bedsores, reaching out to an Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer at Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law can help you seek justice for the improper care they received.
Sepsis in Atlanta Nursing Homes
Nursing home residents are entitled to a standard of care protected by the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987. Unfortunately, some facilities in the U.S. fail to provide the personalized attention their residents need.
This lack of proper care can lead to serious health complications, such as sepsis. If your loved one has suffered due to negligence, an Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer can help you explore your legal options.
Sepsis is more likely to occur in individuals who are:
- Over the age of 65
- Have weakened immune systems
- Suffer from chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease
If you suspect elder abuse in Georgia has contributed to a loved one’s sepsis or other health issues, seeking legal help can provide much-needed support.
For a free legal consultation with a nursing home sepsis lawyer serving Atlanta, call (678) 823-7678
The Stages of Sepsis
Sepsis progresses through different stages, each affecting the body in distinct ways:
Sepsis
In the early phase, sepsis appears similar to an infection. Symptoms include:
- A fever above 101°F or a body temperature below 95°F
- Heart rate over 90 beats per minute
- Rapid breathing
Severe Sepsis
If left untreated, sepsis worsens. Signs of severe sepsis include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe abdominal pain
- Increased sleepiness or memory issues
Septic Shock
Without proper care, sepsis can lead to septic shock, characterized by:
- Critically low blood pressure
- High risk of fatality
Even after recovery, post-sepsis syndrome can develop, causing nightmares, hallucinations, panic attacks, and severe muscle or joint pain.
Atlanta Nursing Home Sepsis Lawyer Near Me (678) 823-7678
Sepsis and Neglect in Nursing Homes
Sepsis should never be considered an unavoidable outcome in nursing homes, even for vulnerable residents. If a resident develops sepsis without a clear medical reason, it may be a sign of neglect that requires further investigation.
Caregivers in nursing homes can help reduce the risk of sepsis by:
- Regularly moving residents with mobility challenges
- Keeping medical equipment clean
- Following state and federal healthcare regulations
- Closely monitoring residents for signs of health deterioration
- Properly cleaning and treating wounds or injuries
It’s essential to watch for early signs of sepsis in elderly patients, like fever, infection, or confusion, to prevent serious complications. An Atlanta nursing home sepsis attorney can help if neglect is suspected.
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How do I Know If I Have a Sepsis Case Against a Nursing Home?
Determining whether you have a case for sepsis caused by nursing home neglect can be challenging, unlike more obvious issues like physical abuse.
If your loved one was hospitalized or passed away due to sepsis, it’s best to consult an Atlanta nursing home sepsis attorney for a thorough case evaluation.
In Georgia, nursing home neglect cases require two key elements:
- Negligence: Did the nursing home violate laws or standard care practices?
- Causation: Did this negligence directly lead to a serious injury or death?
To build a case, an attorney will review medical records, the nursing home’s history with infection control, and witness accounts. Evidence such as lab results, vital signs, infection history, and nurse notes may reveal whether sepsis was caused by neglect.
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Is Sepsis Contagious?
Sepsis itself is not contagious, but the infection that triggers it, whether viral, fungal, or bacterial, can be. Some infections are more aggressive and may remain contagious during the stages of sepsis.
It’s important for nursing homes to have strong infection control practices in place to prevent the spread of these pathogens. Staff should be proactive in reducing the risk of spreading infections among residents.
Nursing home infection control measures often include:
- Regular handwashing with antibacterial soap
- Use of sterile gloves and masks
- Proper handling of linens
- Thorough cleaning services with routine checks
By following strict infection control practices, nursing homes can help prevent the spread of contagious infections that may lead to sepsis. If you believe a nursing home has failed to protect your loved one, it may be helpful to consult with an attorney to explore your options.
How an Atlanta Nursing Home Sepsis Lawyer Can Help
Nursing home residents are especially vulnerable to health issues like sepsis, and it’s important to stay alert to their care. If you believe your loved one has suffered neglect or abuse that led to sepsis, legal action may be necessary to protect their rights.
A lawyer can assist by:
- Investigating the circumstances that caused the sepsis
- Reviewing medical records to identify signs of neglect
- Determining the responsibility of the nursing home and its staff
- Compiling evidence to build a strong case
- Managing all communication, including legal proceedings
Having an attorney on your side can make the process smoother, giving you the support needed to hold the nursing home accountable for the care your loved one deserves.
Protect Your Loved One: Consult an Atlanta Nursing Home Sepsis Lawyer
Sepsis in nursing homes is often linked to neglect, and legal action may be necessary. When proper care is lacking, residents can suffer serious health consequences like sepsis. Consulting an Atlanta nursing home sepsis lawyer can help you explore your legal options.
Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law offers compassionate guidance and support to families during these stressful times. We are committed to helping you seek justice and improve the quality of care for your loved one.
Reach out to Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law today to discuss your case and get the help you need to protect your loved one’s well-being.
Call or text (678) 823-7678 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
