Raising Awareness on the Dangers of Sepsis
September 14, 2018
Sepsis is an extremely dangerous, potentially life-threatening condition that claims the lives of 258,000 Americans each year. If there is a serious infection somewhere in the body, the immune system can go into overdrive trying to fight the infection.
In some cases, rather than fighting the infection, the immune system releases toxic chemicals into the bloodstream, causing a range of serious symptoms, including high fever, rapid heart rate, confusion, and organ failure. In extreme cases, sepsis can be fatal. September is Sepsis Awareness Month, which brings attention to this treatable, yet serious condition, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from developing this life-threatening condition.
Sepsis can develop from any type of infection, from a small bug bite to an internal infection, like pneumonia. Whether the infection is bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic, they can all lead to sepsis. However, in most cases, sepsis is the result of an infected wound. When the immune system releases chemicals into the bloodstream, it can cause severe inflammation throughout the entire body. In the United States, over one million patients are hospitalized each year with symptoms of sepsis. Seniors and individuals with chronic, or serious diseases, as well as those with a compromised immune system, are at risk for developing sepsis.
Can Patients File a Malpractice Lawsuit for Sepsis?
You might wonder if a patient who is suffering from sepsis is eligible for medical malpractice compensation. There are several factors that must exist if a patient wants to pursue a malpractice lawsuit, including the following:
- The patient must have been under the care of a medical professional when he or she acquired sepsis.
- The patient must be able to prove that the healthcare provider was negligent in some way, and that he or she deviated from the reasonable standard of care. To do this, expert medical witnesses must testify about certain risk factors, like communication breakdowns, basic sanitation, and health practices.
- The patient must provide evidence that the negligent behavior of the doctor or the hospital staff caused the patient to develop sepsis.
- The patient must offer evidence that sepsis caused extreme pain and suffering to themselves and their family.
If a malpractice case exists, an experienced medical malpractice lawyer can work closely with the patient to protect his or her rights and recommend the best legal course of action.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Victims of Medical Negligence
If you or a loved one developed sepsis while under the care of a medical professional, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will conduct a thorough investigation of your medical records and determine if there is evidence of medical negligence. If there is, we will take every step necessary to hold the negligent party liable and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
