Sepsis and Medical Malpractice

Sepsis is a serious infection in a patient's bloodstream that can be contracted during surgery or any invasive procedure where the blood is vulnerable. Though it is unclear as to how exactly sepsis is spread, there are certain factors that can contribute to it, including fungus. In medical treatments, patients may be exposed to sepsis and septic shock, which can be incredibly serious if left untreated.

In order to protect patients from this potentially deadly infection, hospitals must operate in strictly hygienic conditions at all times. When this is not done and an infection is acquired because of it, that hospital or medical practitioner may be held responsible. If you or someone you love was neglected following a diagnosis of sepsis or contracted a hospital-acquired infection due to unsanitary conditions, contact an attorney immediately.

Symptoms of sepsis include the following:

High Fever
Disorientation or dizziness
Confusion
Agitation
Decreased urination
Pain in various areas of the body, including wrists, arms, elbows, back, knees and ankle joints
Reddish color rash with dark spots on the skin

Individuals who are especially at risk for sepsis and other hospital-acquired infections include:

Newborns
Those with compromised immune systems, such as cancer or AIDS patients
Senior citizens

Sepsis can lead to severe injuries and permanent damage to a patient's organs. In some cases, it can even lead to death. Mortality rate for sepsis are between 20 and 40 percent and is noted as one of the major causes of death in emergency rooms and intensive care units. Because each case has its own individual circumstances, you may want to hire an attorney to investigate the details around your sepsis case. That way, you may be able to bring the negligent doctor or healthcare facility to court on the grounds of medical malpractice.

For more information about medical malpractice, sepsis or septic shock, and your rights as an injured patient, visit the web site of the Chicago medical malpractice lawyers of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C. today.