Sepsis Resulting from Elder Abuse or Neglect
Sepsis is a severe inflammatory response to an infection. This response can cause a variety of additional symptoms and maladies, and is most dangerous to elderly individuals, who may have weakened immune systems. Unrecognized or incorrectly treated sepsis can progress to septic shock and be deadly.
A recent study from the National Institutes of Health reveals the dangers of sepsis for elderly individuals, particularly those receiving assisted living or nursing care. Sepsis is a dangerous illness, but it is also preventable and typically responds well to timely treatment. This is why professional, attentive, and proactive monitoring and care is so important. Serious injury and deaths due to sepsis are largely preventable if conditions of elder abuse and neglect are not present.
Elderly residents are at increased risk of sepsis due to aging and chronic illnesses. However, the greatest risk comes from nursing staff or caretakers who are not familiar with the symptoms of sepsis, are not trained to be aware of the dangers, or do not respond aggressively enough with medical treatment to ensure the sepsis does not progress to something more dangerous.
The failure to accurately diagnose, treat, and monitor sepsis is preventable. Attorneys in California have been successful in litigating these cases as medical malpractice, negligence, or elder neglect. Patients suffering from sepsis may be unable to seek the help they need, or even make others aware of their deteriorating condition. Therefore, it is important that family and friends seek help immediately if they suspect something is wrong of a loved one’s health has recently declined.
Don’t let a loved one continue suffering. In cases involving sepsis, contact us as soon as possible. Moran Law is a 2014 Litigator Awards™ Winner in Nursing Home Abuse. We have a very experienced and aggressive team of qualified California elder abuse/neglect, personal injury, and wrongful death attorneys who are able to provide the legal expertise needed to hold wrongdoers accountable and help recover maximum compensation.
