Nursing Home Sepsis

Recovering Compensation for Chicago Families Harmed by Nursing Home Sepsis

A Chicago nursing home sepsis attorney understands how dangerous bacterial infections can be when nursing home staff fail to provide proper care. Residents who develop sepsis due to neglect may suffer life-altering complications.

Our Chicago nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys focus on nursing home sepsis cases and help families fight back against negligent facilities. With experience gathering critical evidence and challenging unsafe practices, our legal team is ready to support victims and pursue justice. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have successfully recovered substantial settlements for families impacted by abuse and neglect in nursing homes.

• $12,333,000 for the family of a patient who developed fatal sepsis after staff failed to identify post-surgical complications.
• $2,150,000 for a nursing home resident who developed fatal bedsores and sepsis due to inadequate care.
• $395,000 for the family of an elderly man who died from sepsis after untreated bedsores developed in a nursing home.

What is Sepsis and Why is it Dangerous?

Sepsis is the body’s extreme reaction to an infection, often referred to as blood poisoning. When an infection triggers sepsis, the immune system goes into overdrive, releasing chemicals into the bloodstream that can cause widespread inflammation and organ failure. It can progress quickly, sometimes leading to septic shock and even death.

Increased Sepsis Risk for Elderly Nursing Home Residents

Residents of nursing homes are particularly at risk for sepsis due to several factors that compromise their health. Many older adults have weakened immune systems and suffer from chronic medical conditions, making it harder for their bodies to fight off infections.

Limited mobility and frequent use of invasive devices like catheters increase the chance of bacteria entering the body. Residents’ reliance on healthcare providers for basic care and the detection of infections means that any lapse in attention can quickly lead to serious complications.

Common Infections Leading to Sepsis in Illinois Nursing Homes

Improperly managed infections in Illinois nursing homes can lead to sepsis. Here’s how this can happen:

Infections from Catheters or IV Lines: Devices intended to help patients can become sources of infection if proper hygiene is not maintained.

Infected Bed Sores: Open sores caused by prolonged pressure can become infected and develop into sepsis.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs can escalate into more serious infections if not managed.

Pneumonia / Respiratory Infections: Lung infections can quickly worsen, potentially leading to sepsis.

Skin/Wound Infections (Cellulitis): Bacterial infections of cuts or wounds may spread and trigger a systemic response.

How Does Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect Cause Sepsis?

Nursing home abuse and neglect can create conditions that make residents highly susceptible to sepsis. This could include:

• Poor hygiene
• Inadequate repositioning
• Improper catheter care
• Contaminated medical equipment
• Missing early signs
• Understaffing

These failures raise the chances of severe infections occurring and turning into sepsis and septic shock.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Sepsis in Your Family Member

Recognizing the warning signs of sepsis in a family member is essential. Signs include:

• Confusion
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• High heart rate
• Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing
• Clammy or sweaty skin

If you observe any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention for your loved one.

The Critical Need for Rapid Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment

Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires quick recognition and treatment in a timely manner. Doctors rely on clinical evaluations and blood tests to confirm the condition and start medical treatment. Once diagnosed, nursing home patients are given antibiotics, IV fluids, and other supportive measures designed to fight the dangerous infection.

Any delay in addressing sepsis can worsen the patient’s condition, leading to stays in the intensive care unit, more severe health consequences, and a greater risk of long-term complications.

Severe Complications and Long-Term Effects of Sepsis

Even after severe sepsis is treated, survivors often face serious long-term complications. Organ damage affecting the kidneys, lungs, or brain can impair everyday functioning. In some cases, blood clots and tissue death may require amputations.

Many individuals go on to experience post-sepsis syndrome, which includes fatigue, persistent pain, symptoms similar to PTSD, and cognitive difficulties, alongside a weakened immune system and heightened risk of future infections.

Holding Negligent Healthcare Providers Liable for Sepsis

If a doctor, nurse, or other caregiver misdiagnoses or handles a case improperly, their error may lead to a delay in proper treatment, giving the bacterial or viral infection time to escalate.

These failures in care can be pursued as claims against the negligent medical professionals, or sometimes even against the institution they work for. Holding negligent healthcare providers accountable is a way to ensure that nursing home patients can receive compensation for the harm caused by these mistakes.

When is a Chicago Nursing Home Legally Responsible for Sepsis?

A nursing home may be legally responsible for sepsis when systemic failures lead to unsafe conditions for its residents. Understaffing, poor training, and negligent supervision can all contribute to a lack of proper infection control measures in the nursing facility.

If these shortcomings result in a resident developing sepsis, the nursing home can be held accountable for failing to provide the standard of care expected under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act.

Proving Medical Negligence in Chicago Sepsis Cases

Proving medical negligence in these cases involves demonstrating that a facility or provider failed to meet the standard of care expected from a reasonably prudent entity. This is done by showing the following:.

• Breach of Standard of Care: Evidence that the nursing home or provider did not follow proper guidelines or procedures, such as maintaining proper staffing levels or enforcing hygiene protocols.
• Causation: Show how the facility’s failure, like missed signs of infection or delayed response, led to the onset of sepsis in the nursing home resident.
• Damages: Document the resulting harm, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any additional losses.

Investigating Care Failures: Staffing, Training, and Protocols

A Chicago sepsis lawyer starts by examining the resident’s medical charts and facility documents to identify any care shortcomings. They look at care plans, staff schedules, training logs, and infection control policies to spot failures that may have contributed to the infection.

A personal injury or medical malpractice attorney also takes depositions from nursing home staff members to understand daily practices and construct a timeline of negligence. In some cases, they work with nursing or medical experts who can pinpoint exactly where standard care was not met.

Legal Options for Family Members After Sepsis Diagnosis or Death

When a resident develops sepsis and is left with lasting sepsis injuries and expenses, a personal injury lawsuit or sometimes a medical malpractice lawsuit can be filed against the negligent nursing home and any healthcare providers involved.

If the resident dies due to the lack of proper care, the loved ones may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their loss.

Filing a Sepsis Lawsuit in Cook County

Filing a sepsis lawsuit in Cook County involves several steps.

• File in the Correct Jurisdiction: Initiate your case in the appropriate court. This will likely be the Cook County Circuit Court.
• Gather Evidence: Collect medical records, care plans, and staffing logs.
• Prepare Your Argument: Work with experienced legal counsel to draft a formal complaint.
• Utilize Expert Testimony: Speak with medical or nursing experts to explain the standard of care and how the facility’s failure to meet it led to the infection and sepsis injuries.

Compensation Available for Sepsis Victims and Families

When sepsis due to nursing home negligence occurs, victims and their families may be entitled to a range of damages to help cover their losses.

• Medical bills for sepsis treatment and complications
• Lost income (if applicable)
• Pain and suffering
• Disability compensation
• Wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and grief

Pursuing Wrongful Death Claims When Sepsis Proves Fatal

When sepsis leads to a fatality in a nursing home, families may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act. This involves showing that negligence on the part of the facility resulted in inadequate medical care, ultimately leading to the loss of a loved one. Damages available can cover:

• Funeral expenses
• Compensation for the emotional pain and suffering of surviving loved ones
• Lost income the victim would have provided

Why Hire an Experienced Chicago Sepsis Lawyer?

Hiring an experienced Chicago sepsis lawyer is essential due to the complex nature of these cases because it can be challenging to clearly link sepsis to specific acts of abuse or neglect.

An attorney with expertise in both medical malpractice and nursing home liability law in Illinois will thoroughly investigate the evidence, analyze medical documents, and work with medical experts to establish how the failure in care led directly to sepsis.

Our Law Firm’s Approach to Sepsis Abuse or Neglect Cases

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is dedicated to holding nursing homes accountable when a resident develops sepsis due to nursing home neglect. We draw on years of experience investigating cases in Illinois and will collaborate with medical professionals and examine facility records to firmly establish liability.

Our commitment is to secure fair compensation for the harm caused, ensuring that families receive the justice they deserve. We know money can’t make up for the treatment your loved one suffered, but it’s a step in the right direction.

FAQs About Sepsis in Chicago Nursing Homes

How Common Is Sepsis in Illinois Nursing Homes?

Roughly 6,000 nursing home residents in Illinois experience sepsis yearly, and about one in five of those cases will be fatal.

What Evidence Is Most Important to Prove the Nursing Home’s Negligence Caused Sepsis?

Medical records, care plans, and staff logs are key, as they show whether the assisted living facility identified sepsis infection risks and followed proper protocols. Any documented mistakes, like insufficient hygiene or ignored symptoms, can directly link the neglect to the sepsis.

Can a Nursing Home Be Held Liable if the Resident Already Had Health Problems That Increased Infection Risk?

Yes, if the facility failed to follow necessary precautions or provide adequate care. Even with preexisting conditions, caregivers still owe a duty to prevent sepsis by maintaining appropriate standards of care.

What Are the First Steps Family Members Should Take if They Suspect Sepsis Resulted From Abuse or Neglect?

Seek immediate medical treatment, notify the facility about your concerns, and gather records of your loved one’s care. Consult an experienced attorney soon after to explore legal options.

Consult Chicago Nursing Home Sepsis Lawyers Near You!

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we bring decades of experience advocating for families affected by nursing home neglect and abuse. Our team has recovered more than $450 million in verdicts and settlements, including cases where sepsis played a major role.

We understand how complex these claims can be and offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options. If your loved one has suffered sepsis at a Chicago nursing facility, call our team at (888) 424-5757 or complete the online contact form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.