Personal Injury Law Blog

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition triggered by the body’s extreme response to an infection. Each year, about 1.7 million people get sepsis in the US. It is crucial to understand what causes sepsis and why it is essential to prevent it, especially in Chicago nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Illinois is 18th in the nation for sepsis-related deaths. While Illinois’ “Gabby’s Law” is a crucial effort to reduce sepsis infections, sepsis fatalities continue to be a serious concern for vulnerable individuals. If you or someone you know has experienced sepsis, died from sepsis, or is at risk of sepsis, it is essential to contact an experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorney. 

Responsibility of Chicago Healthcare Providers to Prevent Sepsis

Patients in Chicago have fundamental rights to quality care, informed decision-making, dignity, and access to information when preventing and managing sepsis. These rights protect patients and ensure they receive the best care for this serious and potentially life-threatening condition. It requires hospitals to use specific methods to check for sepsis and train their staff to spot and treat it early. This Law aims to ensure that hospitals are equipped to catch sepsis quickly and start treatment promptly. 

How Do Patients Get Sepsis? 

Among the leading contributors to sepsis are common infections, which can rapidly escalate into life-threatening situations if left untreated. Statistics reveal that 35% of sepsis cases stem from lung infections such as pneumonia. In comparison, 25% arise from kidney or urinary tract infections, underscoring the diverse sources that can precipitate this serious medical condition.

As the rates of sepsis continue to rise, the importance of accurately identifying the cause of sepsis becomes crucial, especially in the context of personal injury lawsuits. Establishing the origin of the infection that led to sepsis is critical in determining liability and seeking appropriate compensation for the victim. Whether the infection occurred due to medical negligence, workplace hazards, or other circumstances, pinpointing its source can significantly impact the outcome of legal proceedings and the ability of victims to receive just restitution for their damages.

Gabby’s Law 

Gabby’s Law mandates that hospitals in Illinois must share their screening protocols with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) upon request. Furthermore, hospitals must gather and utilize quality measures to enhance their internal processes for sepsis care. 

Evidence of Negligence in Sepsis Shock Cases 

Proving that sepsis resulted from negligence in Illinois typically involves demonstrating that a healthcare provider breached the standard of care owed to the patient, leading to the development or exacerbation of sepsis. 

Failure to Recognize Symptoms

If healthcare providers fail to recognize the signs and symptoms of an infection that ultimately progresses to sepsis, it could indicate negligence. This may involve overlooking vital signs, lab results, or patient complaints that should have triggered further investigation and intervention.

Delay in Diagnosis or Treatment

Delays in diagnosing and treating sepsis can significantly worsen patient outcomes. Evidence of delays in ordering diagnostic tests, administering antibiotics, or initiating appropriate treatment protocols may suggest negligence, especially if prompt intervention could have prevented the progression to severe sepsis or septic shock.

Inadequate Monitoring or Follow-up

Negligence may also be inferred if there was a failure to adequately monitor the patient’s condition or provide timely follow-up care. This includes insufficient monitoring of vital signs, inadequate supervision of patients at risk for infection, or a lack of appropriate follow-up after initial treatment.

Gabby’s Law impacts these cases by establishing standards and protocols for sepsis screening, diagnosis, and treatment in Illinois hospitals. Compliance with Gabby’s Law is a benchmark for the standard of care expected from healthcare providers. If a hospital’s failure to adhere to Gabby’s Law contributes to developing or worsening sepsis in a patient, it may strengthen the case for negligence. The requirement for hospitals to share screening protocols and collect quality measures also provides valuable evidence that can be utilized to demonstrate deviations from the standard of care in sepsis-related negligence cases.

Contacting an Attorney for Sepsis Claims 

Navigating Chicago sepsis negligence cases can be complex and daunting, making it essential to retain a skilled attorney. An experienced attorney can gather crucial evidence, such as medical records, expert testimony, and witness accounts, to build a compelling case on behalf of the victim.

Furthermore, sepsis negligence cases often involve medical and legal complexities that require specialized knowledge. It is essential to speak with an attorney with experience in medical malpractice and personal injury law to understand the nuances of proving negligence and establishing liability in sepsis cases. They can effectively navigate the legal process, advocate for the injured party’s rights, and negotiate with insurance companies to pursue fair compensation for damages.

Moreover, facing healthcare providers and their legal teams can be intimidating for individuals seeking justice for sepsis-related injuries. Having a dedicated attorney provides invaluable support and guidance throughout every stage of the legal proceedings. 

In such complex and high-stakes cases, entrusting your legal representation to a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney ensures that your rights are upheld and that you have the best chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve for the harm caused by sepsis negligence in Chicago.

Has a Loved One in a Chicago Nursing Home Suffered as a Result of Sepsis Shock?

If you recently lost a loved one–or nearly lost a loved one–after they developed sepsis shock in a Chicago nursing home, you may be entitled to financial compensation through a nursing home negligence lawsuit. At the Chicago personal injury law firm of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, our respected team of nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers are steadfastly committed to advocating on behalf of residents and their families. We recognize this is an exceptionally difficult time for your family, and we will do everything possible to ensure the recovery process is as straightforward and efficient as possible. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with a nursing home lawyer in Chicago, give Briskman Briskman & Greenberg a call today at 877-595-4847. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.