Chicago Septic Shock Malpractice Attorneys

When someone has a serious infection, they often see a doctor, get medication, follow instructions to rest, and slowly get better. However, this is not always the case. Sepsis can rear its head without warning. Sepsis is one of the most frequent causes of death worldwide. Sepsis is typically caused by bacterial infections. It may also be caused by other fungi, viruses, or parasites. Treatments include antimicrobials, intravenous fluids, and other measures.

Sepsis is a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection. Sepsis can also progress to septic shock – a precipitous development resulting in a sudden, drastic drop in blood pressure that can cause organ damage to the liver, lungs, kidneys, and other organs. Severe damage may result in death. 

In 2020, data revealed that there were 48.9 million cases and 11 million sepsis-related deaths globally, representing 20 percent of global deaths. If sepsis is caught early enough, the chances of surviving it greatly increase. Sepsis is a serious condition for everyone, however, those living with other diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and other infectious diseases, are at higher risk.

In Illinois, Senate Bill 2403, known as Gabby’s Law, requires Illinois hospitals to be better prepared to recognize and treat patients with sepsis or septic shock. The legislation honors the memory of Gabby Galbo of Monticello, who died in 2012 from untreated sepsis. 

Gabby’s Law requires Illinois hospitals must share their screening protocols with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) upon request. Hospitals must also collect and utilize strict quality control measures to enhance their internal processes for sepsis care. 

Symptoms of Sepsis

Although the symptoms of sepsis may vary, in general, they may include the following:

• Feeling lightheaded
• A change in mental status
• Shivering
• Shallow and fast breathing
• Sweating for no specific or clear reason
• If a urinary tract infection is present, as well as sepsis, there may be painful urination
• If a patient has pneumonia, the cough may worsen drastically

Sepsis does not have specific, immediately recognizable symptoms. Each person may have something different, and sepsis makes its presence known differently in children than adults. 

The signs and symptoms are not specific to sepsis, which makes it incredibly hard to diagnose. It is even harder to diagnose elderly patients in nursing homes who can be exposed to a wide variety of bacterial infections and diseases. For every 1000 hospitalized patients, an estimated 15 may develop sepsis as a side effect of receiving health care. 

Symptoms of Septic Shock

Left untreated, sepsis can progress to septic shock – a drastic drop in blood pressure. Septic shock significantly increases the risk of death.

Symptoms of septic shock can include:

• Extreme confusion
• The inability to stand up
• The inability to remain awake
• Fever or low temperature and shivering
• Difficulty breathing
• Low quantity of urine
• Clammy, sweaty skin
• High heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure
• Extreme discomfort or body pain

Children may also be affected by sepsis and septic shock. Their symptoms may include:

• Fast breathing
• Pale skin
• Lethargic
• Convulsions
• Feeling cold to the touch
• Difficulty waking up

Being in a healthcare setting of any kind can increase the risk of acquiring sepsis which develops into septic shock. Healthcare settings can also include nursing care homes. Many nursing home residents are at risk of developing various types of illnesses, and when they do, they are typically treated with antimicrobials (AMR). 

Across the nation in 2020 and 2021, sepsis stays expected to be billed to Medicare accounted for over 50 percent of the aggregate hospital costs of sepsis. Medicaid and private insurance accounted for 20 percent of the aggregate hospital costs for sepsis hospitalization. 

AMR results from fungi, parasites, bacteria, and viruses evolving and becoming immune to medications. The inability to treat these illnesses means disease spreads and may result in septic shock and death. In 2019, there were an estimated 4.95 million deaths linked to antimicrobial resistance, including 1.27 million deaths directly related to it. In the U.S., the average length of sepsis hospital stays increased by 12.7 percent from 2016–2019 to 2021, from an average of 8.2 days to 9.2 days.

Types of Individuals Most Affected by Septic Shock in Chicago

Anyone is susceptible to infections of various types that may progress into sepsis and then septic shock. However, several fragile populations are at a higher risk of becoming infected. They include:

• Older individuals
• Pregnant woman
• Neonates
• Hospitalized patients
• Intensive care unit patients
• Individuals with a weakened immune system
• Individuals suffering from chronic medical conditions

Nationwide, the average cost of all sepsis stays increased by 17.1 percent from 2016–2019 to 2021, from an average of $24,600 per stay to $ 28,800 per stay. If you or someone you know has experienced sepsis, died from sepsis, or is at risk of sepsis, reach out to an experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorney at Briskman, Briskman & Greenberg. 

Evident Negligence in Chicago Septic Shock Cases 

To prove negligence in a sepsis case in Illinois, the plaintiff (patient) must show that a healthcare provider breached the standard of care owed to them by the defendant (hospital). 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 aggravation of sepsis. 

Negligence may take the form of insufficient lab testing, misreading lab results, not carefully monitoring vital signs, or not heeding patient concerns about their symptoms.

Delays in diagnosing and/or treating sepsis can result in poor or deadly patient outcomes. If there were delays in ordering required tests, prescribing antibiotics, or commencing the correct treatment, this may suggest negligence. Additionally, if immediate treatment would have improved or saved a septic patient, this may also point to medical negligence.

Delays in diagnosis or treatment, insufficient follow-up, and monitoring of suspected cases of sepsis open the door for Gabby’s Law to play a major role in the process. Gabby’s Law has set the standards and protocols for diagnosis, screening, and treatment in the State. 

Why You Need to Hire a Chicago Septic Shock Attorney

Chicago sepsis negligence cases are complicated and complex. If you are facing the loss of a loved one due to sepsis or someone you love is struggling to win the battle with sepsis, reach out and contact a skilled medical malpractice attorney at Briskman, Briskman & Greenberg.

We focus on gathering crucial evidence, such as medical records, expert testimonies, and witness accounts, to build a compelling case on behalf of the victim. Sepsis negligence cases involve difficult legal and medical complexities, and at Briskman, Briskman & Greenberg, we are leaders in personal injury law and medical malpractice cases. 

We thoroughly evaluate your case and walk you through each step, inform you of your legal rights, and help guide you through the process of filing a medical negligence lawsuit.

We understand that facing medical professionals and their aggressive legal teams is frightening. We are with you every step of the way, and in high-stakes, complex cases, we ensure your rights are upheld, and you are compensated for the horrific experience you or a loved one lived through battling sepsis.

If you are looking for resource tools and connections to understand and deal with sepsis, visit here for further information.

Has a Loved One in a Chicago Nursing Home Suffered From Septic Shock?

If you recently lost a loved one–or nearly lost a loved one–after they developed septic 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 lawyers are steadfastly committed to advocating on behalf of residents and their families. 
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.