If you or a loved one have been the victim of nursing home negligence, you may be unsure of what your next steps should be. Sepsis is 100% preventable in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
If your family member has been hospitalized due to septic shock, and you do not know where to turn for help, do not hesitate to contact an experienced Memphis personal injury lawyer at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC for a 100% free consultation. Learn more about how the nursing home neglect and abuse claims process works when you contact our nursing home abuse legal team to explore your legal options further.
When Nursing Home Residents Become Septic
Sepsis, more commonly referred to as blood poisoning, is a condition that can be potentially life-threatening and is caused by an overreaction of the body to an internal infection. Any time germs enter the body, inflammatory cells are produced by the immune system to kill any foreign invaders and to heal the damaged cells. Sometimes, the inflammatory response of the body can be stronger than needed, which causes harm to the body rather than healing it. This is when sepsis can occur.
Blood clotting and inflammation can cause a reduction in blood flow to the body’s extremities and vital organs, increasing the risk of organ failure, tissue damage, and, in some cases, death. When this occurs, the condition is known as severe sepsis because it causes the bodily organs to malfunction due to reduced blood pressure. If not treated promptly, sepsis can quickly lead to septic shock because the patient’s blood pressure drops to dangerously low levels.
Sepsis and septic shock, like strokes and heart attacks, are considered medical emergencies that require immediate medical treatment in order to prevent severe health consequences or even death. A nursing home sepsis attorney in Memphis, TN, can help you protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve when you or a family member experiences sepsis as a victim of neglect or abuse.
Parties at Risk of Sepsis and Neglect in Memphis Nursing Homes
Sepsis and septic shock can happen to just about anyone, but the people most at risk for this condition include the following:
- People over the age of 65
- People with comorbidities such as lung, cancer, kidney disease, and diabetes
- People who have weakened immune systems
- Patients with catheters, managing breathing tubes and blood flow
- People who have severe injuries, including open wounds, or extensive burns
- Patients who are in the intensive care unit (ICU)
- People who are prone to pressure ulcers
- People who have a history of corticosteroid or antibiotic use
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What Causes Sepsis in Memphis Nursing Home Patients?
Sepsis, and septic shock, can be caused by parasitic, viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Bacterial infections, however, are typically the most common cause of a nursing home patient getting sepsis. Sepsis can occur from infections that occur in any of the following organs:
- Abdominal cavity
- Appendix
- Brain or spinal cord
- Gallbladder
- Skin
- Urinary tract
- Liver
Sepsis is most frequently caused by streptococcus, staphylococcus, or E. coli. Bedsores tend to be a common cause of patients getting sepsis in Memphis nursing homes. Bedsores are injuries to the skin that are caused by an exorbitant amount of pressure on a patient’s body, usually caused by the patient being left unmoved in one position for an excessive amount of time.
A nursing home patient who suffers from bedsores that go untreated can have bedsores that become infected, leading to sepsis. In addition, patients who use wheelchairs or are bedridden are often the most susceptible to getting bedsores because they cannot typically reposition their bodies without assistance from another person. A nursing home sepsis attorney with Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC can help you determine what happened to your loved one while in the care of a nursing home.
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Where to Report Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse in Memphis
If you suspect nursing home abuse in Memphis, it is crucial that you call for assistance and not assume that another person has already reported any suspicion of abuse.
It is not your responsibility to prove the suspected abuse. You are only required to report what you know. If the situation is an emergency, you should call 911 first. If the situation is not an emergency, you can report it online to Tennessee Adult Protective Services.
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Legal Options When a Loved One Becomes Septic Due to Nursing Home Abuse
In the unfortunate event that a loved one contracts sepsis due to the negligence of the nursing home staff while residing in a nursing home, you have several options to seek compensation for the damages incurred.
An experienced nursing home sepsis attorney can guide you in filing a claim to receive compensation for the damages your loved one incurred. Your nursing home sepsis lawyer will help prove:
- That the nursing home owed you a duty of care, ensuring your health and well-being
- The duty owed to you or your loved one was breached through nursing home neglect, abuse, or mistreatment
- You suffered actual harm due to the breach
- You suffered economic or non-economic damages due to the breach
File a Medical Malpractice Insurance Claim
Nursing home patients may have a valid medical malpractice claim if the nursing home staff or doctor fails to diagnose, prevent, or properly treat sepsis. A medical malpractice attorney can help you prove your claim of sepsis, septic shock, or sepsis-related death.
File a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
The nursing home and its staff are legally obligated to ensure the safety, health management, and well-being of each resident in their care. Since sepsis is typically the result of medical negligence by the nursing home staff and doctors, they should be held accountable for their actions. A nursing home sepsis lawyer in Memphis, TN, can help you file a claim against those who were medically negligent to your loved one.
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File Your Claim Before Time Runs Out
If a lawsuit is something you are considering in Tennessee, you have the legal right to do so. It is important that you recognize the timeframe in which you have to file your nursing home abuse lawsuit. Tennessee’s statute of limitations for all personal injury claims allows you to file a claim within one year from the date the abuse happened or was discovered.
Connect with a Memphis Nursing Home Sepsis Attorney Today
It can be incredibly frustrating to know that you trusted a nursing home to care for your loved ones only to find that they were abused. Hiring a Memphis nursing home sepsis lawyer can help you receive the compensation your loved one deserves. Contact our team at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC today through our secure online form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.