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Ohio Sepsis Malpractice Lawyers
Medical environments like hospitals and doctors offices need high standards when it comes to sanitation. Many patients visit these facilities because they are sick or require surgery. In other words, many of them are already vulnerable when they arrive, or become more vulnerable because of the procedures they undergo while admitted. Sadly, for some patients, the medical environment that should be protecting them and helping them recover creates a greater risk to their health. In fact, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the third most common cause of death in US hospitals is sepsis.
With over 1.7 million US sepsis cases annually, and over 270,000 deaths, healthcare providers should be exercising extreme caution when it comes to protecting their patients from this condition. Sadly, it is medical provider oversight that often increases the complications associated with and chances of developing sepsis. In some cases, medical providers may fail to diagnose sepsis in time to prevent serious harm or death. If you believe that you or a loved one experienced this type of complication because of a medical error, the Ohio sepsis malpractice lawyers at Crandall & Pera Law can help.
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Understanding sepsis
Sepsis happens when the immune systems of a person experiencing an injury, infection, or other harm overreacts or becomes overwhelmed. The condition can happen without warning. In severe cases, sepsis causes a person’s blood pressure to drop and weakens their heart. When a person enters “septic shock,” organs, including the lungs, liver, and kidney can fail. At that point, the condition is a serious threat to the patient’s life.
Other names for sepsis include septicemia and blood poisoning.
Where does sepsis occur?
Sepsis can happen anywhere, but it often occurs in hospitals because patients may be facing infections that lead to this condition. Bacterial infections are the most common trigger for sepsis, although viruses and injuries are also potential causes.
Some conditions that put a person at risk of sepsis include lung infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and intestinal or gut infections. Those with chronic health problems, including kidney disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer, or weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to developing sepsis. Individuals older than 65 or younger than one are also at a greater risk. Hospitalization, especially for an infection, is another factor that increases the likelihood of developing sepsis.
Symptoms of sepsis
According to John Hopkins, a person experiencing sepsis may have the following symptoms:
- A loss of appetite
- A disinterest in surroundings
- Difficulties with breathing
- A fever, chills, or feel extremely cold
- Rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Sensitivity to light
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Significant pain or discomfort
- Feel cold, with cool extremities
- Be lethargic, anxious, confused, or agitated
- A rash resembling bruises
In severe cases, the person may fall into a coma.
The Mayo Clinic recommends using a mnemonic device as a way to remember symptoms to look out for in a person that indicate possible sepsis. The mnemonic TIME stands for:
TIME
T: Temperature
I: Infection
M: Mental decline
E: Extremely ill
While sepsis can be challenging to diagnose, the prevalence in medical environments and the incredible risk it poses to patients should place this condition at the top of physicians’ attention. Approximately 80% of sepsis deaths are preventable, as long as the person receives help in time.
Sepsis and medical malpractice in Ohio
Medical malpractice is the failure of a healthcare professional to meet the required standard of care, leading to patient harm. Both healthcare provider acts and omissions can lead to malpractice. In fact, many malpractice claims are the result of a physician or other medical professional failing to provide medical care to a patient who needed it. However, negligent medical care, which might involve substandard sterilization processes, can cause injuries to patients and potentially lead to legal claims. Some potential malpractice situations that may lead to sepsis-related claims include:
- Unsanitary conditions in medical facilities: Poor handwashing practices, dirty surfaces, and other issues can increase the risk of infection in vulnerable patients.
- Improperly sterilized medical tools and equipment: Patients undergoing surgery may contract infections because of the equipment the physician uses.
- Poorly maintained HVAC systems: HVAC systems help filter and improve the quality of indoor air. However, if a facility does not properly maintain its system, they can be spreading bacteria through the air, potentially putting patients at risk of infections.
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: The chances of a patient recovering from sepsis rapidly decline the more time that passes without treatment. When a provider fails to diagnose a patient with an infection or sepsis, that error can lead to serious risks and injuries.
When it comes to preventing sepsis complications and deaths, there are steps that hospitals can take. Careful planning, training, and processes can minimize risks. If hospitals fail to prepare or train their staff, they could be setting themselves up for failure, and potentially, malpractice. While the hospital or medical providers might be to blame, it is the patients that suffer from these oversights, and who have to prove their sepsis was the result of malpractice.
Challenges in proving medical malpractice in sepsis cases
Although unsanitary conditions at a hospital may lead to sepsis, it can be difficult to prove that connection. Building the case will require careful work and the help of qualified medical experts.
Legal recourse for sepsis-related malpractice in Ohio
The serious potential consequences of a sepsis case, especially when a provider does not diagnose or treat the condition quickly enough, can be life-changing for a patient and their family. Additionally, the costs of future medical care, support, and the loss of income can put additional stress on a family. An Ohio sepsis malpractice lawsuit can help recover some of those costs from the liable medical provider.
Recoverable damages in a sepsis malpractice case include:
- Medical expenses (past and future prescription drugs, medical devices, and treatments)
- Lost wages due to injury (past and future loss of income)
- Pain and suffering
In the tragic case that someone dies from complications related to this condition, families of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim to recover damages.
Ohio’s statute of limitations for sepsis cases
In Ohio, there is a one-year limit for filing medical malpractice claims. The time starts to run when the patient discovers the malpractice. There are some exceptions, so it is extremely important to speak to an experienced medical malpractice attorney about your sepsis case as soon as possible.
Importance of legal assistance in sepsis claims
Sepsis cases, and all medical malpractice claims, are extremely complicated. Medical professionals will have their own sophisticated legal representatives working to limit their liability. Additionally, building a successful claim means having qualified medical professionals who can clearly explain why the conduct is malpractice and relate the conduct to the injury. All of this requires the assistance of experienced Ohio sepsis malpractice lawyers.
Find a legal advocate for your sepsis case
Medical malpractice claims involving sepsis can have long-term consequences on your health and your family. The law provides a way for you to recover some of the losses and hold the negligent medical provider or facility responsible for their actions. If you or a loved one developed sepsis, and you believe a medical provider is at-fault, contact Crandall & Pera Law for a free consultation.