San Diego Sepsis Lawyer
Helping Families of Nursing Home Abuse in Southern California
At Joel R. Bryant, we believe that elderly residents deserve the highest standard of care. Sepsis is a preventable condition, and when nursing homes fail to provide adequate care and treatment, they should be held accountable. If your loved one suffered sepsis or septic shock due to nursing home negligence, we can help you explore your legal options.
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis arises when an infection provokes an intense reaction from the immune system. In reaction to the infection, the immune system releases chemicals into the bloodstream, resulting in widespread inflammation. This inflammation could lead to blood clots forming and increased blood vessel permeability.
As a result, blood flow to critical organs is diminished, potentially leading to organ failure. Additionally, sepsis can cause the formation of small blood clots, further risking the failure of organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Call Joel R. Bryant today at (619) 597-2577 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our sepsis attorney in San Diego!
What Are the Signs of Sepsis?
It is essential to know the signs of sepsis so that you can seek medical attention right away if you or a loved one develops this potentially life-threatening condition. However, sepsis can be challenging to diagnose, especially in the elderly, who often have other health problems and are at a higher risk of developing sepsis.
Common signs and symptoms of sepsis in the elderly include:
- High fever (over 101°F) or low body temperature (below 96.8°F)
- Chills and shivering
- Confusion or disorientation
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Unexplained rash
- Redness or inflammation around an open wound
- Decreased urination
- Extreme fatigue or weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe pain or discomfort
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking medical attention immediately is essential. Sepsis is a medical emergency and can quickly become fatal if not treated promptly.
Can Sepsis Be Prevented?
Yes, sepsis can often be prevented. Infections are the most common cause of sepsis, and many ways exist to prevent infections. This is especially important in nursing homes, as elderly residents are at a higher risk of developing infections. Nursing home staff should implement measures to prevent infections and closely monitor residents for signs of infection.
Some of the most effective ways to prevent sepsis in nursing home residents include:
- Proper hand hygiene: Nursing home staff should wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before and after caring for each resident. This practice is especially crucial before and after touching a resident’s mouth, feeding tube, or wound.
- Proper catheter care: If a resident has a catheter, it is essential to keep it clean and change it as directed to prevent infections.
- Proper wound care: Wounds should be kept clean and appropriately dressed to help prevent infections. Any redness, swelling, or drainage from a wound should be reported to a doctor immediately.
- Proper oral care: Oral hygiene is essential to prevent infections, especially in elderly residents who may have difficulty brushing their teeth or cleaning their dentures. Nursing home staff should assist residents with brushing their teeth and cleaning their dentures, and any oral problems should be reported to a doctor immediately.
- Proper food handling and storage: Food should be stored correctly to prevent foodborne illnesses, which can lead to sepsis.
- Proper immunizations: To help prevent infections, residents should be current on immunizations, including the flu and pneumococcal vaccines.
- Proper medication management: Medications should be appropriately stored and administered as directed. This includes antibiotics, often used to treat infections that can lead to sepsis.
- Proper staff training: Nursing home staff should receive proper infection control and prevention training. They should also be trained to recognize the signs of sepsis and know how to respond.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Sepsis Claim?
In a sepsis claim, several types of damages can be recovered, including:
- Medical Expenses: This covers past, current, and future medical costs related to sepsis treatment, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical discomfort and emotional distress resulting from sepsis and its treatment.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for lost income if the patient could not work during their illness and recovery period. This can also include losing future earning capacity if the individual cannot return to work.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded for the negative impact the illness had on the relationship between the patient and their spouse or family members.
- Punitive Damages: These damages can be granted in cases of extreme negligence to penalize the responsible party and discourage similar behavior in the future.
- Non-Economic Damages: These can include compensation for reduced quality of life, emotional distress, and other subjective losses.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Sepsis Claim in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for a sepsis claim typically falls under the general personal injury statute two years from the date of the injury. However, if the sepsis claim is related to medical malpractice or nursing home abuse, the timeframe may vary:
- Medical Malpractice: The statute of limitations is generally one year from the date the injury was discovered or could have been reasonably discovered, but no more than three years from the date of the injury.
- Nursing Home Abuse: The statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the injury.
Special rules apply if the claim involves a government-run facility, often requiring a claim to be filed within six months. It's crucial to consult with an experienced attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.
Contact Our San Diego Sepsis Attorney Today
At Joel R. Bryant, we are dedicated to assisting families in seeking justice when a loved one is harmed in a nursing home. We recognize the unique challenges associated with nursing home abuse cases and are here to support you throughout the entire process.
Our sepsis lawyers in San Diego will assess your case, explain your legal options, and work to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. We handle all nursing home abuse cases on a contingency fee, so you pay no upfront fees or costs. We only get paid if we win your case.
Contact Joel R. Bryant today to schedule a meeting with our sepsis lawyer in San Diego!
In Their Own Words
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"Mr. Bryant and his staff were always available to answer our questions and concerns."Eugenia A.
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"Joel used creativity and attention to details of complex corporate matters to move the case to settlement within six months of filing."Robert H.
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"They were very professional, honest, compassionate, and supportive."Brent R.