Sepsis Malpractice Lawyer

While the immune system’s function is to protect the body from disease, sometimes a bacterial or viral infection can trigger a massive immune response that damages internal organs and affects crucial bodily functions. This immune response, known as sepsis or septic shock, is extremely dangerous. Sepsis is often deadly without immediate medical treatment. If a patient with sepsis survives their illness, they could still be left with debilitating injuries, expensive medical bills, and deep emotional trauma.

In many cases, sepsis is the result of inadequate care by doctors or other medical professionals. If you or a loved one suffered the effects of sepsis due to medical malpractice, you have the right to seek compensation from the medical caregivers at fault. The Chicago sepsis malpractice lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard want to help you get the money you need and hold the people who hurt you accountable for their negligence.

For more than 40 years, our firm has defended the rights of malpractice victims, and in that time, our diverse team of highly trained and experienced personal injury lawyers has recovered more than $2.3 billion in awards for our clients. Contact our office today for a free consultation with a sepsis malpractice attorney in Chicago.

What Is Sepsis?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines sepsis as an “extreme response” by the immune system to an infection already present in the body. When the immune system reacts aggressively to an existing infection, the body can end up attacking itself, causing severe injuries to internal organs and other systems. Without rapid medical treatment, the combined effects of the existing infection and sepsis can fatally overwhelm the body’s defenses.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Sepsis?

Patients develop sepsis when their immune system is overwhelmed by an existing bacterial or viral infection. While the infection is usually the direct cause of sepsis, patients may be more likely to get sick if:

  • They are exposed to potentially contaminated medical devices like ventilators or catheters.
  • Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers do not sanitize their hands and tools before operating on or interacting with patients.
  • Doctors misuse or overprescribe antibiotic medications.
  • Doctors and nurses fail to diagnose or treat infections after a surgical procedure.

Medical negligence is a leading cause of sepsis. If you suspect medical negligence contributed to your situation, a sepsis malpractice lawyer in Chicago from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard can investigate your claim. 

What Are the Symptoms of Sepsis?

According to the CDC, some of the most common symptoms of sepsis include:

  • Elevated heart rate
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fever or chills
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweaty or clammy skin
  • Extreme pain or discomfort

One reason diagnosing sepsis is difficult is that many of the symptoms mimic those of other, less serious conditions. If you have recently been sick, underwent a surgical procedure, or have a chronic illness and you suspect you may have sepsis, see a doctor immediately and tell them about your suspicions.

When Is a Chicago Healthcare Provider Liable for Sepsis?

Proving a doctor or other healthcare provider is liable for sepsis can be challenging. There is a higher standard of proof in medical malpractice cases than in other personal injury cases. You will need to show that the doctor’s actions were not in line with what another doctor with similar experience and training would have done in the same situation. However, doctors and other healthcare providers may be liable for sepsis if they did any of the following:

  • Failed to diagnose and treat the infection that caused you to develop sepsis
  • Failed to diagnose you with sepsis and treat you once it had set in
  • Failed to diagnose and treat your septic shock
  • Prescribed the wrong treatment or medication for sepsis or septic shock

How Long Do Sepsis Malpractice Cases Take?

Medical malpractice cases can take several months or even years to conclude, depending on the particular facts. The high standard of proof required to hold healthcare providers liable for malpractice means plaintiffs and their attorneys have to spend a lot of time gathering evidence and consulting with experts. Doctors and hospitals are also likely to vigorously dispute claims of malpractice, as they do not want their reputations to suffer or have to pay out a claim. Finally, the case may take longer if a settlement cannot be reached and the case has to go to trial.

What Damages Can Be Recovered from a Sepsis Malpractice Case?

Sepsis can cause serious physical injuries, leave you unable to work, and take a severe toll on your quality of life. These effects add up to significant injuries for which you should be compensated. A Chicago sepsis malpractice attorney can help you pursue money for:

  • Past medical bills and the cost of future care you may need
  • Lost wages while you are recovering
  • Reduced future earnings and other benefits due to a disability
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Mental and emotional anguish
  • Diminished quality of life

How Can a Lawyer Help with My Sepsis Malpractice Case?

Medical malpractice cases are notoriously difficult to win, and if you or a loved one is still suffering from the effects of a serious condition as you prepare your case, you are likely in no condition to handle these complexities yourself.

That’s where an experienced medical malpractice attorney can help. While you rest and recuperate, your attorney can investigate what happened and compile the evidence necessary to establish liability. Once the initial investigation is complete, your malpractice lawyer can pursue a claim against any healthcare providers who are liable for your injuries.

At this stage, your lawyer and the lawyers and insurance adjusters on the other side will begin settlement negotiations. An experienced and skilled lawyer will be better equipped to secure a fair settlement than someone who hasn’t handled similar cases before. However, if the other side refuses to offer a fair settlement, the case may go to court. If this happens, you want an attorney with courtroom experience representing you, as defeat at trial can leave you without the compensation you need and deserve.

Many cases of sepsis are entirely preventable, and healthcare providers need to be held liable when their mistakes injure patients. If you have been the victim of sepsis malpractice, contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard today to speak with a Chicago medical malpractice attorney at no cost to you.