Minnesota Sepsis Lawyer
Sepsis is a very serious condition that has the potential to be life-threatening for patients that suffer from it. Although anyone can suffer from sepsis, individuals with weakened immune systems and the elderly are more likely to suffer from it. Sepsis occurs when a patient is suffering from an infection and chemicals are released into the bloodstream. This chemical reaction causes inflammation around the organs, causing them to fail. Sepsis can also cause a sudden and dramatic drop in a person’s blood pressure. When sepsis progresses, it develops into septic shock.
If you or someone you love has suffered from sepsis or septic shock as a result of medical negligence, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Our Minnesota sepsis lawyer can determine when negligence caused the condition, and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
Diagnosing Sepsis and Septic Shock
An early diagnosis of sepsis is essential when trying to prevent further harm to patients. Doctors must be able to recognize the signs of severe sepsis so they can take action immediately. The most common symptoms of severe sepsis are as follows:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Breathing issues
- Abrupt changes in mental status
- Pronounced decrease in urine output
- A lower platelet count
- The heart is not pumping normally
- Respiratory breathing more than 20 breaths per minute
- A body temperature greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or lower than 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit
- A heart rate over 90 beats per minute
When the symptoms of severe sepsis are present, doctors must understand the risk of sepsis and septic shock and take the necessary steps to prevent it.
When is Sepsis and Septic Shock Caused by Medical Malpractice?
Sepsis and septic shock are caused by medical malpractice when healthcare professionals are negligent and patients suffer harm as a result. The most common causes of sepsis that are a result of medical malpractice include:
- Failing to inform a patient properly, or not obtaining informed consent
- Not using other reasonable medical treatments, such as catheters, corticosteroids, and renal replacement therapy
- Failing to give a patient the proper fluids
- Failing to properly clean IV lines
- Failing to administer antibiotics properly
- Failing to administer the proper urine, blood, and wound secretion tests
- Failing to treat an infection or sepsis properly and in a timely manner
- Failing to realize a patient is suffering from sepsis
- Failing to realize the patient is suffering from an infection
Regardless of what caused the sepsis, it is important to hold healthcare professionals liable. This will not only ensure it does not happen to anyone else, but also that you recover full compensation for your losses.
Speak with Our Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Minnesota Today
If you have suffered from sepsis, or you have lost a loved one, it is important that you speak to our Minnesota medical malpractice lawyer today. At Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, our skilled attorneys know how to prove a healthcare professional is liable for paying damages for your injuries and we will help you obtain the full and fair settlement you deserve. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
