Sepsis from Nursing Homes Neglect in Missouri and Kansas
If the sepsis developed due to negligence or other wrongdoing of a nursing home or their employees, the patient may sue a nursing home for sepsis. If the sepsis resulted in death, the person’s family might have a wrongful death claim against the nursing home.
However, proving that the nursing home is responsible for a patient developing sepsis may be difficult. If you or your loved one have a question about a nursing home in Missouri or Kansas, our Kansas City nursing home abuse lawyer can help.
What is Sepsis?
According to the Mayo Clinic, sepsis is caused by the body’s response to an infection. The infection can occur anywhere in the body. As the body releases chemicals to fight the infection, the body’s response to the chemicals is out of balance.
If the person does not receive immediate treatment, multiple organ systems can be damaged. In some cases, the damage is irreparable and life-threatening. Left untreated, sepsis can result in septic shock, which may lead to death.
Symptoms of sepsis can include:
- Red patches on the skin or rashes
- Fever
- Chills
- Confusion
- Rapid breathing
- Lowered blood pressure
- Disorientation
- Rapid heart rate
- Abnormal white blood cell count
- Signs of infection
How Can Nursing Home Negligence Lead to Sepsis?
Sepsis occurs when the body is fighting an infection. Infections are common in nursing homes when patients are abused or neglected. A nursing home may be responsible for the development of sepsis if the nursing home does not take sufficient measures to prevent infections.
For example, if a nursing home fails to move or turn bedridden patients. Patients that are not moved can develop bedsores or pressure ulcers, which can lead to infections. Likewise, if a nursing home does not take measures to ensure proper hygiene or hydration, a patient may develop a urinary tract infection (UTI). Being careless with medical instruments and equipment, including catheters and IVs, can also be sources of infection.
Failing to take safety precautions when patients have compromised immune systems may be another sign of negligent care that can lead to infections. Improper or inadequate cleaning and sanitizing procedures can result in conditions that increase the risk of infection for nursing home patients.
Failing to monitor high-risk patients can also lead to sepsis. Some patients may be at a higher risk of developing sepsis because of a chronic health condition. Nursing home staff members should monitor patients closely for signs of complications or infections related to these conditions. Failing to report problems as soon as they are noticed can lead to sepsis.
A nursing home can also be negligent if it does not adequately train staff members in the signs of sepsis and infection. Nursing homes should have policies and procedures in place that guide staff members in what to do if they notice signs of infection or sepsis.
Contact a Kansas City Nursing Home Abuse Attorney for More Information
The Law Office of Kevin J. McManus represents patients and families throughout Kansas and Missouri in cases against nursing homes. If your loved one was harmed because of nursing home negligence or nursing home abuse, we want to help you hold the facility responsible for your loved one’s suffering.
Contact our office by calling 816-203-0143 to schedule a free consultation with a Kansas City nursing home abuse lawyer.
