Sepsis infections are medical emergencies that require rapid diagnosis and treatment. When healthcare providers fail to recognize or properly manage sepsis, the consequences can be catastrophic, leading to long-term complications or even death. For patients and their families, understanding sepsis infections, their causes, and the role of medical negligence in delayed treatment is crucial.
What Is a Sepsis Infection?
Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. It occurs when the body’s immune system goes into overdrive in response to an infection, causing widespread inflammation. Without timely medical intervention, sepsis can progress to septic shock, characterized by dangerously low blood pressure and multi-organ failure.
Any infection can lead to sepsis – whether bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. However, some infections can more commonly lead to sepsis:
- Pneumonia
- Kidney, bladder, and other urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Digestive system infections
- Bloodstream infections
- Catheter site infections
- Wounds or burns
There are also certain risk factors that can increase the risk that an infection will lead to sepsis. This includes people who are over age 65, infants, people with lower immune response, people with chronic diseases, and longer hospital stays or admission to the intensive care unit. The most important way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to recognize the symptoms and act quickly.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Sepsis
Early recognition is vital, yet sepsis symptoms are often mistaken for less severe conditions. This can lead to delayed treatment, worsening the patient’s prognosis. Common symptoms of sepsis include:
- Fever, chills, or hypothermia (low body temperature)
- Rapid heart rate and breathing
- Confusion or disorientation
- Extreme fatigue or weakness
- Low blood pressure
- Decreased urine output
- Skin discoloration or mottling
If sepsis is suspected, immediate medical evaluation is necessary. Failure to diagnose and treat sepsis promptly can be a sign of medical malpractice.
How Medical Negligence Contributes to Sepsis Complications
While not every case of sepsis is the result of medical negligence, there are instances where healthcare providers fall below the expected standard of care. Bell Law Firm has experience navigating these types of cases, and we’ve found that the medical errors that can lead to or worsen sepsis infections include:
- Delayed Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis: Sepsis symptoms can be subtle, especially in older adults or immunocompromised patients. Physicians may mistakenly diagnose a less serious condition, delaying critical treatment. A failure to order appropriate tests—such as blood cultures or lactate levels—can contribute to a missed or late diagnosis.
- Failure to Administer Timely Treatment: Once sepsis is identified, immediate treatment is necessary. Delays in administering antibiotics, IV fluids, or vasopressors can allow the infection to spread uncontrollably. Research shows that for every hour sepsis treatment is delayed, the risk of death increases significantly.
- Poor Hospital Infection Control: Hospitals and healthcare facilities have a duty to maintain sanitary conditions. Improper sterilization of surgical tools, failure to follow hand hygiene protocols, or inadequate wound care can introduce infections that lead to sepsis. In cases where hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) result in sepsis, the facility may be held liable.
- Inadequate Monitoring of At-Risk Patients: Certain patients—such as those recovering from surgery, elderly individuals, and those with chronic conditions—are at a higher risk for developing sepsis. Medical teams should closely monitor these individuals for signs of infection and intervene at the first warning signs. Failure to do so may constitute negligence.
- Medication Errors: Incorrect antibiotic prescriptions or failure to de-escalate treatment based on lab results can contribute to worsening infections. In cases where the wrong medication is given, or dosages are improperly adjusted, medical malpractice may be a factor.
Seeking Legal Action for Sepsis-Related Medical Negligence
If you or a loved one suffered complications from sepsis due to medical negligence, you may have grounds for a malpractice claim. An experienced medical malpractice attorney, like those at Bell Law Firm, can help review medical records, consult with experts, and build a case to seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death claims.
Sepsis infections are medical emergencies that require fast and effective treatment. When healthcare providers fail to recognize the symptoms, delay treatment, or neglect proper infection control measures, the consequences can be devastating. If you suspect that medical negligence played a role in a sepsis-related injury or death, consulting with a skilled medical malpractice attorney can help you pursue justice and accountability. Contact us today for a free consultation.