Deadly Sepsis Infections:
It is estimated that between 28 and 50 percent of the 1 million people who contract sepsis each year die. Many times they are too long undiagnosed and then not treated in a rapid manner with antibiotics to which the infection is sensitive. Sepsis is a general term that can describe many types of infections, these are usually bacteremina infections such as the pneumococcal staph, but can also be other types of infections. Sepsis is defined as infection plus systematic manifestation of infection. Severe sepsis is sepsis plus sepsis induced organ dysfunction or tissue hypo fusion. This can be defined as low blood pressure. Septic shock is defined as sepsis induced hypo tension (low blood pressure persisting despite fluid recitation) these stages of sepsis are continual and a patient can progress through these. Signs of sepsis can include increased temperature, increased heart rate, hypo tension, continued hypo tension despite fluids and other indicators. The guidelines were started in 2001 and amended in 2004 and then again in 2008. Treatment recommendations are antibiotics. The article I have attached contains the details of the method of diagnosis and treatment of sepsis. They can come on rapidly and can be masked as the flu or other matters. Especially during the winter time of year, staph is especially dangerous. We represented a family of a southern Illinois man who went to the emergency room in southern Illinois with high fever. He was not diagnosed with sepsis for 5 hours and did not receive antibiotics until over 2 hours even after he was diagnosed. Unfortunately for him and his family, he has died. We successfully recovered and settled his medical malpractice case earlier this year. We were able to place a large amount of money into structured settlement accounts for his family. Click here for more detail of that settlement.
Fortunately, increased attention to sepsis infections and fighting infections has been by hospitals awareness. The surviving sepsis companion established guidelines in 2004 and their 2008 standards are set forth below or linked. This has had wonderful results in improving detection and treatment of sepsis. Good hospital and medical producers train their staff to recognize signs of sepsis and have sepsis protocols to deal with this. Sepsis can come in different levels and the level of infection dictates the response. We have full articles, briefing, and experts with full knowledge of sepsis should you need this assistance. If you are faced with a potential medical malpractice claim for a sepsis infection, and need our help, call Gary Burger at 314-542-2222, email at gary@burgerlaw.com, message us through Facebook, or contact us through our website at BurgerLaw.com. We are happy to answer any questions and help with lawyers who have these claims as well as families who are dealing with these difficult matters.