Georgia Sepsis Nursing Home Attorneys You Can Trust
We seek justice and peace of mind for families affected by abuse and neglect
Sepsis is one of the most dangerous medical emergencies a nursing home resident can face. It can lead to widespread inflammation, organ failure, and sometimes death. In nursing home facilities, sepsis is often the result of untreated infections, poor wound care, or delayed medical attention. Families trust facilities to provide proper care, but when neglect leads to sepsis, the consequences can be devastating.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can result from preventable nursing home neglect. The nursing home sepsis lawyers at Johnson Greer Law Group are dedicated to advocating for families whose loved ones have suffered due to inadequate care, helping secure compensation and accountability for dangerous cases of nursing home neglect.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body has an extreme reaction to an infection. Normally, your immune system fights infections in a controlled way, but in sepsis, the body overreacts and begins attacking its own tissues and organs. This widespread inflammation can cause organ damage, blood clots, and dangerously low blood flow.
Common sepsis symptoms
Recognizing sepsis early can save lives. Symptoms that might indicate your loved one is in danger of suffering from sepsis include:
- Rapid heart rate or breathing
- High fever, very low temperature, or chills
- Confusion, disorientation, or sudden changes in mental state
- Extreme fatigue or weakness
- Decreased urine output
- Low blood pressure
If sepsis is suspected, immediate hospitalization is critical. Any delay in treatment can mean the difference between recovery and tragedy.
What is septic shock?
Septic shock is the most severe stage of sepsis. It occurs when the body’s response to infection causes a dramatic drop in blood pressure, making it impossible for organs to receive enough oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to multiple organ failure and death if not treated immediately.
Symptoms of septic shock can include:
- Very low blood pressure that doesn’t respond to fluids
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Cold, clammy, or pale skin
- Decreased urine output
Septic shock is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical intervention, often in an intensive care unit. In nursing home residents, delayed recognition or treatment of infections is a common cause, highlighting why vigilant monitoring and quick response are critical for prevention.
How does sepsis happen in nursing homes?
Sepsis in nursing home residents is often preventable, yet it remains a serious risk due to gaps in care. Several factors make residents especially vulnerable:
- Delayed or missed treatment of infections: Infections like urinary tract infections (UTI), pneumonia, or infected wounds can quickly escalate to sepsis if not identified and treated promptly. Staff shortages or inadequate monitoring can lead to dangerous delays.
- Poor hygiene and infection control: Inadequate handwashing, improper cleaning of medical equipment, or unsanitary living conditions can allow bacteria to spread, increasing the risk of infections that can trigger sepsis.
- Untreated or poorly managed bedsores: Pressure ulcers are common in long-term care residents and can become infected. If left untreated, these infections can progress to sepsis.
- Chronic health conditions: Residents with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or other chronic illnesses are more susceptible to infections and have a higher risk of developing sepsis.
- Limited mobility: Bedridden or wheelchair-bound residents may not be repositioned regularly, increasing their risk for skin breakdown, infections, and ultimately sepsis.
What happens if sepsis is left untreated?
Sepsis is a medical emergency, and delays in treatment can have devastating consequences. If left untreated, sepsis can rapidly progress and cause:
- Organ damage: Vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart can fail due to prolonged inflammation and poor blood flow.
- Blood clots and tissue death: Poor circulation can result in gangrene or necrosis, sometimes requiring surgical intervention or amputation.
- Permanent disability: Survivors of severe sepsis may experience long-term health problems, including cognitive issues, fatigue, and organ dysfunction.
- Death: Without prompt medical intervention, sepsis can be fatal within hours or days.
These serious complications show why it’s so important for families to watch for signs of infection and make sure their loved ones get care quickly. Sepsis can often be prevented when infections are treated right away, which is why it’s important to hold negligent nursing homes accountable.
Restoring dignity, one family at a time
If your loved one developed sepsis while in a nursing home or assisted living facility, it may be the result of negligence. At Johnson Greer Law Group, we fight for families whose trust has been violated by the very facilities meant to provide care and safety. Our Atlanta nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys understand the unique challenges of nursing home neglect cases and work tirelessly to pursue justice and compensation for your loved one. Don’t wait. Contact us today to learn more.