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Tampa, Florida Sepsis Lawyers
Strong advocacy when medical malpractice causes sepsis in Florida
Sepsis is an excessive response to an infection. When sepsis begins, it can spiral out of control very quickly, causing low blood pressure, septic shock, and even death. Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency. At MattLaw, our medical malpractice lawyers hold doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers accountable when they fail to sterilize equipment, fail to promptly diagnose sepsis, and fail to treat sepsis quickly. Our Tampa sepsis lawyers have more than 35 years of experience holding physicians and others accountable for medical mistakes. Call us today to assert your right to compensation.
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What is sepsis?
Sepsis Alliance defines sepsis as an “overactive and toxic response to an infection.” Your immune system fights any germs (viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites) to prevent and respond to infections. You may need medical help, including antivirals, antibiotics, antifungals, and antiparasitics. Sepsis starts when your immune system stops fighting the germs and starts to turn on itself.
Sepsis is a medical emergency. An immediate diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical. Sepsis can cause severe sepsis and septic shock. Sepsis is life-threatening.
The risk factors for sepsis include anything from a bug bite or a hangnail to more severe infections. Some people are more prone to sepsis than others. Infants, seniors, and anyone with a serious illness such as diabetes or cancer have a higher risk of developing sepsis.
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the symptoms vary depending on the type of infection. Possible symptoms include:
- A sepsis rash – red and discolored skin, possibly with small, dark red spots
- An urge to urinate or reduced need to urinate
- Weakness
- A fast heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Fever or a very low body temperature
- Shaking and chills
- Confusion
- Warm, clammy, or sweaty skin
- Confusion or agitation
- Hyperventilation
- Extreme pain or discomfort
How is sepsis diagnosed?
At MattLaw, we work with sepsis experts who will review what diagnostic tests were given/not given and when they were given. There’s no specific sepsis test. The diagnostic tests include:
- A physical examination
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- A sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) test
“You may have sepsis if you have confirmed or probable infection and at least two of the following criteria:”
- Low blood pressure
- A high respiratory rate
- A Glasgow coma scale result that suggests sepsis
Infection diagnostic tests include a complete blood count, a blood oxygen level test, a urine test, and imaging tests.
Sepsis Alliance uses a “TIME” test for sepsis.
- Temperature (higher or lower). People with infections often have a high fever or even a low fever.
- Infection signs and symptoms
- Mental decline. Symptoms may include confusion, a change in mental status, sleepiness, and difficulty being roused/awakened.
- Extreme illness. “Many sepsis survivors have said that when they were ill, it was the worst they ever felt. It was the worst sore throat, worst abdominal pain, or they felt that they were going to die.”
What complications can arise due to sepsis?
Some of the complications of sepsis include inflammation, hemodynamic consequences, organ dysfunction, and tissue perfusion.
Amputation
One dangerous consequence of sepsis is that a limb may need to be amputated if a doctor fails to diagnose sepsis promptly or treat sepsis in a proper manner. An amputation due to sepsis may be necessary if blood clots develop, which prevents nutrients from getting to the tissues in the fingers, hands, arms, toes, feet, and legs – the tissues “begin to die and can cause gangrene.” If the gangrene can’t be removed by a surgeon, an amputation may be necessary.
What are the treatments for sepsis?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, sepsis requires immediate medical attention. Patients with sepsis are normally placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital. The treatments may include:
- Antibiotics for a bacterial infection. As mentioned, antivirals and other medicines may be used depending on the source of the infection.
- IV (intravenous) fluids to keep blood flowing to your organs and prevent your blood pressure from decreasing too low.
- Vasopressor medications that tighten blood vessels may help patients reach an adequate blood pressure level.
- Mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure and dialysis for kidney failure.
- Surgery to remove damaged tissue or perform an amputation.
Who is responsible if someone develops sepsis in Florida?
Our Tampa sepsis lawyers file medical malpractice claims when doctors fail to protect their patients. We also file wrongful death actions when medical malpractice has deadly consequences.
The medical providers who may be liable for failing to diagnose or properly treat sepsis include:
- Many patients develop infections while in a hospital. Hospital-acquired infections are a common cause of sepsis in patient rooms, surgery rooms, ER centers, and other parts of the hospital. Hospitals can be held accountable for failing to keep their facilities sanitary. They may also be liable for the actions of any physicians who use their facilities for surgeries and for other reasons.
- Physicians, including surgeons. At MattLaw, we file claims against physicians who fail to recognize, diagnose, and treat sepsis.
- Nursing homes. Nursing homes may be liable for failing to appreciate the high risk of septic infections due to the age and the weakened immunity systems of their residents, a lack of hygiene, the ease of developing bedsores, and other reasons.
- Other medical healthcare providers, such as nurses and lab technicians.
We demand compensation for all your medical bills, the loss of income, your pain and suffering, loss of bodily function, and all other economic and personal damages. We file wrongful death claims if a loved one dies due to sepsis-related negligence.
Do you have a Tampa, Florida sepsis lawyer near me?
MattLaw meets sepsis patients and families at our Tampa, Florida office located at 304 S Plant Ave., Tampa, FL 33606. We also have an office in St. Petersburg. Our medical malpractice lawyers make alternate arrangements for patients who are too ill to come to our offices. We also speak with clients by phone and through online conferences.
We are ready to answer all your questions and guide you step by step through the claims process.
Speak with our respected Tampa sepsis lawyers now
We understand how angry and frightened you are. Your healthcare providers should have protected you or your loved one from developing sepsis. At MattLaw, we have the experience and medical expert relationships to hold healthcare providers accountable for medical malpractice. Our Tampa sepsis lawyers have earned the respect of former clients, insurance carriers, and the legal community for our passionate dedication to our clients and our impressive record of results. Call our Tampa sepsis negligence lawyers or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle medical malpractice claims on a contingency fee basis.