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Seattle Sepsis/Septic Shock Lawyers
Accomplished representation for septic shock victims and their families
Sepsis is a medical disorder that takes the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. At Smith McBroom, our Seattle sepsis/septic shock attorneys are seasoned medical malpractice lawyers. We demand compensation for your injuries and diseases due to medical negligence. We also represent families when sepsis tragically takes the life of your loved one. Call us to discuss your sepsis claim today.
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How can we help?
- How dangerous is sepsis?
- What causes sepsis?
- What are the symptoms of sepsis in Seattle patients?
- Who is responsible for the development of sepsis in a patient?
- How is sepsis diagnosed in Seattle?
- What are the treatments for sepsis in Seattle?
- Do you have a Seattle sepsis/septic shock lawyer near me?
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How dangerous is sepsis?
Yale Medicine states that sepsis occurs when your body’s immune system fails to respond to the bacteria and microbes that invade your body when you have an infection. Sepsis occurs “when an already-present infection spirals out of control” causing organ damage. It can be fatal. Septic shock refers to “what’s happening when a person’s blood pressure is low, oxygen delivery to vital organs is compromised, and the threat of death is imminent.”
Approximately 1.7 million Americans develop sepsis each year. About 270,000 of those people die. Sepsis is on par with cancer and heart disease as a leading cause of death. The people most at risk for sepsis include newborns, pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone with a weak immune system or a chronic health condition, such as diabetes.
Many sepsis patients can fully recover if there is a prompt and accurate diagnosis, and their condition is treated with antibiotics, blood pressure support, and IV fluids. Failing to use competent medical care to diagnose and treat sepsis may be grounds for a medical malpractice complaint.
What causes sepsis?
While any infection can cause sepsis, many cases of sepsis are due to skin infections, including infections around surgical incisions and bedsores which are common nursing home injuries.
Physicians, nursing home staff, nurses, and other health professionals need to monitor patients for the signs and symptoms of sepsis – especially any person who has had a recent surgery – such as surgery due to a car accident, or who lives in a long-term care facility.
What are the symptoms of sepsis in Seattle patients?
The following are indicators a patient has sepsis:
- A high heart rate
- Signs associated with common infections, such as a sore throat, cough, fever, abdominal pain, and painful urination
- Confusion/disorientation
- Shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
- Reduced urine output
Who is responsible for the development of sepsis in a patient?
You may have a medical malpractice claim based on negligent sepsis care if your healthcare providers:
- Failed to recognize or diagnose an infection
- Failed to recognize or diagnose sepsis
- Waited too long to treat an infection or sepsis
- Failed to order the correct diagnostic tests
- Failed to administer the correct antibiotics
- Failed to provide the correct fluids in the correct manner
- Failed to inform the patient about his/her condition and obtain informed consent for any treatments
How is sepsis diagnosed in Seattle?
There isn’t a single test for sepsis. Healthcare providers should examine what signs and symptoms of sepsis are present. Your physician should conduct tests (such as blood and urine tests) to determine if an infection is present and the type of infection.
For example, blood tests can show that a patient has:
- High or low white blood cell counts. High levels of leukocytes (white blood cells) indicate that a patient has a current infection. Low leukocyte levels indicate a patient has a high risk of developing an infection.
- Lactic acid. Muscles and organs that don’t have enough oxygen can release lactic acid. A high lactic acid is another indicator that a patient has an infection.
- Organ dysfunction markers. These markers include creatinine levels (for evaluating kidney function), enzymes (for evaluating liver function), and cardiac markers.
What are the treatments for sepsis in Seattle?
Yale Medicine states that early detection is critical. Patients who have sepsis (and especially if they have septic shock) should be transferred to the hospital ICU. Per Yale Medicine, “Septic shock is treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, medications to maintain blood pressure, and mechanical ventilation, as needed.” Other treatments may include vitamins, steroids, and surgery to control the source of the infection.
Do you have a Seattle sepsis lawyer near me?
At Smith McBroom, our lawyers meet clients at our Seattle office at 16400 Southcenter Parkway Suite 210. We make alternative arrangements to meet ill clients away from the office. Our lawyers also speak with clients by phone and through video conferences. We’ll calmly and clearly guide you through each step of the litigation claims process.
Call our Seattle sepsis attorneys now
Doctors and hospitals should have policies and procedures in place to prevent sepsis infections. Medical providers should proceed quickly and competently when sepsis occurs. At Smith McBroom, we have the experience, tenacity, and medical relationships to hold healthcare providers accountable for medical malpractice. We’re skilled at persuading insurance adjusters and showing juries how traumatic septic infections due to septic shock are. We’ve obtained many high-figure verdicts and settlements for our clients. Call our Seattle medical malpractice lawyers today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.