Philadelphia Sepsis & Septic Shock Lawyer
Sepsis is a deadly condition caused by the body’s over-response to an infection. Most cases of sepsis occur rapidly and outside of hospitals. When a patient presents symptoms of sepsis in an emergency room or urgent care, medical professionals have a duty to recognize those symptoms and begin immediate, life-saving treatment. The same is true if the patient was already hospitalized and picked up the infection/sepsis in a healthcare environment. If you or a loved one suffered damage from sepsis or sepsis shock, and you believe that your healthcare providers failed to identify your condition and act in a timely manner, you may be able to recover your damages by filing a medical malpractice claim. Our Philadelphia sepsis and septic shock lawyers at The Villari Firm, PLLC can help you get started at once.
What is Sepsis?
When we think of an infection, such as COVID, pneumonia, or a urinary tract infection, we are usually preoccupied with the infection itself and the fever, aches, pains, coughing, nausea, swelling, etc. that the virus or bacteria causes as it attacks our bodies. However, an even more dangerous symptom can emerge in severe infection cases—much more deadly than the infection itself. Sepsis occurs when the immune system has an extreme response to an infection—usually a bacteria, though it can also be from a fungus or virus. The overreaction of the immune system causes a chain reaction in the body, and vital organs begin to shut down as the body attacks itself. Symptoms of sepsis include:
- Fever
- Shivering
- Confusion or delirium
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Lightheadedness
- Skin rash
- Rapid heartbeat
- Worsening pre-existing conditions from the virus
An infection anywhere in the body can lead to sepsis. Common places where an infection might take hold and trigger sepsis include the bloodstream, lungs, skin, bowels, bones, lining of the brain, liver, kidneys, and gallbladder. Sepsis can cause permanent damage to these, and other, organs.
What is Septic Shock?
Septic shock is a progression of sepsis to a much more serious condition, and is characterized by a severe drop in blood pressure. Symptoms of septic shock include:
- Inability to walk or even stand up
- Difficulty remaining conscious
- Extreme confusion
Septic shock is fatal if it is not immediately treated.
Contact a Philadelphia Sepsis and Septic Shock Lawyer Today
350,000 Americans die of sepsis and septic shock every year, according to the CDC. Many of these deaths are preventable. Countless more patients suffer severe or permanent injury from sepsis that could have been prevented, or treated sooner. If your doctor deviated from the standard of care by allowing an infection to take hold or not treating your obvious signs of sepsis or septic shock earlier, and you suffered damages as a result, you are likely entitled to compensation. To hold the negligent party accountable for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, we urge you to discuss your case with our Philadelphia sepsis and septic shock lawyers at The Villari Firm today. Call us at 215-372-8889 for a free consultation.
