Determining the signs of sepsis doctors should never miss is critical to receiving appropriate and timely treatment. Sepsis is a serious medical condition that can occur when an infection spreads through the bloodstream, causing inflammation and organ dysfunction. The symptoms of sepsis can resemble other medical conditions in the early stages, so it is important for healthcare providers to recognize them and initiate treatment right away.
Common Signs of Sepsis
Infections that lead to sepsis can involve the urinary tract, the lungs, skin, abdomen, or other organs. There are various signs of sepsis that should be considered when assessing a patient, though symptoms vary based on the individual and the underlying cause. Common warning signs of sepsis may include:
- Fever
- Confusion
- Low body temperature
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing
Healthcare providers should evaluate patients who exhibit these signs, as sepsis can progress quickly, and early recognition of symptoms can help facilitate appropriate testing and treatment before organ damage becomes more severe.
Every year, at least 1.7 million adults and about 18,000 children in the United States suffer from sepsis. At least 350,000 adults and more than 1,800 children who get sepsis either die in the hospital or are placed in hospice care.
Why Early Diagnosis Is Critical
If appropriate treatment is delayed, the risk of permanent injury or death increases significantly with each passing hour. If sepsis is suspected, doctors need to quickly request further diagnostics to uncover the infection’s source and gauge organ function.
With early intervention, patients often receive intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and other supportive care adapted to their particular circumstances. However, if a healthcare provider fails to recognize the early signs of sepsis or does not respond appropriately, the infection can worsen and lead to septic shock, organ failure, or death.
Relevant Sepsis Misdiagnosis Laws
If delayed sepsis diagnosis is the result of a healthcare provider’s failure to meet the accepted standard of care, the patient may have grounds for a sepsis misdiagnosis case under Chapter 766, Florida Statutes, which governs medical malpractice actions in Florida.
In addition, Florida Statutes § 95.11 addresses the statute of limitations that applies to most medical malpractice actions. Statutes of limitations are strict deadlines, and filing a claim on time is important when medical negligence is suspected.
Hire a Sepsis Misdiagnosis Lawyer
A sepsis misdiagnosis attorney can work with qualified medical professionals to determine whether healthcare providers recognized warning signs and other symptoms, responded appropriately to evolving symptoms, followed applicable standards of care, and met Florida’s procedural requirements for medical malpractice cases.
Medical malpractice claims, including those involving delayed sepsis diagnoses, are generally filed in the Florida circuit court where the alleged negligence occurred. For instance, cases arising in Duval County would typically be filed in the Duval County Courthouse, 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. In all such cases, the optimal results are more likely when you hire a sepsis malpractice lawyer.
Contact Spangenberg Shibley & Liber Today
Spangenberg Shibley & Liber has been representing victims of medical negligence since 1946 and has recovered more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements. However, past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. The firm has extensive experience handling complex medical malpractice cases. We can help handle yours as well. Contact us today to speak with an attorney.
