How Long Does it Take to Die From Sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that happens when the body’s response to an infection sparks severe inflammation throughout the system, causing tissue damage, organ failure, and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s one of the leading causes of death in U.S. hospitals, with someone being diagnosed with sepsis every 20 seconds. 

The Sepsis Alliance reports that as many as 80% of sepsis-related deaths could be prevented through early treatment. Unfortunately, the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections and the country’s aging population increase the likelihood of sepsis cases.

For nursing home residents, sepsis risks are particularly high, often due to advanced age, pre-existing medical problems, and sometimes substandard care. Frail immune systems make them more vulnerable to infections, and when these infections go unnoticed or untreated, sepsis can rapidly set in. Early detection and timely medical treatment are essential to lowering mortality rates and protecting seniors from the deadly impact of sepsis in long-term care settings.

If you or a loved one has gotten sepsis and believe it was due to someone else’s negligence, contact Nursing Home Law Center today to discuss your legal options.  

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a severe illness that develops when the body’s response to an infection causes harmful, wide-ranging inflammation. However, a large portion of the public has little to no awareness of sepsis, with about 90% of people having never heard of it. Of those who do know the term, fewer than 60% realize it ranks as one of the leading causes of death. 

Part of the problem is limited education in both the general public and medical training, making sepsis less likely to be spotted in its early stages. It’s also often underreported and misunderstood, with complications sometimes blamed on other medical conditions, especially in older adults. On top of that, sepsis symptoms can be vague and look like many other illnesses, creating confusion and delays in diagnosis.

Sepsis usually results from lung, skin, urinary tract, or gastrointestinal infections. Blood poisoning, which is associated with infections that can cause sepsis, highlights the importance of early detection, especially for the geriatric population and those with chronic illness. 

When the body overreacts to an infection, it releases chemicals into the bloodstream that cause inflammation all over the body. This inflammation can cause blood clots and leaky blood vessels, which impairs blood flow and prevents nutrients and oxygen from reaching vital organs.

When you don’t immediately treat sepsis, it can progress rapidly to severe tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Sepsis is often associated with bacterial infections, but viral infections like COVID-19 and the flu can also trigger it.   

Sepsis Is A Leading Cause of Death in U.S. Hospitals

Sepsis stands among the leading causes of death in U.S. hospitals, largely due to an aging population, healthcare understaffing, and the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance. Each hour that treatment and medical intervention is delayed raises the risk of death by 8%, making early recognition critical to saving lives.   

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 1.5 million Americans get sepsis each year, with more than 270,000 deaths. A sad reality is that as many as 80% of these deaths could be prevented through early diagnosis and intervention.

Below are some additional indicators of sepsis’s devastating impact: 

• At least 18 million individuals worldwide suffer from sepsis, with mortality rates ranging from 25% to 30%. 
• Severe sepsis claims more lives each year than prostate cancer, breast cancer, and HIV/AIDS combined.  
• Adults 65 and older are five times more likely to experience a severe stage of sepsis. 
• ICU admission rates and hospital stays for older adults are higher (27% vs. 21% and 6 days vs. 5 days, respectively), and their in-hospital mortality rate from sepsis stands at 24% compared to 16% for younger populations. 
• Nursing home residents have even higher risks. They are seven times more likely to get severe sepsis, have greater ICU admission rates (40% vs. 21%), longer hospital stays (7 days vs. 5), and a significantly higher mortality rate (37% vs. 15%). 

Public education surrounding sepsis is vital. Recognizing warning signs early and seeking immediate treatment can dramatically reduce sepsis-related fatalities. If you have any questions or concerns about a loved one’s sepsis diagnosis or care in a nursing home, contact Nursing Home Law Center today for guidance. We can help determine if you have a civil claim if you or your loved one was diagnosed with sepsis while in a nursing home.  

The Stages of Sepsis

Sepsis can be divided into three stages, each becoming progressively more severe if not treated. Recognizing these stages and acting quickly can be the difference between life and death. Below is an overview of each stage, the common symptoms you might see, and why prompt medical intervention is so important.

Stage 1: Sepsis

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is the early warning system of the body, indicating a widespread immune reaction to bacterial infection. SIRS becomes “sepsis” when an infection is confirmed or strongly suspected, alongside two or more of the below signs. 

• Fever or below-normal temperature  
• High heart rate 
• Increased breathing rate 
• Abnormal white blood cell count  

At this stage, the body is alerting you that something is wrong, so seeking medical attention is crucial to keep it from worsening. This stage of sepsis can often be treated with antibiotics. Most patients with an early diagnosis will fully recover if treated promptly. 

Stage 2: Severe Sepsis  

Severe sepsis occurs when one or more organ systems start failing because the body’s inflammatory response is no longer under control. During this stage, the infection and the body’s immune response can severely strain vital organ function. Common signs include: 

• Reduced urine output 
• Mental status changes (confusion, disorientation) 
• Abnormally low blood pressure (BP) 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Abnormal heart function 

Severe sepsis is a bacterial or viral infection that affects the body’s organs. This stage requires immediate medical attention to prevent progression to septic shock. The SSC Sepsis 6 bundle is a set of medical guidelines healthcare providers use to manage severe sepsis, including monitoring urine output and treatment.

Stage 3: Septic Shock and Drop in Blood Pressure

Septic shock is the most severe and critical stage of sepsis. Despite medical treatment, patients in this stage have critically low BP that does not respond to fluid resuscitation. Circulation to major organs is compromised as well. Look for: 

• Persistently low BP(systolic pressure ≤90 mm Hg or mean arterial pressure ≤65 mm Hg)
• High lactate levels (indicating poor tissue perfusion)  
• Signs of organ failure (kidney issues, liver disease)  

Patients in septic shock have an increased risk of death; the mortality rate is 30-50%. This sepsis diagnosis is a medical emergency and requires aggressive treatment to improve the chances of survival. Elevated lactate levels, a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, are a critical marker for septic shock and are closely monitored by healthcare providers.

If you have questions about the stages or what happens after and whether you have a possible civil claim, contact Nursing Home Law Center today. 

Sepsis Stages and Key Markers

Phase	Key Markers	Medical Significance
Sepsis	Suspected or confirmed infection with systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) – Fever (>38°C/100.4°F) or hypothermia (<36°C/96.8°F) – Elevated heart rate (>90 bpm) – Rapid breathing (>20 breaths/min) or low PaCO2 (<32 mmHg) – Abnormal white blood cell count (>12,000/µL or <4,000/µL) – Elevated Procalcitonin (PCT) – Elevated C-reactive Protein (CRP) – Elevated Blood Glucose – Endotoxins: Present in bacterial infection	Early stage, treatable with antibiotics, fluids, and supportive care. Prompt recognition and intervention can prevent progression.
Severe Sepsis	Signs of organ dysfunction: – Neurological: Altered mental status, confusion, or disorientation – Renal: Low urine output (<0.5 mL/kg/hr for >2 hours) – Respiratory: Hypoxemia (PaO2 < 70 mmHg) – Hepatic: Elevated bilirubin (>2 mg/dL) – Hematologic: Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), abnormal clotting – Metabolic: Elevated serum lactate (>2 mmol/L) – Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): Respiratory alkalosis or metabolic acidosis – Low cardiac output	Progression of sepsis with organ dysfunction. Requires intensive care and therapy for affected organs. Management includes targeting underlying infection and supporting failing organs.
Septic Shock	– Persistent hypotension despite fluid resuscitation – Need for vasopressors to maintain MAP ≥ 65 mmHg – Serum lactate level >2 mmol/L – Signs of multi-organ failure – Persistent hypoperfusion: Cool skin, delayed capillary refill – Persistent Hyperlactatemia: Elevated lactate despite resuscitation – Microcirculatory failure: Impaired capillary blood flow – Increased creatinine (indicates decline in kidney function) – Elevated ALT (indicates liver damage) – Elevated D-Dimer (risk of thrombosis)	Life-threatening stage, requiring immediate and aggressive treatment with vasopressors, mechanical ventilation, renal support, and other intensive care measures. High mortality rate without immediate intervention.

Post Sepsis Syndrome

Survival rates for patients who get sepsis have improved in many hospitals, with in-hospital survival now approaching 80%. However, this increased survival – coupled with factors such as an aging population, more chronic diseases, and growing antibiotic resistance – means that more people are living beyond sepsis and facing its aftereffects. Many survivors go on to experience a range of long-term medical, cognitive, and emotional challenges collectively known as post-sepsis syndrome (PSS).   

Increased Health Risks After Discharge  

Even though patients may overcome the initial crisis, sepsis survivors are at higher risk for health complications once they leave the hospital. Their one-year mortality rate ranges from about 7% to 43%, and the five-year mortality rate can be as high as 82%. Hospital readmissions are also common. Approximately 30% of sepsis survivors return to the hospital within the first 30 days after discharge, and 50% are readmitted in the first year.  

Ongoing Health Challenges and Functional Deficits 

Around 75% of people who survive sepsis develop new health issues. Only half fully recovered within two years. Long-term survivors often face physical impairments like muscle weakness, joint problems, or reduced mobility, which can make daily tasks difficult and significantly affect their quality of life. Individuals who spent a long time in the intensive care unit (ICU) or were critically ill frequently need physical rehabilitation to regain strength and independence as a result of post-sepsis syndrome.   

The Need for Long-Term Care 

Because of the combination of physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments, many sepsis survivors require ongoing care. This may include rehabilitation, physical therapy, and nutritional support, along with assistance in managing chronic health conditions. Some survivors may need at-home services or placement in specialized care facilities if their mobility or overall health remains significantly compromised. 

Psychological and Cognitive Deficits 

Post-sepsis syndrome can also take a serious toll on mental health. Survivors often report memory problems, trouble focusing, and difficulties processing new information. In addition, many experience depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), conditions that can persist long after leaving the hospital. This makes mental health support – such as counseling or therapy – an essential part of recovery. 

If you or a loved one has experienced complications from sepsis in a nursing home setting, contact Nursing Home Law Center today for guidance.

How Sepsis Progresses

Sepsis is a severe illness triggered by the body’s response to harmful microbes, especially bacteria in the bloodstream. If left untreated, sepsis can escalate rapidly into life-threatening conditions like severe sepsis and septic shock. Below are some factors to understand about how sepsis progresses and why quick medical attention can be life-saving.

Sepsis Overview 

When bacteria enter the bloodstream – whether in planktonic form, as encapsulated organisms, as L-forms, or as pieces of biofilm – they can essentially outsmart or evade the immune system. Once inside, these bacteria reproduce or release toxins that spark an inflammatory response. This inflammation, if uncontrolled, can damage tissues and organs, leading to severe complications or even death.

Bacteremia: Fast Progression

Bacteremia means bacteria are present and active in the bloodstream. It poses the highest risk of progressing quickly to severe sepsis or septic shock. Early detection and immediate intervention are vital because any delay in treatment or medical intervention – even by just a few hours – significantly raises the risk of a fatal outcome. 

Peritonitis and Pneumonia 

Two other major sources of sepsis are peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining) and pneumonia (lung infection). Like bacteremia, these conditions can escalate into severe sepsis if not identified and treated right away. 

Blood Cultures 

One of the most important tools for managing sepsis is a blood culture. This test pinpoints the specific bacteria causing the infection, allowing healthcare professionals to choose the most effective antibiotic. Prompt, targeted antibiotic treatment boosts survival rates by targeting the root cause of the infection.

Prevention and Management 

Early detection, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and prevention strategies are cornerstone methods for managing sepsis. Stopping bacteria from entering the bloodstream in the first place can reduce the severity of sepsis, which saves lives. Regular handwashing, proper wound care, and up-to-date vaccinations are some simple steps that lower infection risks, especially in vulnerable individuals like the elderly or those with chronic conditions.

An estimated 30 million people worldwide get sepsis each year, causing around 6 million deaths. Mortality rates generally range from 25% to 30% but can climb to between 50% and 85% in cases of septic shock. Compounding the severity, every hour of delayed treatment increases the risk of death by about 8%. 

How Long Does It Take To Die From Sepsis?

Many sepsis infections can kill in as little as 12 hours if untreated. Research shows that sepsis is the third leading cause of death, even more than breast cancer, lung cancer, and heart attack. The rapid onset and progression of sepsis is a medical emergency that needs immediate attention.

The mortality rate of sepsis depends on the stage. Patients with mild sepsis can recover fully with prompt treatment, while those with severe sepsis or septic shock are at higher risk of death. Studies show that the mortality rate for septic shock can be as high as 40%. Survivors who don’t die from sepsis will have ongoing health challenges and an increased risk of future infections. 

Risk Factors for Developing Sepsis

Sepsis doesn’t impact everyone equally. Certain groups face a greater risk due to biological factors, weakened immune systems, or underlying medical conditions. According to the CDC, about 90% of adults who develop sepsis have one or more pre-existing health issues. Below is a detailed look at some of the more vulnerable populations and what makes them more likely to potentially develop sepsis.

Age 

Newborns: Babies under one year old have immature and weakened immune systems, making it harder for them to fight off infections that could lead to sepsis. Premature infants and those with low birth weights are especially vulnerable because they lack some of the antibodies that full-term infants gain near the end of pregnancy. 

Infections in the birthing parent, such as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), can further raise a newborn’s sepsis risk by passing it to the baby during delivery. Additionally, extended use of catheters, breathing tubes, or antibiotics can increase the likelihood of late-onset sepsis in newborns. 

Seniors (65+): Older adults are more prone to chronic health problems like diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease. These conditions weaken the body’s ability to combat infection. Seniors may also have reduced organ function and a slower immune response, making them more susceptible to complications or severe infections that can lead to sepsis.

Those With Chronic Conditions

Diabetes, Kidney Disease, and Cancer: Chronic conditions can weaken the overall immune response and increase the likelihood of infections that may progress to sepsis. Cancer patients (like lung cancer), especially those undergoing chemotherapy, have compromised immune systems that leave them open to a wide range of infections.   

Weakened Immunity: Any health issue that affects the immune system raises the risk of severe infections. Survivors of previous sepsis are also at a higher risk of sepsis returning.

Pregnancy and Postpartum

Pregnant women and individuals in the postpartum period face unique risks for infection. Hormonal changes and shifts in the immune system can sometimes allow bacteria to multiply faster than usual, which in some cases turns into sepsis.

Hospitalization, Severe Illness, and Surgery

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patients: People who are critically ill or recovering from major surgery often require interventions such as catheters or breathing tubes. These devices raise the chance of introducing pathogens into the bloodstream, leading to sepsis.  

Recent Surgery or Hospital Stay: Being in the hospital for a serious illness, extended stay, or complicated surgery places you in close contact with multi-drug-resistant bacteria infections and medical equipment that can transfer infections.

Vulnerable Populations – Unique Challenges and Symptoms

It’s important to understand the potential challenges and symptoms of sepsis depending on the population it’s affecting, particularly in newborns and the aging population. 

Newborns

Challenges: Underdeveloped immune systems, potential exposure to infections during birth, and possible neonatal interventions (catheters, breathing tubes) all lead to higher risk.  

Possible Sepsis Symptoms: Trouble feeding, irritability, lethargy, jaundice, sudden temperature fluctuations, abdominal pain and swelling, or changes in breathing rate.

Seniors

Challenges: Older adults often have multiple chronic conditions, medication regimens that mask or confuse infection symptoms, and reduced mobility, limiting circulation. According to Sepsis Alliance, people 65 and above are 13 times more likely to be hospitalized for sepsis than younger individuals. Seniors who recover from sepsis are also at higher risk of repeated infections, organ damage, PTSD, chronic pain, and fatigue. 

Possible Symptoms of Sepsis: Confusion, delirium, fatigue, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, severe muscle pain, dizziness, slurred speech, fever, chills, reduced urine output, and loss of consciousness.

Individuals with existing health conditions, compromised immune systems, or who fall into certain age groups are more prone to sepsis. Paying close attention to early symptoms – such as sudden changes in temperature, heart rate, mental status, or organ function – and seeking timely medical care can help reduce the likelihood of developing severe complications.  

Serious Consequences of Sepsis

As sepsis progresses, it can cause significant damage and life-threatening organ dysfunction. Some of the severe consequences of sepsis are:

• Permanent brain damage due to lack of oxygen or blood flow
• Kidney failure that may require long-term dialysis or chronic kidney disease
• Lung damage, often due to mechanical ventilation during treatment
• Heart valve damage, which can impair the heart’s function

Sepsis can also cause abnormal blood clotting, leading to burst blood vessels or small clots that damage tissues and organs. These complications can lead to long-term health problems and reduce the patient’s quality of life.

Sepsis Survival Rate

Sepsis survival rates vary depending on the stage of sepsis and the time of treatment or medical intervention. While many people recover fully from mild sepsis, the mortality rate for severe stages of sepsis and septic shock is much higher. 

Studies show that 40% of patients with the severe stage of sepsis don’t survive, and the septic shock mortality rate can be as high as 50%. Survivors of sepsis often have ongoing health issues and are at higher risk of future infections and complications. 

Sepsis in Nursing Homes

According to the Advisory Board, 25,000 residents die from sepsis in nursing homes every year. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has also reported that poor oversight, delayed responses to physical symptoms, and inadequate infection controls all increase the risk of sepsis in these facilities. When infections from common problems like bedsores or urinary tract infections (UTIs) go unnoticed or untreated, they can become life-threatening and lead to sepsis.

Addressing Neglect to Reduce Sepsis 

Experts say better training, more attentive care, and stronger infection control practices are key to preventing sepsis in nursing homes. These measures include regular inspections of residents’ skin, immediate treatment for any signs of infection, and proper hygiene among staff. By recognizing signs of sepsis early and treating infections right away, nursing homes can lower the number of preventable deaths and improve overall resident health. 

Legal Remedies for Nursing Home Negligence

If a loved one gets sepsis while in a nursing home, and you believe it was due to negligence, you may have a legal case. Nursing homes can be held liable for the following:

• Inadequate staffing, which leads to neglect of residents’ needs
• Failure to follow infection control protocols resulting in preventable infections
• Neglect of medical care, such as not treating bedsores or other conditions that can lead to sepsis deaths

In April 2024, new minimum staffing requirements for long-term care facilities were set for Medicaid and Medicare programs. They require 3.48 hours per resident day of nurse staffing, including 24/7 RN availability, to improve care quality and safety. However, there are provisions for temporary exemptions for facilities facing staffing shortages, particularly in rural areas. Even without exemptions, nursing facilities don’t always follow these guidelines, which could lead to serious injury or even death for your loved one. 

What Damages Can I Recover In a Nursing Home Negligence Claim?

If your loved one has been harmed in a nursing home due to negligence, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the losses they’ve suffered. Below is an overview of the types of damages you can recover if your loved one is injured or suffers a fatal injury and some of the laws that protect residents in long-term care facilities.

Economic Damages 

Economic damages refer to tangible costs you or your loved one have incurred. These most often include: 

• Medical Expenses: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any other treatments related to the injury or illness. 
• Physical Rehabilitation: Ongoing therapy is needed for recovery, including physical or occupational therapy. 
• Funeral and Burial Costs: If negligence led to a resident’s death, surviving family members can recover expenses. 

These damages are meant to ensure that you are not left to shoulder financial hardships caused by someone else’s negligent or abusive behavior.

Non-Economic Damages 

Non-economic damages compensate victims for more subjective losses, which can still have a devastating impact on quality of life, such as: 

• Pain and Suffering: Includes both the physical discomfort and emotional anguish stemming from the neglect or abuse. 
• Emotional Distress: Depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by the injury and environment in the nursing home. 
• Loss of Companionship: Family members may be entitled to damages for the emotional toll of losing a loved one or their ability to function normally due to severe injuries. 

While these losses are more difficult to measure, they’re a major part of any nursing home negligence claim.

Relevant Federal Laws 

Various federal laws protect the rights and well-being of nursing home residents: 

Nursing Home Reform Act: This act establishes certain standards of care and residents’ rights that nursing facilities must follow. 

Older Americans Act: The Older Americans Act provides grants to states and social services, heavily focusing on the welfare of older adults. 

Elder Justice Act: Passed in 2010, The Elder Justice Act is the first comprehensive federal law aimed at combating abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults by coordinating federal responses, supporting research, enhancing Adult Protective Services, and increasing protections for long-term care facility residents.

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): Though more broadly aimed at domestic violence and sexual assault, VAWA can also offer resources and protections to vulnerable elders facing abuse in long-term care. 

Each of these laws can play a role in a negligence claim by setting standards and providing avenues for legal accountability.

Lawsuits related to nursing home neglect often involve serious injuries or wrongful death. For example, Nursing Home Law Center recently secured a $2,150,000 Settlement in a wrongful death case involving facility-acquired bed sores and sepsis. If you suspect negligence or abuse in a nursing home and wish to file a claim, contact Nursing Home Law Center today. Contact us if you think a nursing home’s negligence caused sepsis.