Chicago Nursing Home Sepsis Lawyer

Recovering Compensation for Sepsis Injuries Caused by Nursing Home Neglect

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body’s response to bacterial infections leads to widespread inflammation and organ failure. When left untreated, sepsis infections can progress to septic shock, requiring immediate medical attention.

For nursing home residents, the risk of developing sepsis is much higher due to their weakened immune systems and reliance on caregivers for medical care. Nursing home negligence, such as failing to monitor intravenous lines, improper wound care, or lack of a sterile environment, can lead to contracting sepsis.

At the Nursing Home Law Center, our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers have extensive experience holding facilities accountable for substandard care. We fight for the rights of victims and their family members, so they receive justice for death and serious injuries caused by neglect.

Successful Nursing Home Settlements

At the Nursing Home Law Center, we have successfully represented families affected by assisted living facilities’ negligence and sepsis-related injuries. Below are some of our most recent nursing home lawsuit settlements:

• $2,150,000—A nursing home patient developed bed sores due to improper repositioning. The infection led to sepsis and death because the staff failed to provide medical treatment in time.
• $12,333,000—A Chicago hospital failed to recognize post-surgical complications, leading to septic shock and eventual death. The lawsuit established that proper intervention could have saved the patient’s life.
• $395,000—An elderly nursing home resident suffered from pressure sores due to inadequate attention. The staff ignored signs of infection, leading to developing sepsis and his death within a month.

These cases highlight the devastating consequences of abuse and medical misconduct. If your family member suffered Chicago nursing home negligence, call (800) 926-7565 to speak with one of our experienced sepsis attorneys for a free consultation.

Risks and Consequences of Sepsis in Chicago Nursing Homes

Sepsis is a severe and potentially fatal condition that can arise from untreated medical conditions, and nursing home patients are particularly vulnerable due to their age and weakened health. 

The risks and consequences of sepsis in nursing homes can be dire, affecting residents physically, emotionally, and financially. Identifying the factors that contribute to sepsis and understanding who is most vulnerable is crucial in preventing these life-threatening complications.

Who is Most Vulnerable?

Certain nursing home residents are at a higher risk of developing sepsis due to pre-existing conditions:

• Nursing home residents with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infections that can lead to sepsis.
• Those suffering from kidney disease, diabetes, or chronic medical conditions are more likely to have compromised health that increases their chances of developing severe infections.
• Patients requiring intravenous lines for medication or hydration are exposed to additional risk if proper sterilization and care procedures are not followed.

Common Causes of Sepsis

The development of sepsis in nursing home patients often stems from neglect or inadequate medical care. Common causes include:

• Failure to monitor infections or administer antibiotics in a timely manner allows infections to worsen and spread throughout the body.
• Contaminated medical equipment, intravenous lines, or a lack of proper sanitation, all of which create pathways for infections to enter the body
• Untreated bed sores and wounds can become infected and progress into serious conditions like sepsis if not properly managed.
• Poor infection control practices and a lack of a sterile environment significantly raise the risk of sepsis, especially in facilities where hygiene standards are insufficient.

Questions to Ask About Nursing Home Care

If you suspect your loved one is at risk for sepsis due to neglect, asking the right questions can help clarify the level of care they are receiving:

• Are medical staff regularly monitoring for signs of infection?
• Is there a consistent protocol for sanitizing equipment and rooms?
• How often are residents assessed for wounds or bed sores?

How Sepsis Impacts Patients

Sepsis not only threatens the physical health of residents but also has long-lasting emotional and financial effects. Understanding the full scope of its impact is essential in ensuring better care and preventing future occurrences.

Identifying Symptoms and Warning Signs of Sepsis

Identifying sepsis early is critical to preventing serious complications. Nursing home staff must be trained to spot these key symptoms:

• Fever, chills, and excessive sweating
• Low blood pressure and rapid heart rate
• Confusion and disorientation
• Difficulty breathing
• Skin discoloration or extreme fatigue

If a nursing home patient shows any of these symptoms, they need immediate medical care, especially if they have an underlying medical condition. 

Legal Rights and Compensation for Sepsis Victims

If nursing home neglect led to a sepsis diagnosis, victims and their families may be entitled to compensation, including:

Medical Bills

Sepsis treatment often involves hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Victims have the right to seek compensation for all associated medical costs.

Pain and Suffering

Sepsis causes severe physical and emotional distress. Victims may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering they endure due to the infection and its complications.

Loss of Quality of Life

Survivors may face long-term health issues due to sepsis, affecting their daily lives. Compensation may be available for the loss of quality of life and ongoing challenges.

Wrongful Death Damages

Families who lose a loved one to sepsis caused by negligence may be entitled to wrongful death damages, including funeral costs and compensation for emotional loss.

Suing a Nursing Home for Sepsis

If nursing home staff fails to provide proper care, leading to sepsis, you can file a nursing home neglect lawsuit. This includes instances where staff neglected to properly manage intravenous lines or failed to treat infections promptly.

Average Sepsis Settlement

Sepsis cases can vary greatly, but settlements typically range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, depending on factors such as the severity of the case and the extent of the negligence.

Applicable Chicago Codes & Illinois Laws

Several Chicago and Illinois laws protect nursing home residents from neglect, giving victims the legal avenues to pursue justice.

Illinois Nursing Home Care Act 

210 ILCS 45 sets standards for nursing home care and allows victims of abuse or neglect to file lawsuits, holding nursing homes accountable for conditions that may lead to sepsis or infections. It provides essential legal protections for residents.

Illinois Medical Malpractice Laws

These laws require expert medical testimony for nursing home abuse claims, ensuring thorough reviews of medical care. In sepsis cases, negligence in care or monitoring can lead to fatal conditions, and these laws hold medical teams accountable.

Chicago Municipal Code on Health & Sanitation

This section requires healthcare facilities to maintain clean environments to prevent infections. Failing to meet these standards can contribute to infections leading to sepsis, which can worsen a resident’s health and lead to severe complications.

Statute of Limitations for Nursing Home Neglect in Illinois

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for medical errors or premature death claims is typically two years (735 ILCS 5/13-202). However, if neglect is hidden, such as unrecognized sepsis, the time limit may be extended (735 ILCS 5/13-212). Consult a nursing home lawyer quickly to understand your legal options.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Nursing Home Lawsuit?

The time it takes to settle a nursing home lawsuit, particularly one involving sepsis, can vary. Sepsis attorney teams typically resolve cases within 12-24 months, though this timeline depends on several key factors.

Severity of Injuries and Need for Ongoing Medical Attention

The severity of the injuries and whether the victim requires ongoing medical care play a major role in the timeline. Cases involving severe, long-term damage may take longer to settle as medical experts need to fully assess the long-term impact on the resident’s health.

Strength of Evidence or Nursing Home Abuse

The strength of the evidence gathered can also influence how quickly a case is settled. If there are clear records of negligent care, the case may be resolved more quickly. However, cases with less concrete evidence may take longer to investigate and build.

Willingness of the Nursing Home to Settle or Fight in Court

The willingness of the nursing home or its insurance company to settle plays a significant role. If the facility is open to a settlement, the case may conclude more quickly. However, if the nursing home is determined to fight the claim in court, the legal process can be drawn out, potentially extending the timeline.

How to Take Legal Action

If your family member has suffered due to a lack of proper care, act quickly. First, seek immediate medical assistance for health issues. Next, document the medical conditions, symptoms, and facility conditions to create vital evidence. 

Report the abuse to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which can investigate and take action against the facility. Finally, consult with a Chicago sepsis lawyer to explore your legal options.

Contact a Chicago Sepsis Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If a loved one has experienced sepsis due to neglect, you have legal rights. Call the Nursing Home Law Center at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our online form to discuss your case with a sepsis attorney. We offer complimentary consultations and charge no fees unless we win your case. You only pay if you receive compensation.

Why Choose the Nursing Home Law Center

With decades of experience handling Chicago nursing home cases, our law firm has secured multi-million dollar settlements for sepsis victims. Our Chicago sepsis attorneys fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.