Sepsis Can Be an Undiagnosed Cause of Death – Fort Lauderdale Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys

Sepsis is a serious, potentially fatal infection that causes more fatalities in the U.S. than heart attacks. A recent study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that almost two thirds of the total 258,000 annual deaths were not diagnosed in time by doctors and nurses. In some cases, this could be considered medical negligence.

There have been instances where people have died in a hospital or nursing home and their family is not told the truth about the cause of death. Many times people are left to assume that it was just “old age” but in truth it was a preventable issue: sepsis.

A thorough article about sepsis was published last year in U.S. News and World Report.

Early Detection of Sepsis is key to Recovery

According to the CDC, while delayed diagnosis sepsis can increase the risk of mortality, early detection can save lives. If the condition is diagnosed within six hours, the prognosis is pretty good. Another study has shown that the chances decrease over by 7 percent for each hour it goes untreated. The chances become bleak with every hour that the condition is left untreated.

Sepsis is Difficult to Diagnose

One reason that many cases of sepsis go undiagnosed and untreated is that there is no reliable test for it. Also, each patient experiences different symptoms. While there are some hospitals that have found ways to detect and prevent sepsis at an early stage, there are many others that still lack in this.

Have someone close to you been a victim of delayed sepsis diagnosis?

Fort Lauderdale Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys

Sepsis is a potentially fatal condition if not detected and treated in time. Also, it is possible to prevent, detect and manage the condition. If you or someone close to you has suffered from complications or fatality as a result of delayed diagnosis of sepsis, you have the right to pursue compensation for all the losses you have suffered.

The best thing to do if you suspect sepsis may have contributed to the deteriorating condition of a loved one, or their death, you may call us and arrange a confidential consultation. We can be reached at 954-356-0006.