Sepsis is a systemic response to infection that can progress rapidly to organ failure and death. In long-term care, claims typically allege failure to identify early signs such as altered mental status, fever, or elevated heart rate, and failure to obtain timely medical evaluation.
Common underlying infections include urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and infected pressure injuries.
Alternative Names:
Sepsis Litigation, Septic Shock Claim
Why it Matters?
Sepsis cases frequently follow another alleged failure, so a pressure injury or untreated infection becomes a death case. The evidentiary focus is on vital sign trends and nursing assessments in the days before transfer, since documented deterioration without escalation to a physician is the strongest plaintiff evidence. Conversely, records showing timely recognition and escalation are a strong defense even where the outcome was fatal.
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Frequently asked questions
How is a sepsis claim typically proven?
Is sepsis always attributable to facility care?
