Our bodies are reactive and respond to harm, and one of those responses is sepsis. Sepsis is an extreme reaction to an infection. The infection can occur anywhere in the body, but the results of sepsis affect multiple systems.
Certain populations, like people with weakened immune systems, can suffer greatly because of sepsis. Some of the permanent outcomes of sepsis include tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Sepsis is completely avoidable when the infection receives treatment promptly.
If you or a loved one suffered sepsis because so-called medical professionals did not catch an infection in time, you might have a medical malpractice case. A Columbus sepsis lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can look over your claim and pursue financial compensation on your behalf, so you can focus on recovery without worrying about paying for the healthcare costs. Call our team at (800) 842-6336.
Sepsis and Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
Sepsis occurs when an infection does not get treatment and continues to worsen. The signs and symptoms for sepsis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), include:
- High heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Confusion or disorientation
- Fever, sweating, or clammy skin
- Shivering or feeling very cold
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
These symptoms and known infections should be a trigger for medical professionals to check. Doctors can diagnose sepsis and infection through laboratory tests. Both bacterial and viral infections can lead to sepsis.
If a doctor refuses to test for infection or sepsis after their patient shows and complains of related symptoms, they may have committed medical malpractice. Medical malpractice is when a medical professional or institution injures a patient by not adhering to the standard and acceptable practices. Below are examples of when medical malpractice causes sepsis:
- Patient A goes to his primary doctor and has a high heart rate, low blood pressure, a fever, and pain in his torso. His doctor does not run tests and prescribes antacids. Two days later, the patient is in the hospital with sepsis.
- Patient B lives in a nursing home and developed bedsores, which lead to an infection. Healthcare staff at the nursing home failed to prevent, detect, and treat the infection.
- Patient C is in the hospital recovering from a scheduled surgery. Due to unhygienic conditions, she picks up a hospital-acquired infection that never receives treatment.
Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §2305.113 states that you have one year to start legal action for medical malpractice. A Columbus sepsis lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you start the progress of seeking compensation for your losses.
Financial Awards from Medical Malpractice Cases
The purpose of a lawsuit is to stop you from further suffering because of the incident. Even if you are on the mend from your sepsis emergency, you can have additional losses. For example, you might need ongoing treatment for several months to years.
Other losses you might have suffered can include:
- Medical bills related to the sepsis
- Lost wages due to the condition
- Lost or diminished future wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other related losses
The effects of getting sepsis can cost you thousands for treatment. The long-lasting physical effects could prevent you from returning to work, continuing in your profession, or earning the income you once did. The party that negatively altered your life because of medical negligence might be responsible for that amount.
For a free legal consultation with a Sepsis Lawyer serving Columbus, call (800) 794-0444
Liable Parties in Malpractice Claims
The liable party is the person or entity that is responsible for the losses detailed in the lawsuit. A party can be responsible for intentionally or unintentionally causing someone else harm. A medical professional might be liable for the consequences of sepsis if they:
- Delayed getting the diagnosis
- Failed to diagnose
- Failed to warn you of the risks
- Gave you improper treatment
- Made a mistake that resulted in injury
The facility might also be responsible for lawsuit awards. Unclean facilities, paperwork mistakes, and dozens of other things can lead to medical malpractice. The hospital might also share the liability for medical staff.
Doctors, hospitals, and other entities in the healthcare industry have insurance coverage to protect them from lawsuits. While the medical professional or facility may be liable for damages, the insurance companies are the ones who pay.
Columbus Sepsis Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
How Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Help
As your legal representative, we can negotiate with the medical professional or facility’s insurance provider. Those in the healthcare industry often want to settle out of court to protect their name. When you “settle out of court,” you are accepting a financial award—or settlement—in exchange for dropping your lawsuit.
The insurance company looks out for itself and its profit margins. Representatives might offer a low settlement amount, hoping you will take it for your medical expenses and other related costs. You do not have to accept this amount, as your attorney can negotiate for a higher award.
Evidence helps significantly during negotiations. The more quality proof on your side, the stronger your claim. Our team can help gather these needed proofs, such as:
- Medical records detailing your condition. Lawsuits require the plaintiff to suffer damages to collect compensation. The law considers your injury as damages, and health documents can show what you suffered. Medical records will also list the number of times you sought medical assistance, your complaints, and what the medical professional did.
- Medical bills relating to the sepsis. These expense documents illustrate your financial loss.
- Testimony from other medical professionals, including statements from other healthcare professionals who treated you after.
- Eyewitness testimony.
The specific evidence type needed will depend on your claim. A Columbus sepsis lawyer can examine your case to determine which evidence is more beneficial.
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, our legal team works on a contingency basis. Our fee comes out of your compensation award. If you do not receive payment, neither do we. Speak to our legal team about your medical malpractice lawsuit by calling us at (800) 842-6336.
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