Fairfax, VA Infection/Sepsis Injury Attorney

Knowledgeable Infection and Sepsis Malpractice Attorneys Protecting Patients in Fairfax, Virginia

Infections are common issues addressed in emergency rooms, hospitals, and other medical facilities. When an infection is missed, is not treated correctly, or is allowed to progress without timely treatment, a patient can experience catastrophic consequences. When an infection is not recognized or is mismanaged, it can progress to sepsis, which is a life-threatening issue that can lead to organ failure, permanent disabilities, or death.

Medical professionals should take steps to recognize the signs of infection and sepsis and respond correctly to protect patients' health. When they fail to do so, patients can suffer injuries that should have been preventable. At Shevlin Smith, P.C., our lawyer can help injury victims and their families understand how to address medical malpractice related to infections or sepsis. He will take steps to determine who was responsible for a patient's injuries, and he will work to obtain financial compensation that will address the harm that has occurred.

How an Untreated Infection Can Lead to Sepsis

The body's immune system will often be able to respond to an infection by containing and eliminating bacteria or viruses. However, when an infection is severe, when it spreads to the bloodstream, or when the immune system does not respond correctly, inflammation can occur that may begin to damage the body's tissues and organs.

This uncontrolled inflammatory response is known as sepsis. The body's response to an infection may affect the functions of organs, causing an issue that affects one part of the body to spread throughout a person's entire system. As sepsis progresses, it can develop into septic shock, which may cause blood pressure to drop and prevent blood flow to vital organs.

The kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, and brain may all be affected by sepsis. Issues such as respiratory distress, kidney injuries, liver failure, cardiac problems, and neurological damage may occur because of septic shock. In the most severe cases, multiple organs may fail, and a person may be at risk of death.

A person who survives sepsis may be affected in many ways. Post-sepsis syndrome may have ongoing physical, cognitive, and psychological effects. Ongoing issues may include chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, cognitive impairments affecting a person's memory and concentration, anxiety, or depression. In some cases, poor circulation may lead to the amputation of fingers, toes, or limbs. The effects of sepsis could lead to permanent disabilities.

The Importance of Recognizing Sepsis Early

Sepsis is a medical emergency, and any delays in administering antibiotics or providing other forms of treatment can cause a patient to suffer serious harm. Medical professionals are required to follow specific procedures within the first one to three hours after recognizing sepsis, including obtaining blood tests, administering antibiotics and fluids, and monitoring a patient for oxygen deprivation.

When sepsis is recognized early, and prompt treatment is provided, a patient's condition may be stabilized, and septic shock may be prevented. However, when delays occur during diagnosis or treatment, damage to multiple bodily systems may take place, and a person's life may be at risk.

Reasons Why Infections and Sepsis May Not Be Recognized

There are several reasons why infections may not be identified or why sepsis may be misdiagnosed, including:

Misattributed Symptoms

Some of the signs of infection and sepsis may overlap with other types of conditions. A urinary tract infection may be misdiagnosed as dehydration. A patient's fever and elevated heart rate may be attributed to pain or anxiety rather than to an infection. These misattributions can delay the diagnosis of an infection and prevent a person from receiving timely treatment for sepsis.

Atypical Symptoms

When a person begins to experience sepsis, their symptoms may not be obvious. Issues such as a mildly elevated heart rate, a slight increase in respiratory rate, a fever, or mild confusion may not be recognized as signs of sepsis. A medical provider may believe that a patient is experiencing a less serious issue, and they may fail to take the proper steps to treat sepsis.

Failure to Consider the Source of an Infection

Identifying the causes of an infection can be crucial when evaluating a patient. This will ensure that the appropriate antibiotics can be administered. Some sources of infections that may lead to sepsis include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, abdominal infections, and infections related to catheters or IVs. When infections are not identified correctly, the antibiotics a person receives may not be effective.

Failure to Order and Review Diagnostic Tests

Diagnosing infections and sepsis may require laboratory tests and other diagnostic evaluations. Blood counts may reveal elevated or abnormally low white blood cells, blood cultures may identify organisms that caused an infection, and imaging studies can identify the source of infections. A provider who does not order appropriate testing or who fails to review and act on test results correctly may allow an infection to progress without providing timely treatment.

Medical Errors When Treating Infections and Sepsis

Even when an infection or sepsis is diagnosed correctly, errors in the treatment process can cause a patient to suffer serious harm. The management of sepsis can be complex, and it will require careful, coordinated care. Errors that can lead to injuries to patients include:

Errors in Antibiotic Selection and Administration

The choice of antibiotics that should be used is one of the most important factors involved in managing infections and sepsis. An antibiotic that is not effective against the causes of an infection may allow the infection to progress. Some antibiotics may involve additional risks, including allergic reactions, toxicity affecting the kidneys or other organs, or secondary infections.

Delays in administering antibiotics can also cause harm to patients. Every hour of delay between when an infection is recognized and when antibiotics are administered can cause an infection to progress. Sepsis may become more likely, and it may not be halted correctly due to delays.

Fluid Management Errors

IV fluids can be a critical aspect of managing sepsis. These fluids can help restore blood circulation and ensure that a person can maintain the proper blood pressure. Insufficient fluids may lead to low blood pressure and inadequate blood flow to organs. Excessive fluids can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, which may lead to respiratory failure.

Failure to Escalate to Intensive Care

Patients who are experiencing septic shock will typically require care in an intensive care unit, where they can receive continuous monitoring, medications that support proper blood pressure, mechanical ventilation to address respiratory failure, and other interventions. A failure to recognize the severity of a patient's condition and ensure that they are transferred to an ICU can result in the deterioration of a person's condition.

Contact Our Fairfax Sepsis Malpractice Lawyer

When infections or sepsis have not been diagnosed or treated correctly, patients can take steps to recover compensation for the harm they have suffered. Shevlin Smith, P.C. can provide effective legal representation in these cases, helping to protect our clients' rights. Contact our Fairfax, VA infections and sepsis misdiagnosis attorney at 703-591-0067 to set up a free consultation.