Baltimore Nursing Home Sepsis & Infections Lawyer
There are few greater health risks to the elderly than sepsis and infections. This is extremely dangerous because, not only are the elderly more likely to develop sepsis and infections, but they are also less capable of fighting them off. These conditions are not always preventable for elderly individuals in nursing homes. However, many times they can be avoided and when that is the case and they occur anyway, it is devastating to the elderly and their loved ones. When family members suspect that their loved one is suffering from sepsis or an infection due to the nursing home’s negligence, they must speak to a Baltimore nursing home sepsis & infections lawyer that can help.
Most Common Infections in the Elderly
There are five types of infections elderly individuals are most likely to suffer from in a nursing home. These include:
- Urinary tract infections: The combination of catheters, diabetes, and having limited mobility can cause a urinary tract infection in a nursing home setting.
- Bacterial pneumonia: Certain types of bacterial pneumonia are contagious and when that is the case, negligent care can cause this sickness to quickly spread throughout a nursing home.
- Infections of the skin: Shingles, cellulitis, bedsores, and MRSA are all just a few of the common skin infections commonly seen in nursing homes.
- Gastrointestinal infections: The elderly often experience changes in their gastrointestinal tract. This can cause infections such as clostridium difficile, and helicobacter pyloria.
- Influenza: Influenza is extremely contagious and because the air in a nursing home is recycled throughout the entire home and it is a closed setting, this sickness is very common in nursing homes. It is also one of the most deadly illnesses an elderly individual could contract.
Nursing home staff members must ensure they are taking proper care of their residents and that they take the necessary steps to contain illnesses and infections.
Sepsis in the Elderly
Sepsis is a complication that arises from an infection. This condition is caused by an inflammatory response in the body when chemicals are released into the blood. Sepsis can occur in any part of the body and can cause organs to fail. When a person’s blood pressure drops dramatically, this is known as septic shock and it is often fatal.
There are certain risk factors for sepsis. These include an advanced age, a compromised immune system, the use of assistive devices such as IVs, catheters, or breathing tubes, existing illnesses and wounds or injuries. Nursing home staff members must understand these risk factors, and recognize when elderly patients suffer from them. When they notice that a patient is at risk for sepsis, they must do everything they can to ensure the condition does not get worse.
Our Baltimore Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers can Help if Your Loved One is Sick
Sometimes, illnesses in the elderly are unavoidable but they can also often be prevented. When nursing home staff members are negligent and do not recognize the possible complications that could arise from a condition or illness, elderly residents can become very sick. In these instances, loved ones can hold the nursing home staff and owners liable for paying compensation for any injuries or losses the senior citizen endured. At Iamele & Iamele, LLP, our Baltimore nursing home abuse lawyers can help your family file a claim and ensure you or your loved one receives the maximum compensation they deserve. Call us today at (410) 779-6160 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn how we can help.
