Sepsis Lawyer in Orange County
Sepsis can develop quickly from an infection, leaving an older adult facing hospitalization, organ damage, permanent complications, or even death. If your loved one developed sepsis while living in a nursing home, Travis Siegel may be able to help.
Our experienced sepsis lawyer in Orange County can help investigate whether an underlying infection was recognized and treated appropriately or whether inadequate care allowed it to become more serious. Founded in 2002, our firm has an exclusive focus on elder abuse and nursing home abuse cases.
Located near the intersection of the Santa Ana Freeway (the 5) and the Costa Mesa Freeway (the 55), our office offers convenient travel for clients across Orange County, Los Angeles County, and throughout Southern California.
Call (562) 414-5294 for a free consultation. We work on contingency, so you don’t pay legal fees unless we get a recovery.
When Sepsis Might Be Connected to Nursing Home Neglect
Sepsis itself does not establish that a nursing home did something wrong. Almost any infection can potentially lead to sepsis. The important questions are how the underlying infection developed, whether staff recognized a significant change in condition, and whether medical care followed.
That makes the specifics of a resident's individual condition important. The records may show whether staff knew about an infection or other risk and what was done in response.
Were the Warning Signs Recognized and Addressed?
Families may remember a sudden change that preceded hospitalization. Perhaps it’s confusion, unusual sleepiness, weakness, fever, or feeling unusually cold, breathing problems, or a noticeable deterioration in overall condition.
These symptoms can have many causes, so medical evaluation is essential when sepsis is suspected. The CDC recommends immediate evaluation and treatment for people who might have sepsis.
Did Poor Care Contribute to the Infection?
Poor hygiene, untreated bed sores, inadequate wound care, medication errors, dehydration, and understaffing may become relevant when investigating how an infection developed or progressed. They do not automatically establish negligence, but they can help reveal whether a broader pattern of inadequate care existed.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 562-414-5294 today!
-
Choosing the right nursing home for your loved ones is a personal (and tough) decision. It is something you must decide on your own, or with the rest of your family. With that in mind, however, there are a few resources you can use to help with the decision.
The Health Facilities Consumer Information System provided by the state of California lets you search for different types of health facilities, including nursing homes. The Medicare website also provides a tool for finding nursing homes.
The Health Facilities Consumer Information System also lets you search for complaints against said facilities. You can use this tool to check on any homes you might be considering and see if complaints have been filed against them.
Remember, if you suspect any form of elderly abuse or negligence has occurred, trust your instincts and call us at Siegel Law. 562-414-5294
-
Pressure sores, also called bed sores and pressure ulcers, are a common sign of nursing home abuse or neglect. They are caused by unrelieved pressure on the skin. Bed sores typically appear near areas where the bones are close to the skin: the hips, back, elbows, and ankles. When pressure sores first show up, they’re just skin irritation. With prompt treatment, they typically have no lasting effects. When not treated quickly, however, later stages can result in serious damage not only to the skin but also to muscle and bone.
The greatest tragedy of pressure sores is that they are relatively easy to prevent. Regular movement of a person restricted to a bed or wheelchair can help avoid pressure sores. Someone who must remain in bed should be moved about every two hours. The use of a pressure-reducing mattress can help. A proper diet, cleanliness, and daily exercise all help prevent pressure sores and eliminate the serious harm that can accompany them.
-
The answer is no. Siegel Law takes all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that our clients owe the firm nothing for expenses unless they are awarded a monetary settlement or we receive a favorable verdict at trial. All expenses will be deducted from the settlement or jury verdict. Not a dime will be taken out of your pocket.
