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Nursing Home Sepsis & Neglect

Nursing home neglect, especially untreated bedsores (pressure ulcers), can lead to fatal sepsis infections. Hold facilities accountable.

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Signs of Nursing Home Neglect Leading to Sepsis

Untreated Bedsores

Pressure ulcers (bedsores) are the #1 preventable cause of nursing home sepsis deaths. When residents are left immobile for extended periods:

  • • Stage 3-4 ulcers expose tissue to infection
  • • Ulcers can progress to osteomyelitis (bone infection)
  • • Bacteria enter bloodstream, causing sepsis
  • • Regular repositioning (every 2 hours) is required care

Poor Hygiene

Inadequate hygiene practices allow bacteria to thrive, especially in vulnerable elderly populations with weakened immune systems:

  • • Unchanged adult diapers causing skin breakdown
  • • Poor catheter or IV line maintenance
  • • Failure to clean wounds or surgical sites
  • • Unclean bed linens and shared equipment

Delayed Medical Care

Nursing homes must respond promptly to signs of infection. Neglect occurs when:

  • • Staff ignores fever, confusion, or pain complaints
  • • Family must insist on doctor visits
  • • Infections treated with over-the-counter medications only
  • • Delayed transfer to hospital for serious symptoms

Dehydration & Malnutrition

Weakened elderly residents cannot fight infections without proper hydration and nutrition:

  • • Residents left without water or help drinking
  • • Missed meals or inadequate nutrition
  • • Weight loss and muscle wasting
  • • Reduced immune response to infections

How Bedsores Progress to Sepsis

1

Stage 1 & 2 Bedsores

Redness, warmth, or partial skin thickness loss. At this stage, sores are 100% preventable with repositioning and skincare. If ignored, bacteria can enter through broken skin.

2

Stage 3 Bedsores

Full-thickness skin loss with exposed fat. Tissue becomes necrotic (dead). Infection risk is high as bacteria colonize the wound. Medical intervention is urgently needed.

3

Stage 4 Bedsores & Bone Infection

Full-thickness tissue and muscle loss with exposed bone or tendon. Bacteria reach bone causing osteomyelitis, a severe bone infection. At this point, sepsis is a life-threatening risk.

4

Sepsis & Septic Shock

Bacteria enter bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation. Without immediate treatment, organs begin to fail. 30-50% of sepsis patients die, and the risk is even higher for elderly nursing home residents.

Compensation for Nursing Home Sepsis Cases

Nursing home neglect cases often result in substantial settlements due to the vulnerability of victims and the preventable nature of these injuries.

Settlement Range

$250,000 - $17,000,000+

Some cases have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts when gross negligence and punitive damages are proven.

Damages May Include

  • ✓ Medical and funeral expenses
  • ✓ Pain and suffering before death
  • ✓ Punitive damages for gross negligence
  • ✓ Loss of companionship for family members
Evaluate Your Case Now

Time-sensitive. Contact us before evidence is lost.

Statute of Limitations Applies

Nursing home lawsuits must be filed within the statute of limitations period (typically 1-3 years from date of injury or death). If your loved one died from sepsis due to nursing home neglect, contact us immediately to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.