Sepsis And Septic Shock Malpractice Attorneys
When doctors or hospitals fail to diagnose or treat sepsis promptly, a manageable infection can spiral into septic shock, organ failure or amputations. If you or a loved one suffered harm from delayed sepsis care, contacting a failure to diagnose attorney quickly is critical.
McKeen & Associates, PC, has spent 40-plus years holding medical providers accountable for preventable injuries. We represent families in Detroit, Michigan, whose infections were mishandled, investigating medical records to determine when negligence led to septic shock wrongful death.
Why Are Rapid Antibiotics Critical For Sepsis?
Sepsis treatment is a race against time. Medical research shows that for every hour antibiotics are delayed in septic shock, mortality increases by roughly 8%.
There is a limited window when antibiotics can stop the infection before it triggers widespread organ failure. These failures may result in a delayed antibiotic treatment lawsuit.
What Early Warning Signs Do Doctors Often Miss?
Hospitals use screening tools like SIRS and qSOFA (quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) to spot sepsis before it becomes life-threatening. Common indicators include:
- High heart rate above 90 beats per minute
- Fever or abnormally low body temperature
- Rapid breathing
- Elevated white blood cell count
The qSOFA tool focuses on three critical red flags:
- Low blood pressure
- High respiratory rate
- Altered mental status
Failure to act on these warning signs can delay life-saving treatment.
How Does Lactic Acid Testing Prevent Severe Injury?
A lactic acid test is one of the most important diagnostic tools in suspected sepsis cases. Elevated lactate levels above 2.0 or 4.0 mmol/L indicate tissue hypoxia. This means the body’s organs are not receiving enough oxygen.
Serious errors occur when providers fail to order this test or ignore dangerous results. Discharging a patient with elevated lactate levels places them at immediate risk of severe complications.
What Are The Consequences Of Delayed Sepsis Treatment?
Septic shock can require high doses of vasopressors to maintain blood pressure. Delays in treatment can force higher doses, which reduce circulation to the hands and feet.
This may lead to amputations of fingers, toes or limbs. If medical providers failed to act in time, legal action may help hold them accountable.
Act Before It Is Too Late
If a preventable infection caused severe injury in Detroit, Michigan, contact McKeen & Associates, PC, via 313-524-8570 immediately or fill out the online contact form. Our sepsis malpractice lawyers are ready to take urgent action to protect your legal rights.