An Infection is a Leading Cause of Death in Kentucky. Negligence May Play a Role
If a loved one died of septicemia, medical malpractice may have played a role. If so, the deceased’s family members may be entitled to compensation for their loss. Septicemia is a common and often fatal condition that requires a prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists Kentucky’s the top ten causes of death for 2022. The top three are heart disease, cancer, and accidents. Number ten is septicemia.
In 2021, the state ranked as the fourth worst state for septicemia mortality, with a death rate of 16.9 per 100,000 population. That year, there were 923 septicemia-related deaths, according to the Kentucky Hospital Association.
What is Septicemia?
Sometimes called blood poisoning, septicemia occurs if germs get into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. The germs can be bacteria, viruses, or fungi, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Is it the Same as Sepsis?
Septicemia is an infection. Sepsis is the body’s reaction to it. The body responds too strongly, injuring the body and causing organs to function poorly, reports the Mayo Clinic. Sepsis can become septic shock. It’s a sharp blood pressure drop that may injure the liver, kidneys, lungs, and other organs. Severe sepsis can be fatal.
Who Might Develop Septicemia?
It can happen to anyone, but those more likely to develop it are the following:
- Those who recently had surgery, especially if they’re using catheters or IVs
- The very young and old
- People who’ve had it before
- Those with infections and a chronic medical condition like cancer or diabetes
- People severely injured, such as those with open wounds or extensive burns
- Those with weak immune systems
Often, people with this condition have multiple risk factors, such as those who are very old, have a weakened immune system, and cancer.
What Causes Septicemia?
Viruses, bacteria, and fungi enter the bloodstream. This can happen in many ways, including the following:
- An abscessed tooth.
- Unsanitized medical equipment like surgical tools and needles
- Kidney infection
- Pneumonia
- Wounds or ulcers on the skin
- A urinary tract infection
A healthy person’s immune response can usually eliminate germs. But if they grow and spread, it can cause septicemia.
What are Septicemia Symptoms?
Early symptoms are:
- High fevers
- Chills
- Sweating
- Weakness
- A blood pressure drop
If you have these symptoms, see a physician to determine the cause. If it’s septicemia and it progresses to sepsis and septic shock, it can be fatal.
How is Septicemia Treated?
Immediate, effective treatment can prevent septicemia. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. You may get antiviral or antifungal medication. Draining blood and fluid from the affected area may also be an option. Effective treatment may result in improvement in weeks or months. It may take longer if the situation is more serious.
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Septicemia?
You may avoid septicemia if you:
- Get recommended vaccines
- Keep wounds clean and covered
- Address medical conditions by following your healthcare professional’s instructions
- Maintain proper dental health
- Wash your hands regularly
Many of us are reluctant to get medical attention when we’re ill. You may not realize you have septicemia, so you’ll think all you need to do about feeling sick is to “ride it out.” That potentially may be a fatal mistake if septicemia progresses to sepsis and septic shock.
How Can Medical Negligence of Malpractice Cause Septicemia and Complications?
A medical professional may not provide you with the standard of care given your situation. If they’re a surgeon who used unsanitized surgery tools or a doctor who failed to treat your urinary infection properly, they may be responsible for getting the septicemia started. If you’re in a hospital, IV lines may not have been cleaned properly, or staff may not have recognized septicemia symptoms.
If you sought medical care, your care provider may have failed to diagnose and treat your septicemia, allowing it to progress. The physician may have failed to order standard tests to come up with a diagnosis. They may have also mistakenly decided you have something else and given you the wrong treatment, potentially making your condition worse.
After being diagnosed with septicemia, you may have been given the wrong medications or doses. You may have also not gotten the proper fluids.
Consult with a Louisville Wrongful Death Attorney in Near You
If a loved one has died of septicemia, sepsis, or septic shock, and negligence may have been a factor, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Satterley & Kelley PLLC attorneys can start an investigation to determine what happened, why, and whether there’s a basis for an insurance claim or legal action against those responsible.
We have more than 30 years of experience advocating for families who have lost loved ones to the negligence of others. We will work diligently and sensitively to help you recover compensation and ease the financial burdens you face during a painful time.
If you’ve lost a family member, get the justice you deserve. Speak with a Satterley & Kelley PLLC lawyer during a free initial consultation. Schedule one by calling our Lousiville office at 502-589-5600 (toll-free at 855-385-9532) or reach us online using our contact form.