According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the incidence of hospital-acquired infections is on the rise, with more than one million patients in the United States contracting sepsis each year, of which 15-30% pass away. This trend is expected to continue. Those patients most at risk for developing sepsis include children, those with compromised immune systems and the elderly. In fact, the expanding number of elderly patients is a contributing factor to the rise in sepsis. Because sepsis is more prevalent among older patients, as the number of older patients with chronic conditions increases, so too does the incidence of sepsis. Another explanation is that many infections are becoming resistant to traditional anti-biotics, making them harder to treat.
Symptoms of sepsis may include fever, an accelerated heart rate, difficulty breathing and confusion. Even with prompt treatment, sepsis can lead to kidney failure and other chronic conditions. A delay in treatment may be fatal. In certain circumstances, the failure to prevent, identify and/or treat hospital-acquired infections may constiute medical negligence.
For more information or if you believe that you or a loved one suffered harm as a result of negligent medical care please contact the dedicated Los Angeles medical malpractice lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson LLP for an immediate consultation.
