When someone develops sepsis, every second matters. A delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment can mean the difference between life and death. If you or a loved one suffered because a healthcare provider failed to recognize and respond to sepsis, you may have a malpractice claim.
At Poulos & Coates, we focus exclusively on medical malpractice litigation. Our team of Las Cruces sepsis malpractice lawyers includes seasoned trial attorneys, including one who is a licensed medical doctor, and in-house nurses. With decades of combined experience handling complex medical cases, we have the knowledge and resources to investigate what happened and pursue justice on your behalf.
Read on and learn about the dangers of sepsis, its common causes, and how to choose a firm for sepsis malpractice.
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to infection. When an infection spreads through the bloodstream, the immune system may go into overdrive, triggering widespread inflammation and organ damage. Common symptoms of sepsis include:
- High fever or chills,
- Rapid heartbeat,
- Difficulty breathing,
- Confusion or disorientation,
- Low blood pressure, and
- Cold or pale skin.
Sepsis is a medical emergency, and hospitals and healthcare providers must act quickly to identify it and begin treatment.
What Are Sepsis Complications?
If not treated immediately, sepsis complications can include:
- Septic shock (a dangerous drop in blood pressure);
- Organ failure (lungs, kidneys, liver);
- Tissue death requiring amputation;
- Brain damage; and
- Death.
Even survivors may suffer long-term complications, including memory loss, chronic pain, fatigue, or post-traumatic stress. Unfortunately, many sepsis cases are overlooked or mismanaged, leading to catastrophic outcomes.
What Is Sepsis Malpractice?
Sepsis malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to recognize, diagnose, or treat sepsis promptly, resulting in harm to the patient. When a provider violates the accepted standard of care, and that violation causes injury or death, they can be held legally accountable.
Some of the most common medical errors that lead to sepsis malpractice include:
- Failure to take symptoms seriously. Providers may dismiss or downplay early symptoms like fever, elevated heart rate, or confusion, especially in patients who don’t appear critically ill.
- Delayed diagnostic testing. Timely lab work, blood cultures, and imaging are essential to confirm sepsis and identify the source of infection.
- Misinterpreting test results. Even when diagnostic tests are performed, errors in reading or understanding the results can lead to missed or delayed treatment. These errors include overlooking abnormal white blood cell counts or failing to identify organ dysfunction.
- Failure to administer treatment promptly. Sepsis treatment must begin with fast-acting, broad-spectrum antibiotics, IV fluids, and medication to maintain blood pressure. Delays of even a few hours can cause a patient’s condition to deteriorate rapidly.
- Discharging patients too early. Patients who are sent home without proper monitoring or follow-up care may return with worsening infections that could have been prevented.
- Inadequate communication among medical staff. In a hospital or emergency setting, poor communication between providers can lead to delayed recognition of sepsis and missed warning signs during shift changes or handoffs.
- Understaffing or overwhelmed facilities. In busy or short-staffed hospitals, critically ill patients may not be evaluated or treated quickly enough, allowing the infection to spread unchecked.
These errors can lead to devastating complications, including septic shock and death. We hold medical professionals accountable when they fail to meet the standard of care.
How to Choose a Firm for Sepsis Malpractice in Las Cruces
Choosing the right law firm for a sepsis malpractice case isn’t easy. Here are some key traits to look for:
- Experience with medical malpractice cases. Not all personal injury attorneys handle medical negligence. You need a firm that focuses specifically on this complex area of law.
- In-house medical expertise. Understanding sepsis requires more than legal skill. Look for a firm that has doctors or nurses on staff.
- Trial readiness. Many malpractice cases settle out of court, but a strong trial team can make all the difference in negotiations and outcomes.
- Track record of results. Proven case results and client recoveries speak volumes about a firm’s effectiveness.
- Client-centered care. Look for a team that communicates clearly, answers your questions, and keeps you involved.
At Poulos & Coates, we check every one of these boxes. We are dedicated exclusively to medical malpractice, and we’ve built our reputation on results.
How Long Does It Take to Reach Sepsis Malpractice Settlements?
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for resolving a sepsis malpractice case. Some claims settle in several months, while others can take a year or longer, especially if the case is complex or goes to trial.
Generally, the timeline depends on several phases in the legal process:
- Investigation and case evaluation. This phase can take several weeks to a few months and includes reviewing medical records, consulting with medical experts, and determining whether malpractice occurred.
- Filing the lawsuit. A medical malpractice claim in New Mexico must go through the Medical Review Commission. This step adds time to the process but is mandatory before a lawsuit can be filed.
- Discovery phase. After a case is filed with the court, both sides exchange information, interview witnesses, and take depositions. This is often the longest phase and can span several months.
- Negotiations. Settlement talks may begin once the evidence is clear. Most cases are settled by negotiation.
- Trial. If the parties cannot reach a settlement, the case goes to court. Preparing for trial and waiting for a court date can significantly lengthen the process.
At Poulos & Coates, we prepare every case with the full expectation that it may go to trial. We’ll keep you informed at every step and advise you on timing, strategy, and when a sepsis malpractice settlement offer may be worth accepting.
Talk to an Experienced Las Cruces Sepsis Malpractice Attorney
When you’re facing the aftermath of a preventable medical crisis like sepsis, choosing the right legal team matters. At Poulos & Coates, we bring over 100 years of combined experience focused solely on medical malpractice law.
Our background in medicine and litigation allows us to see how the error happened, how it could have been prevented, and what it will take to help make things right. We’ve spent decades standing up to hospitals and insurance companies across New Mexico and are ready to stand up for you.
If you or a loved one suffered serious harm due to delayed or negligent sepsis care, don’t wait to get the answers you deserve. Contact our Las Cruces sepsis malpractice lawyers by calling us at 575-523-4444 today for a free consultation. You won’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.