Can a Sepsis Infection be a Sign of Nursing Home Neglect?

 Posted on May 12, 2025 in Nursing Home Abuse

Infections occur frequently in many healthcare facilities, but they are of particular concern in nursing homes where residents often have compromised health conditions. Elderly residents are often sick and incapable of fighting infection, leading to life-threatening conditions. Nursing homes owe a duty of care to their residents to prevent conditions like sepsis from occurring.

If someone you love was seriously injured or died as a result of a sepsis infection during their stay in a nursing home, you may have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death claim. An Illinois personal injury attorney experienced in nursing home abuse and neglect can help you understand your options.

At Schwartz Injury Law, we will fight to hold the facility responsible for the harm done to your loved one. In the last five years alone, we have secured well over $70 million from successful verdicts and settlements. This is a testament to our devotion to our clients and the lengths we will go for them. When you work with our firm, we will fight hard to make things right and hold the responsible parties accountable for your loved one’s damages.

When Does Sepsis Occur?

The human body is amazingly adept at fighting off infections. Sometimes, however, the body reacts to a preexisting infection by effectively turning the infection-fighting process against itself. Elderly people in particular are more susceptible to sepsis due to their weakened immune systems. When somebody goes into sepsis, inflammation spreads throughout the body, possibly resulting in blood clots and internal damage. This can cause serious and even fatal damage to organs such as the lungs and heart.

Common bacterial infections in the lungs, skin, or urinary tracts can trigger sepsis, but viral infections such as influenza can do so as well. Sepsis generally takes place when these infections are not treated promptly, allowing the infection to spread. If left untreated, sepsis may progress to septic shock, causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure that can ultimately result in death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 270,000 Americans die of sepsis every year. At Schwartz Injury Law, we work collaboratively with health professionals who can identify symptoms of septic shock in nursing home residents.

Is a Long-Term Care Facility Responsible for Sepsis Infections? 

Some infections occur as a result of the body’s imperfections, and, unfortunately, not all infections can be prevented even in the best of circumstances. However, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have a legal obligation to protect residents from infections if possible. Basic precautions that can prevent the spread of germs include: 

• Washing hands frequently and thoroughly, using soap and warm water

• Proper sanitization of the nursing home facility and medical instruments 

• Taking steps to prevent the spread of the flu throughout the facility

• Avoiding bed sores by moving residents who cannot move by themselves

• Safely adjusting breathing tubes to avoid injuries resulting in infection

• Promptly recognizing and addressing infections

• Wearing masks when appropriate

Residential facilities that fail to take proper precautions may be held liable for contributing to the onset or development of a serious sepsis infection. Our firm can take aggressive legal action on your behalf, fighting to hold the nursing facility accountable for negligent care. If negotiations for a settlement fall through, we are not afraid to go to trial on your behalf.

How Can I Prove That a Nursing Home Contributed to a Sepsis Outbreak?

Proving that the nursing home was negligent is a critical element of your personal injury claim. Supplying evidence of the injury is not enough – you must demonstrate that the nursing home was at fault for the harm done to your loved one. At Schwartz Injury Law, we recognize that very few people have the time, resources, or legal knowledge to launch a full investigation into a nursing home. We are willing to undertake this labor on your behalf, as we will work hard to build the strongest possible case for your claim.

When we investigate an injury claim for sepsis, we will look at the measures the nursing home took – or the measures they failed to take – to prevent infection. For instance, if there were not enough staff members to carefully monitor every resident’s condition, we can cite the facility’s staffing numbers as evidence for your claim. To support your case, we can also compile other pertinent evidence, such as witness testimony or medical reports.

Compensation for Injuries Caused by Sepsis in Nursing Facilities

At Schwartz Injury Law, we will fight for maximum compensation for your loved one in a personal injury claim, taking into account all of the damage caused by the sepsis infection. Your claim can factor in your loved one’s monetary damages as well as non-economic losses, including:

• Hospital bills from treating the infection, including the trip to the emergency room and surgery to mend the damaged tissue

• Expenses related to follow-up care, such as medication or physical therapy

• Physical agony and mental anguish caused by the infection

As we negotiate for a settlement, we will keep all of these damages in mind. Sometimes, nursing homes and their insurers will offer a quick settlement upfront to satisfy you. However, these offers are usually intended to placate you rather than fully address the harm done to your loved one. We will not accept anything less than what you deserve, even if it means taking your case to court.

Additionally, if your loved one passed as a result of a sepsis infection, we can argue for compensation to cover any funeral expenses, the costs of end-of-life care, and your personal grief. Of course, no amount of money can make up for the loss of your loved one, but forcing those accountable to deal with the consequences can give you a sense of justice as well as ensure you are not left to pay the price. It can also give you some comfort, knowing that those responsible will not repeat their negligence with future nursing home residents.

Speak with a Cook County, IL Nursing Home Negligence Attorney

Sepsis can be a life-threatening condition for anyone, but especially for elderly individuals. If your loved one developed sepsis in the care of a nursing home facility, negligence may have played a role.

At Schwartz Injury Law, a skilled Chicago, IL elder abuse attorney can help you determine whether the onset of sepsis was due to neglect on the part of the nursing home staff. You may be entitled to damages and could help prevent this kind of tragedy from happening in the future. Contact us today at 312-535-4625 to schedule a free consultation.