Sepsis Death Leads To Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

Sepsis is a serious condition that occurs when an infection enters the bloodstream and if it is not properly diagnosed or treated the health of a patient who has the condition can quickly deteriorate. People of all ages can contract sepsis but the very young and the very old tend to be more susceptible.

When a patient contracts an infection after a surgery they are at risk for sepsis. Sepsis is caused when an infection in one part of the body spreads to other parts of the body. Treatment for sepsis is intravenous fluids and antibiotics and if a patient is treated early they are more likely to survive. However if diagnosis or treatment is delayed sepsis can lead to debilitating injuries and death.

A medical malpractice claim against Beaumont Healthcare Center-Lindbergh and Pinnacle Health Facilities of Texas (Beaumont Healthcare) has been brought on behalf of a man who died from sepsis. The lawsuit was brought by Louise Holt, who is the widow of the patient, John Holt. John Holt was a patient of Beaumont Healthcare which provided for his long-term nursing care between November 2009 and November 2010. During the course of his care Holt suffered from cardiopulmonary arrest resulting from his sepsis, which led to his death.

The defendants in the lawsuit are accused of failure to recognize Holt’s condition and consult with a specialist who specializes in the field of infectious disease. This delay in diagnosis and treatment may have led to his death. Holt’s family is seeking damages for their mental anguish, loss of relationship, and exemplary damages.

Many people die from sepsis every year. However, despite the number of patients who die from sepsis, most people do not know what sepsis is until it is experienced first-hand when they or a loved one has it. Unfortunately by that time it is often too late. When a loved one is lost because of sepsis often the only recourse is a medical malpractice lawsuit.

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