What Are the Stages of Sepsis?

Sepsis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can result from infections, injuries, or negligent medical care. 

Each year, many individuals across the United States are affected by this dangerous medical emergency. For those harmed by sepsis due to another party’s negligence – whether in hospitals, nursing homes, or other care settings – the physical, emotional, and financial impact can be overwhelming.

At Craig Swapp & Associates, our personal injury lawyers in Utah work to support individuals and families facing the consequences of sepsis. 

If you are seeking answers to questions like, what are the stages of sepsis and what rights do you have if you or a loved one develops sepsis due to negligence, this guide is designed for you.

How Common Is Sepsis in the United States?

Sepsis is more common than many people realize. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis each year, and nearly 350,000 adults die from sepsis annually. These statistics highlight the magnitude of the problem, not only in terms of public health but also in the context of personal injury claims.

Sepsis can develop rapidly and can become fatal without timely intervention. While sepsis can occur in any individual, it is particularly prevalent among those with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, recent surgeries, or invasive devices such as catheters. 

Unfortunately, sepsis often arises in hospital settings, nursing homes, or after traumatic injuries, which can lead to legal claims when negligence is involved.

What Causes  Sepsis?

Sepsis can occur when an infection you already have (such as in your skin, lungs, urinary tract, or another part of your body) triggers a chain reaction throughout your system.

Common causes of sepsis include:

• Bacterial Infections: The most frequent cause, especially from pneumonia, abdominal, kidney, or bloodstream infections.
• Viral or Fungal Infections: Though less common, viruses and fungi can also lead to sepsis, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
• Untreated Wounds or Injuries: Traumatic injuries, surgical sites, or burns can become infected and lead to sepsis if not properly managed.
• Medical Negligence: Delayed diagnosis, failure to administer antibiotics, improper wound care, or unsanitary hospital conditions can all increase the risk of sepsis.

When a person is harmed by sepsis that could have been prevented with reasonable care, they may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Recognizing the causes and risk factors is essential for both prevention and legal recourse.

What Are the 3 Stages of Sepsis?

Medical experts typically categorize sepsis into 3 stages based on severity and symptoms: sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. 

1. Sepsis 

The first stage of sepsis is often characterized by an early and sometimes subtle response to infection. At this point, the body’s immune system begins to go into overdrive, releasing chemicals into the bloodstream to combat infection.

Signs and symptoms of early sepsis may include:

• Elevated heart rate (over 90 beats per minute)
• Fever, chills, or feeling very cold
• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
• Confusion or disorientation
• Extreme pain or discomfort

Prompt recognition and treatment are essential. Failure to identify sepsis in this stage may lead to rapid deterioration. In personal injury cases, a delayed diagnosis at this stage can serve as evidence of negligence, especially in healthcare settings.

2. Severe Sepsis 

If initial sepsis is not properly treated, it can progress to severe sepsis. This stage indicates that the infection has started to cause organ dysfunction or failure.

Signs of severe sepsis include:

• Significantly decreased urine output
• Sudden changes in mental status (e.g., confusion, delirium)
• Difficulty breathing
• Abnormal heart function
• Low platelet count (increased risk of bleeding or bruising)
• Evidence of organ dysfunction 

Severe sepsis is a medical emergency. At this point, the risk of permanent organ damage and death increases dramatically. Medical professionals must act quickly to stabilize the patient and prevent further progression. 

When severe sepsis occurs because of inadequate care, improper monitoring, or delayed intervention, a Utah personal injury lawyer can help victims pursue justice and compensation.

3. Septic Shock

The third and most critical stage of sepsis is septic shock. In this stage, the patient’s blood pressure drops to dangerously low levels despite receiving fluids, resulting in severe organ dysfunction.

Symptoms of septic shock include:

• Persistent low blood pressure that does not respond to fluid resuscitation
• Signs of multiple organ failure 
• Extreme difficulty breathing, requiring mechanical ventilation in some cases
• Cyanosis (bluish skin, lips, or fingers)
• Severe weakness or unconsciousness

Septic shock is often fatal without immediate and aggressive medical intervention. Mortality rates at this stage can be extremely high, exceeding 40%, particularly for vulnerable patients.

Knowing these stages can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes and in building a personal injury case. 

How Long Does It Take to Die from Sepsis?

Sepsis is a medical emergency that can claim lives in a matter of hours or days. The timeline depends on the patient’s age, overall health, speed of diagnosis, and the quality of care received. Without prompt and appropriate treatment, sepsis can progress rapidly from the first stage to septic shock and death.

Key facts about sepsis progression:

• Symptoms may appear suddenly and worsen quickly, sometimes within 12 to 24 hours.
• Severe sepsis and septic shock can develop within a few days of initial infection.
• Mortality rates increase significantly with each advancing stage.

Failure to diagnose or treat sepsis in a timely manner can form the basis for a personal injury lawsuit, especially if medical providers fail to recognize the early warning signs or delay critical care. In some cases, sepsis-related deaths occur within just a few days, particularly in elderly or immunocompromised patients.

Do You Have a Personal Injury Claim for Sepsis?

If you or a loved one developed sepsis due to someone else’s negligence, whether in a hospital, nursing home, or after a traumatic injury, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. 

The legal standard for these cases often centers on whether a reasonable standard of care was met and whether a preventable infection or delayed treatment caused or worsened the sepsis.

Common scenarios for sepsis-related personal injury claims include:

• Hospital-acquired infections due to poor sanitation or improper sterilization
• Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of infection or sepsis
• Inadequate post-surgical care leading to infection
• Nursing home neglect resulting in untreated wounds, bedsores, or urinary tract infections
• Failure to administer antibiotics or other appropriate treatments

A Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer can help assess your case by reviewing medical records, consulting medical experts, and identifying evidence of negligence. Compensation may be available for victims who can demonstrate that sepsis resulted from preventable mistakes or substandard care.

What Compensation Can You Recover for Sepsis?

Victims of sepsis caused by another’s negligence may be entitled to a variety of damages through a personal injury claim. The specific types and amounts of compensation depend on the severity of injuries, the financial impact, and the facts of the case.

Common types of compensation include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
• Lost Wages: Recovery of income lost due to hospitalization, recovery time, or disability.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
• Wrongful Death: Compensation for families who lost a loved one to sepsis, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or egregious misconduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.

Working with experienced personal injury lawyers in Utah can maximize your chances of recovering full and fair compensation. They understand the intricacies of proving negligence and demonstrating the true impact of sepsis on your life.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Sepsis Claims?

The statute of limitations sets the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. For sepsis claims, this timeframe may vary depending on the state and the nature of the case.

Utah’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally 4 years from the date of injury under Utah Code Ann. § 78B-2-307. However, there are exceptions, particularly for medical malpractice or wrongful death claims, where the deadline may be shorter.

• Medical Malpractice: In Utah, claims must usually be filed within 2 years of discovering the injury, but no later than 4 years from the date of the alleged malpractice.
• Other States: If the sepsis incident occurred in Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon, Wyoming, Colorado, or Arizona, the statute of limitations will differ, ranging from 1 to 4 years.

It’s crucial to consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer in your area as soon as possible after a sepsis diagnosis. Delaying action may result in losing your right to pursue compensation, regardless of the merits of your case.

Our Utah Personal Injury Lawyer Can Assist with Your Sepsis Claim

Sepsis is a medical emergency that can lead to catastrophic injuries or loss of life, especially when preventable mistakes contribute to its development or progression. 

If you or a loved one suffered from sepsis due to negligent care, poor infection control, or delayed medical intervention, you have options. Our personal injury lawyers in Utah at Craig Swapp & Associates serve clients across Utah, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona, providing legal guidance and aggressive representation.

Call us today at 866-308-3822 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation with our experienced Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer, and discuss your potential sepsis claim and secure the compensation you deserve.