If your child has suffered from sepsis (a blood infection) as the result of medical negligence, contact ABC Law Centers in Detroit, Michigan today by filling out the form below.
ABC Law Centers
122 Concord Rd
Bloomfield Hills MI 48304
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Telephone: (248) 593-5100
Fax: (248) 593-5108
Sepsis Infection Attorneys of Michigan - Handling Cases From Detroit to the Upper Peninsula
Sepsis is a serious condition that may occur when the body is fighting a severe infection. A sepsis infection may be the result of medical malpractice or negligence and can potentially result in death. If your newborn has suffered a sepsis infection, contact ABC Law Centers, serving Detroit and all of Michigan, for a free case evaluation with our medical malpractice attorneys.
What is a Sepsis Infection?
Septic shock may occur when the body is fighting a severe infection. If the body is unable to fight off the infection, bacteria continue to spread, entering the blood and tissues. Infants are especially at risk for sepsis, since their immune systems are not fully developed. Premature newborns may also lack antibodies that protect against certain bacteria. Therefore, it is important to keep newborns in a sterilized environment, away from bacteria and other microbes, to prevent infection.
Infants that develop a sepsis infection may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Difficulty feeding
- Change in behavior
- Unusual rash
Causes of Sepsis
Sepsis is typically caused by microbes, particularly bacteria. However, fungi and viruses can also cause a sepsis infection. Group B streptococcus (strep) is the most common cause of infection and meningitis among infants and can also cause pneumonia in newborns. An individual that suffers a group B strep infection as an infant may experience permanent vision, hearing, or speech problems, as well as mental retardation. Or, if not treated properly and in a timely manner, group B strep may result in death.
Group B strep typically occurs during or immediately following birth. Pregnant women may be carriers of the bacteria without becoming infected, and therefore may unknowingly pass it on to their child during delivery. Or, the newborn may be exposed to bacteria in the intensive care unit (ICU). An infection that occurs as a result of bacteria in the ICU is typically caused by a type of staph infection called coagulase negative staphylococcus.
Fortunately, however, group B strep can often be prevented. Mothers found to carry the bacteria can be given antibiotics during labor to avoid passing it on to their child. And, precautions can be taken by the medical staff and family after the birth to keep the newborn from developing a sepsis infection. However, if precautions are not taken, the hospital or medical staff may be held liable.
When developing a case, it is important to determine what caused the sepsis infection, to determine if it could have been prevented. Medical personnel are responsible for taking precautions during the delivery and keeping infants in a sterile environment while they are in the hospital. However, if the medical staff fails to provide adequate prenatal and postnatal care, they may be held liable. If your child suffered a sepsis infection that you suspect was caused by medical negligence, contact ABC Law Centers, serving Detroit and all of Michigan, today for a free case evaluation.
Testing for Sepsis
There are several ways to test an infant for a sepsis infection. For instance, a cardiac monitor may be used to display the infant’s heartbeats. A chest x-ray may determine if pneumonia is present, and a CT scan can determine whether or not an infection exists in the abdomen. Other tests may include taking samples of blood, mucus, urine, or spinal fluid to determine the cause of infection. Results from these tests may be used as evidence in your case.
Do I Have a Sepsis Infection Case?
To find out if you are eligible for compensation, contact our attorneys handling sepsis infection cases in Detroit and throughout Michigan. At ABC Law Centers we dedicate our efforts exclusively to birth injury cases. We understand the complex legal issues involved and will help you to obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.