Michigan Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. However, when doctors, nurses, or hospitals fail to recognize sepsis symptoms or delay appropriate care, patients can suffer catastrophic outcomes, including permanent organ damage or death. Medical malpractice may occur when sepsis is misdiagnosed, ignored, or treated too late.
If you or a loved one were harmed by delayed or improper sepsis care, a Grand Rapids sepsis lawyer at Hoffer & Sheremet can help evaluate your legal options. We represent patients and families throughout Grand Rapids, Kent County, and West Michigan in sepsis-related medical malpractice and wrongful death cases.
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What is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a severe and potentially fatal reaction to infection. It occurs when the body’s immune response triggers widespread inflammation, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and shock.
For instance, sepsis often develops from:
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Pneumonia
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Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
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Surgical site infections
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Abdominal infections
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Untreated wounds or pressure sores
Therefore, when recognized early, sepsis is often treatable. However, when healthcare providers fail to act quickly, outcomes worsen dramatically.
How Medical Negligence Causes Sepsis:
To clarify, many sepsis cases are preventable. However, when healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care, that can be a sign of malpractice. Examples of failing to meeting the acceptable standard of care include:
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Failure to recognize early signs of sepsis
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Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis
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Failure to order labs or blood cultures
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Delayed antibiotics or IV fluids
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Inadequate monitoring of worsening symptoms
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Failure to escalate care or transfer to ICU
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Failure to follow sepsis protocols
For example, emergency rooms, hospitals, nursing homes, and post-surgical settings are common environments where sepsis negligence occurs.
Common Warning Signs of Sepsis That Are Missed:
Above all, healthcare providers are trained to recognize sepsis. The Mayo Clinic describes the following as common signs of sepsis:
- Change in mental status.
- Fast, shallow breathing.
- Sweating for no clear reason.
- Feeling lightheaded.
- Shivering.
- In addition, symptoms specific to the type of infection, such as painful urination from a urinary tract infection or worsening cough from pneumonia.
Consequently, when these red flags are overlooked, delays can be fatal.
Sepsis Misdiagnosis and Delayed Treatment in Michigan:
In Michigan, a valid sepsis malpractice claim is made up of many parts.
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Firstly, a doctor-patient relationship existed
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Secondly, the provider violated the standard of care
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Additionally, the delay or failure in treatment caused harm
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Finally, the patient suffered damages
Cases of sepsis often involve hours — not days. Above all, even short delays in diagnosis or antibiotics can mean the difference between recovery and catastrophic injury.
Sepsis Wrongful Death Claims:
Tragically, sepsis is one of the leading causes of preventable hospital deaths. As a result, when sepsis leads to death due to medical negligence, surviving family members may bring a Michigan wrongful death claim. Some examples of Damages may include:
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Medical expenses
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Funeral and burial costs
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Loss of financial support
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Loss of companionship and society
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Pain and suffering experienced before death
Our firm handles these cases with compassion, precision, and resolve.
Compensation in Sepsis Malpractice:
Depending on the facts, a successful claim may recover compensation.
For example:
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Past and future medical expenses
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Rehabilitation and long-term care
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Lost income and reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Disability or disfigurement
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Wrongful death damages
Unfortunately, Michigan law limits certain damages, but experienced legal counsel can maximize the recovery available under the law.
Why Choose Hoffer & Sheremet?
In conclusion, medical malpractice cases — especially sepsis cases — are complex, heavily defended, and expert-driven. Our firm focuses on serious injury and wrongful death cases involving medical negligence.
We offer:
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Deep experience in Michigan medical malpractice law
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Access to nationally respected medical experts
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Personal attention from start to finish
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No fee unless we recover compensation
We do not take volume cases. We take cases that matter.
Serving Grand Rapids and West Michigan:
Hoffer & Sheremet represents sepsis victims and families throughout:
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Grand Rapids
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Kentwood
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Wyoming
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East Grand Rapids
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Rockford
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Holland
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Muskegon
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And all of West Michigan
Likewise, if negligence occurred anywhere in Michigan, we are prepared to help.
Sepsis FAQs
Speak with a Grand Rapids Sepsis Lawyer Today
If you believe medical negligence caused sepsis or delayed treatment worsened the outcome, do not wait. These cases are time-sensitive and evidence-dependent.
Call Hoffer & Sheremet today for a free consultation.
There is no obligation — and no fee unless we recover compensation for you.