Sepsis in Nursing Homes
Sepsis is a medical emergency that occurs when the body reacts to an infection with an overwhelming immune response. Instead of fighting only the infection, the immune system triggers widespread inflammation that can damage healthy tissues and organs, leading to organ failure, septic shock, or death.
In some cases, nursing home negligence can contribute to sepsis, like when staff miss early warning signs, delay treatment, or fail to follow basic infection control protocols that could have prevented this serious health condition.
You may be able to sue a nursing home for sepsis in situations involving:
- Poor care: Untreated infections like bedsores (pressure ulcers), urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, or infected wounds can all lead to sepsis.
- Ignored symptoms: Sepsis may occur when warning signs, like fever, confusion, or rapid breathing, are missed or ignored by staff.
- Delays: If there are delays in diagnosis or care, like waiting too long to administer antibiotics or transfer a resident to a hospital, it may increase the chances of sepsis.
- Unsafe conditions: Sepsis risk increases when facilities don’t follow standard infection-control practices, including hygiene, wound care, catheter care, or pressure sore prevention.
- Mismanagement: Understaffed facilities, poor sanitation, and inadequate supervision may all contribute to the development of sepsis.
- Preventable outcomes: Sepsis may lead to septic shock, organ failure, long-term complications, or death, all of which may be preventable with appropriate care.
Each year, about 25,000 nursing home residents die from sepsis after being sent to the hospital. Understaffed facilities are a major cause of these sepsis-related deaths, according to a Chicago Tribune/Kaiser Health News investigation.
A nursing home sepsis lawyer can review medical records, consult with health care experts, and interview witnesses to determine whether substandard care or neglect may have contributed to your loved one’s condition.
At Sokolove Law, we have over 45 years of experience holding negligent nursing homes accountable. Contact us now to see if our team can pursue the compensation your family deserves.
Since 1979, our nursing home abuse lawyers have secured over $318 Million for clients nationwide.
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Can You Sue a Nursing Home for Sepsis?
Families may be able to take legal action against a nursing home if sepsis developed due to preventable infections, delayed treatment, or neglect.
You may be able to sue a nursing home for sepsis if you:
- Are the resident’s spouse or family member
- Hold a power of attorney for the resident
- Represent the estate of a resident who has passed away
"In many cases, families can sue a nursing home if a resident is harmed due to preventable conditions like stage 4 bedsores or untreated infections. These are often signs of severe neglect, especially when staff fail to promptly notice or address them."
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney & Elderly Sepsis Lawyer
There’s only a limited amount of time to file a nursing home sepsis claim. Laws known as statutes of limitations set deadlines that can be as short as 1 year in some states, so it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Is Sepsis Nursing Home Neglect?
Sepsis may develop from infections that are treatable or preventable. When these infections aren’t addressed promptly, it can signal a lapse in care and, in some cases, nursing home neglect.
Sepsis may be considered nursing home neglect if staff failed to:
- Address changes in a resident’s condition
- Administer prescribed medications and antibiotics correctly
- Follow proper catheter care protocols
- Identify and treat infections like UTIs or pneumonia
- Monitor vital signs or lab results
- Practice basic hygiene and infection control
- Regularly check on residents
- Request medical attention or a hospital transfer in a timely manner
- Treat wounds or pressure sores
Nursing home neglect isn’t always obvious. Our elderly sepsis lawyers can conduct an investigation to help families determine if the facility’s actions or inactions may have contributed to their loved one’s condition.
Nursing Home Injuries Caused by Sepsis
Sepsis is one of the most dangerous and deadly conditions nursing home residents can face. Older adults often have weakened immune systems and underlying health conditions, making them especially vulnerable when infections are not properly monitored or treated.
When nursing home staff miss early warning signs or delay care, a manageable infection can quickly escalate into a medical emergency.
Injuries and complications from sepsis in a nursing home may include:
- Amputations, which may be necessary if an infection cuts off blood flow to limbs
- Long-term physical disabilities that require ongoing medical care or rehabilitation
- Organ failure, including damage to the kidneys, lungs, heart, or liver
- Permanent cognitive impairment caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain
- Septic shock, which is a severe drop in blood pressure that can be fatal
- Wrongful death, especially when treatment is delayed or denied
The consequences of sepsis can be devastating for both residents and their families. Survivors may face lasting health complications, reduced independence, and a significantly lower quality of life.
When sepsis occurs because a nursing home failed to provide proper medical care, infection control, or supervision, families may be able to file a nursing home sepsis lawsuit and seek compensation for medical bills, long-term care costs, and more.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if you may be able to file a nursing home sepsis lawsuit. It costs nothing to speak with us.
Identifying Sepsis in Nursing Homes
Sepsis can develop quickly in nursing home residents. While staff members should be trained to monitor residents and identify sepsis, warning signs may go unnoticed or ignored.
Signs of sepsis in a nursing home resident can include:
- Changes in mental status, like confusion or agitation
- Chills
- Extreme fatigue or weakness
- Fast heart rate
- Fever or hypothermia
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Reduced urine output
- Severe pain or discomfort
- Warm or clammy skin
Even if these signs seem subtle, any sudden or unusual change in your loved one’s condition shouldn’t be ignored.
Staff may attribute symptoms to aging or preexisting conditions, but if you suspect an infection is worsening, it’s important to ask questions, request medical evaluations, and insist on timely treatment.
Nursing Home Sepsis Lawsuits Across the U.S.
Throughout the country, families and regulatory agencies have filed nursing home lawsuits in cases where residents suffered serious injury or death after preventable or treatable infections progressed to sepsis in assisted living facilities.
Nursing home sepsis cases highlight how these failures occur, the red flags that are often overlooked, and why facilities can be held accountable when neglect leads to catastrophic harm.
Iowa Sepsis Nursing Home Lawsuits Filed Against Operator
In November 2025, Iowa-based nursing home operator Care Initiatives faced at least 17 wrongful death and negligence lawsuits over a 16-month period, with several involving residents who developed sepsis or septic shock from untreated infections.
The elderly sepsis lawsuits filed against Care Initiatives involve:
- Avoca Specialty Care: The family of Craig Christensen claimed that staff failed to treat his urinary tract infection (UTI), leading to sepsis, septic shock, and death. The case was later resolved through a nursing home sepsis settlement.
- Southridge Specialty Care, Marshalltown: The family of Larry Nichols alleged that within a few weeks of his admission to Southridge in March 2022, he experienced sepsis and septic shock linked to untreated pressure sores. He died several months later.
Together, these nursing home complaints raise concerns about systemic failures at Care Initiatives facilities regarding infection prevention and timely medical care.
Family Files Ohio Nursing Home Sepsis Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In October 2025, an Ohio family filed a wrongful death lawsuit after their loved one died from sepsis allegedly caused by an untreated bedsore at Arbors at Sylvania. The coroner determined that the resident’s death was the result of sepsis stemming from the severe wound.
The resident developed a bedsore shortly after admission, which worsened to the point that his spine was visible, according to court records. Family members claim that staff downplayed the severity of the wound and told them it was improving.
The lawsuit alleges that systemic failures at the facility, including inadequate staffing and improper continence care, contributed to the infection. The resident was reportedly placed in adult diapers and told to soil himself, even though he was able to use the bathroom with help.
“Nobody made it sound like a big deal, like it was nothing to worry about. They were going to put a patch on it, and it was going to heal up, and they kept telling me it was getting better and then one day I got a call that they were rushing him for emergency surgery because it was infected.”
– Son of a Nursing Home Sepsis Victim
Kansas City Nursing Home Sepsis Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In September 2025, a Kansas City, Missouri woman filed a lawsuit after her mother developed sepsis from an untreated wound while living at Redwood of Kansas City South, now known as Rehab of Kansas City South, and passed away.
According to the lawsuit, staff identified a wound on the resident’s coccyx in July 2022, but later records incorrectly described her skin as “intact.” By early August, medical notes stated the wound was not improving and appeared infected.
The resident was transferred to the emergency room, where doctors determined she had developed sepsis and required surgery. Hospital staff reported suspected nursing home neglect, and the resident died weeks later.
Missouri Nursing Home Sepsis Lawyers Secure $750,000
In April 2025, a family obtained a $750,000 sepsis settlement after a 64-year-old man died from complications linked to an untreated foot infection while living in a Missouri nursing facility. He had been admitted to the facility for cellulitis, but the staff failed to provide timely care.
According to the complaint, the facility delayed obtaining treatment orders and then failed to carry them out for much of the resident’s stay. As the infection worsened, staff documented increasing swelling and drainage but did not notify a physician.
When the resident was finally transferred to a hospital, records showed signs consistent with sepsis, including low blood pressure, weakness, and lethargy. His leg was amputated below the knee, but he never recovered and was removed from life support weeks later.
$400,000 Nursing Home Sepsis Settlement Awarded After Medication Error
In March 2025, a Hilton Head Island nursing home agreed to pay $400,000 to the wife of a 77-year-old man who died after experiencing complications involving sepsis and a medication error.
The wrongful death lawsuit alleged that negligence at the Life Care Center of Hilton Head in South Carolina contributed to the resident’s decline and death.
The man was admitted to the facility in July 2020 after developing sepsis from a UTI, according to court records. During his stay, staff allegedly administered 90 milligrams of fluoxetine daily instead of weekly, resulting in an overdose.
Nursing Home Sepsis Lawyer to Sue After Resident's Death Ruled a Homicide
In July 2024, a 72-year-old Ohio woman died from sepsis after developing a pressure wound while living at Arbors at Oregon, a nursing home near Toledo. An autopsy later determined that her death was caused by neglect, and the county coroner ruled the manner of death a homicide.
The family alleges that systemic failures at the facility, including chronic understaffing and policies that forced caregivers to work longer hours with fewer resources, contributed to the neglect that led to their relative's death.
They have announced plans to file a sepsis wrongful death lawsuit, seeking accountability from the facility and its corporate management. Their attorney noted it's rare for a coroner to attribute a resident’s death to medical neglect, highlighting the severity of the alleged failures.
Florida Sepsis Lawsuit Results in $12.5 Million Verdict
In July 2023, a Florida jury awarded $12.5 Million to the family of a 59-year-old woman who died from sepsis caused by a severe, untreated pressure ulcer while living at A Place to Grow, an assisted living facility in Brandon.
The facility was chronically understaffed and failed to properly monitor, reposition, or care for the resident, according to the lawsuit. When her daughter finally saw her at the hospital, the pressure wound was so advanced that bone was visible.
The woman had Alzheimer’s disease but was otherwise physically healthy when she entered the facility just 2 months earlier. The verdict is believed to be one of the largest ever awarded in a Florida wrongful death case involving an assisted living facility.
Families are often told a loved one’s condition was unavoidable, only to later learn that warning signs were missed and basic infection control measures weren’t followed. When sepsis develops due to preventable lapses in care, families may have grounds to pursue legal action.
Get Justice for Nursing Home Neglect
Our elderly sepsis lawyers can work to find out what happened to your loved one and help you understand your options.
Steps to File a Nursing Home Sepsis Lawsuit
Filing a nursing home sepsis lawsuit allows families to seek compensation and justice for an infection that was allowed to turn life-threatening.
At Sokolove Law, our nursing home sepsis attorneys can handle every step of the legal process on your behalf, so you can focus on your loved one’s medical care or honoring their memory.
Our elderly sepsis attorneys can:
- Provide a free case review to determine your eligibility to file a claim
- Gather evidence to build a strong case, including medical records, infection logs, wound documentation, staffing records, and expert opinions
- File a nursing home sepsis lawsuit against the defendant(s) before any deadlines
- Negotiate a nursing home settlement, which may allow you to receive compensation without going to court
- Represent you at trial and seek compensation from a verdict if a settlement is unable to be reached
Compensation from a nursing home sepsis lawsuit can help cover medical bills, long-term care costs, and the emotional and financial impact of a loved one’s illness or death. Taking legal action can also hold negligent facilities accountable and encourage safer infection-control practices that protect other residents.
However, families only have a limited amount of time to file a nursing home sepsis claim due to state laws known as statutes of limitations. Once this deadline passes, you may lose the right to pursue justice, so it's important to act fast.
How to Choose Between Firms for Sepsis-Related Nursing Home Malpractice
When a nursing home fails to prevent or treat an infection, the consequences can be catastrophic. Choosing the right nursing home law firm can make a real difference in your family’s ability to get answers, accountability, and compensation.
At Sokolove Law, we focus on uncovering how infections were missed or improperly treated — and on holding nursing homes and their corporate owners responsible when preventable sepsis causes serious harm or death.
Find out what sets our nursing home sepsis lawyers apart:
- Decades of Experience: For more than 45 years, we’ve represented families harmed by nursing home abuse and neglect, including failures involving infection control and malpractice.
- Proven Results: Our elderly sepsis law firm has recovered over $10.1 Billion total for victims of nursing home abuse and their families.
- Nationwide Representation: With attorneys and resources across the country, we can help families in all 50 states seek justice.
- No Financial Risk: You pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf.
Nursing home sepsis cases often involve complex medical evidence and large corporate operators — but you don’t have to take them on alone. Our team is prepared to investigate what went wrong and fight for your family.
"We can help guide you on how to protect your loved one, preserve evidence, and take the right legal steps without giving the facility a chance to cover up what happened."
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney & Elderly Sepsis Lawyer
How Much Does an Elderly Sepsis Lawyer Cost?
At Sokolove Law, we believe that all families should have access to quality legal representation. That’s why there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our elderly sepsis lawyers.
Our team operates on a contingency-fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover a nursing home neglect settlement or verdict for you.
You won’t have to worry about paying a retainer or high hourly rates to get the experienced legal help you deserve. Our goal is to allow you to focus on caring for your loved one or being with family, rather than on financial concerns.
Sepsis Nursing Home Statistics
Sepsis is one of the most dangerous and deadly conditions nursing home residents can face. Older adults often have weakened immune systems and underlying health conditions, making them especially vulnerable when infections are not properly monitored or treated.
When nursing homes fail to provide proper hygiene, wound care, monitoring, or timely medical treatment, those infections can escalate into life-threatening sepsis.
Learn more about statistics on sepsis in nursing homes:
- The median age of adults with sepsis is 69, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Adults who are 65+ account for nearly 75% of sepsis deaths, making nursing home residents especially vulnerable.
- Around 25,000 nursing home residents die each year after being transferred to hospitals while suffering from sepsis, according to a Chicago Tribune and Kaiser Health News investigation.
- The CDC notes that 72% of sepsis patients had recent health care exposure or chronic conditions, showing a strong link between sepsis and medical or long-term care settings.
- Sepsis is the most common reason nursing home residents are transferred to hospitals, and those transfers are far more likely to be fatal than transfers for other conditions, according to a federal report.
- Pneumonia is the most common infection leading to sepsis, followed by urinary tract infections, skin infections, and wound infections.
- UTIs account for about 25% of adult sepsis cases, which are often treatable when caught early, according to the CDC.
- Skin and soft tissue infections, including pressure ulcers and wounds, cause more than 1 in 10 adult sepsis cases, as noted by the health agency.
- Nearly 80% of sepsis cases begin outside the hospital, meaning early warning signs are often present before emergency care is provided.
- Sepsis-related hospital transfers from nursing homes cost Medicare more than $2 Billion annually, based on an independent analysis of Medicare billing data.
- 72% of U.S. nursing homes have been cited for failing to have or follow proper infection-control programs, according to state inspection data.
- Thousands of families have filed nursing home sepsis lawsuits, seeking justice for preventable harm.
These statistics show a troubling pattern. Many sepsis cases in nursing homes begin with preventable infections and worsen due to delayed recognition or poor care.
“This is an enormous public health problem for the United States. People don’t go to a nursing home so they can get sepsis and die. That is what is happening a lot.”
– Dr. Steven Simpson, University of Kansas Sepsis Expert
Preventing Sepsis in Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are critical points for sepsis prevention, especially for elderly residents with chronic illnesses. The CDC reports that better infection prevention, hygiene, wound care, and early recognition could substantially reduce sepsis deaths.
Nursing home interventions to prevent sepsis include:
- Communicating changes in condition to physicians and families without delay
- Ensuring adequate staffing levels, so residents receive consistent monitoring, repositioning, and assistance
- Following strict infection-control practices, like hand hygiene, clean wound care, and proper catheter use
- Monitoring residents for early signs of infection, like fever, confusion, rapid breathing, or changes in mental status
- Preventing and treating pressure ulcers, which are a common pathway from neglect to infection and sepsis
- Providing timely medical treatment, including prompt evaluation and antibiotics when infections are suspected
Families can also play an important role in prevention. Asking questions, reviewing care plans, and reporting concerns early may help protect loved ones from preventable harm.
When nursing homes fail to take basic precautions and a resident develops sepsis, families may be able to file a lawsuit. Holding facilities accountable can help prevent future cases and potentially protect other residents.
Find a Nursing Home Sepsis Lawyer Near You
The nursing home sepsis lawyer you choose to represent your family can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. While someone from a local firm may seem convenient, working with a lawyer at a national elderly sepsis law firm like Sokolove Law has several advantages.
Our nursing home sepsis lawyers have the resources and skills needed to take on large nursing home corporations. With over 45 years of experience and $318 Million+ secured for nursing home victims, we have what it takes to fight for you.
Our firm can help families in all 50 states investigate the cause of their loved one’s condition, pursue a legal claim, and seek compensation. We’re committed to providing every client with the personal attention and care they deserve.
Sokolove Law: Top Elderly Sepsis Attorneys for Over 45 Years
When a nursing home infection leads to sepsis, families are often left facing difficult questions about the cause and the level of care their loved ones received.
At Sokolove Law, our nursing home sepsis lawyers can help families in all 50 states hold negligent care facilities accountable. To date, we've recovered over $318 Million total for those affected by neglect and abuse in nursing homes.
When you reach out to our nursing home neglect lawyers, you can expect:
- A free case review to find out about your legal options
- No upfront costs or hourly fees — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you
- Compassionate, experienced attorneys who are prepared to fight on your behalf
Call (800) 995-1212 right now or fill out our contact form to take the first step toward justice. Our nursing home sepsis attorneys are here for you.
Elderly Sepsis Law Firm FAQs
Is sepsis nursing home neglect or negligence?
Sepsis may be linked to nursing home neglect if it developed due to an infection that wasn’t properly prevented, monitored, or treated. In many nursing home cases, sepsis begins with a manageable infection that worsens due to delayed care or poor infection control.
At Sokolove Law, our nursing home sepsis lawyers can review medical records and facility practices to determine whether substandard care played a role.
If neglect contributed to sepsis, families may have the right to take legal action and seek accountability. Get started now with a free case review.
How much compensation for sepsis in a nursing home?
Compensation in a nursing home sepsis case depends on how severe the injury was and whether the sepsis resulted from neglect. While the average nursing home abuse settlement is around $400,000, many of our clients have received much more.
In one case, our nursing home sepsis attorneys secured $2 Million for the family of a resident who died from an infection caused by an unchanged catheter.
We can review your case and explain what types of compensation may be available based on your loved one’s injuries. Call (800) 995-1212 now.
What are the first signs of sepsis?
Early signs of sepsis can be subtle and are sometimes mistaken for common illnesses, especially in older adults. Symptoms often worsen quickly and require immediate medical attention.
Common early signs of sepsis include:
- Chills or severe shivering
- Confusion, disorientation, or sudden mental changes
- Extreme pain
- Fast heart rate
- Fever or very low body temperature
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
In nursing home residents, confusion or sudden behavioral changes may be one of the earliest warning signs. If sepsis is suspected, prompt medical treatment is critical.
If these symptoms were ignored or treatment was delayed in a nursing home setting, families may have legal options.
How long does it take to die from sepsis in nursing homes?
Since nursing home residents often have weakened immune systems, sepsis can progress rapidly and become life-threatening within hours to a few days.
The exact timeline depends on factors like the resident’s overall health, the type of infection, and how quickly medical care is provided. Early recognition and treatment are key, which is why delays or missed warning signs in nursing homes can have devastating consequences.
How long can you live with sepsis untreated?
Sepsis can become life-threatening very quickly. Without treatment, septic shock may cause organ failure and death in as little as 12 hours, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Sepsis progresses through 3 stages:
- Sepsis: The body’s immune system overreacts to an infection, causing inflammation throughout the body
- Severe sepsis: The infection leads to organ dysfunction, like kidney or liver failure
- Septic shock: Blood pressure drops dangerously low, often leading to multiple organ failure and death if untreated
Because sepsis can progress rapidly, it should always be considered a medical emergency and addressed as soon as possible.
Can a nursing home be held liable for a sepsis death?
Yes. A nursing home may be held legally responsible if sepsis developed due to a preventable infection, delayed treatment, or negligent care. Facilities have a duty to recognize early warning signs of infection and respond promptly to protect residents’ health and safety.
When that duty is breached, families may be able to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.
How do I know if sepsis resulted from nursing home negligence?
Sepsis may be linked to negligence if staff missed signs of infection, delayed treatment, failed to provide proper catheter or wound care, or ignored bedsores.
Because early sepsis symptoms can include confusion and low blood pressure, residents may not be able to speak up for themselves. Families may mistake confusion with existing cognitive conditions like dementia rather than recognizing it as a potential medical emergency.
Our nursing home sepsis lawyers can review medical records, care logs, and staffing practices to determine if proper care could have prevented the infection and whether the facility may be responsible.
Do I need an elderly sepsis lawyer for a nursing home case?
Nursing home neglect cases often involve complex medical records and facility practices that require experienced legal review.
By working with an elder sepsis attorney, you can even the playing field and potentially improve your chances of securing compensation.
How much does it cost to hire a nursing home sepsis lawyer?
At Sokolove Law, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to hire a nursing home sepsis lawyer. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
This setup allows families to explore their legal options without added financial stress. Contact us now to take the first step toward justice.
