Sepsis occurs due to severe viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. Common infections and health conditions that can lead to sepsis include: UTI’s, Kidney infections, Abdominal infections, Respiratory viruses and infections that lead to pneumonia, Blood poisoning (bacteremia), Infected bedsores, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections, and/or Severe burns.

San Antonio Nursing Home Sepsis Attorneys

Name: Janicek Law
Address: 1100 NE Interstate 410 Loop #600, San Antonio, Texas, 78209
Telephone: 210-366-4949

Sepsis in San Antonio Nursing Homes

Sepsis is basically a severe complication from a pre-existing infection. A severe stage of sepsis can certainly be deadly, especially without quick medical treatment. Elderly people generally have a higher risk of developing sepsis than the rest of the young population. But this risk is even higher for nursing home residents who are actively suffering from nursing home neglect and abuse. At Janicek Law, our experienced team of elder abuse lawyers have what it takes to obtain justice for those who have suffered the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of sepsis in nursing homes. Call us today at 210-366-4949 to schedule a free legal consultation with an experienced San Antonio nursing home sepsis attorney.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a life threatening condition that occurs in response to a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. Pre-existing bacterial and viral infections can trigger major inflammation throughout the body while the immune system tries to fight it off. The body’s response to a severe infection can trigger sepsis and septic shock, especially in people who have a weakened immune system due to chronic illness.

A sepsis infection is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Without early diagnosis and medical treatment, the sepsis sufferer can die.

There are three stages of sepsis – ranging from mild sepsis to septic shock. People who are exhibiting the early signs of sepsis have the best chance of survival, especially with immediate medical attention. Meanwhile, people whose sepsis worsens into septic shock have the lowest chance of survival.

Sepsis Symptoms

The severity of sepsis symptoms often depends on the stage of sepsis that the patient is currently enduring. For example, early symptoms of sepsis can be fairly mild, often resembling the symptoms of a regular infection. Meanwhile, symptoms of septic shock (AKA severe sepsis) are debilitating and deadly.

Listed below are the common symptoms of sepsis or septic shock.

Fever or low body temperature
Chills
Rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
Hypotension, which is low blood pressure (systolic blood pressure less than 100 mm Hg)
Abnormal blood clotting and overall poor blood flow
Excessive sweating
Disorientation and confusion
Shaking
Chronic pain
High lactic acid levels which indicates that the body isn’t using very much oxygen
Extreme weakness
Lips, fingers, and toes that have a bluish tint

What Are the Three Stages of Sepsis?

Once someone starts showing sepsis symptoms, doctors will run several tests which can help them determine what stage of sepsis that the patient is currently enduring. A doctor may order a blood test in order to determine vital organ function, oxygen levels, electrolyte imbalances, clotting problems, white blood cell count (which indicates infection), etc. Additionally, doctors may conduct a urine test and check the body for any open, infected wounds. The information from all of these tests can help doctors determine if the patient is enduring sepsis or septic shock.

Stage 1

The first stage of sepsis can be difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms are similar to whatever type of viral, fungal, or bacterial infection triggered the sepsis. So a patient may experience fever, chills, racing heart, and breathing difficulties, which can be similar to symptoms of a respiratory infection, for example.

The first stage of sepsis is also known as Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), which is sort of a precursor to this condition. In other words, SIRS can turn into sepsis, but only if the body is already fighting off an infection. In order for a doctor to diagnose SIRS, at least 2 of the following symptoms must be present:

A body temperature above 100.4°F or below 96.8°F
A heart rate above 90 BPM
Less than 32 mm Hg of arterial carbon dioxide tension
High white blood cell count levels
Rapid breathing – more than 20 breaths per minute

Most patients recover from SIRS and/or the first stage of sepsis. In fact, the mortality rate for this stage of sepsis is only about 7%.

Stage 2

Stage 2 is considered severe sepsis. This stage is marked by the beginning of organ failure and dysfunction. Signs that vital organs are starting to shut down include low urine output, decreased blood flow, dangerously low blood pressure, and mental confusion.

Stage 3

The most severe stage of sepsis is septic shock. Septic shock symptoms often represent complete organ failure. For example, the blood pressure drops even more, urine output continues to decrease (indicating kidney failure), lactate levels increase, and hypothermia continues.

More than 50% of septic shock sufferers die according to this study.

What Causes Sepsis in San Antonio Nursing Homes?

Sepsis occurs due to severe viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. Common infections and health conditions that can lead to sepsis include:

UTI’s
Kidney infections
Abdominal infections
Respiratory viruses and infections that lead to pneumonia
Blood poisoning (bacteremia)
Infected bedsores
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections in San Antonio nursing homes
Severe burns

Risk Factors for Sepsis and Septic Shock in San Antonio

Certain types of people have a higher risk of developing severe sepsis and septic shock than others, including:

People with a weakened immune system due to age or chronic illness
People who have chronic medical conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, cancer, AIDS, etc.
Intensive care unit patients
Nursing home residents
People who need invasive devices such as breathing tubes and catheters
People who have had sepsis before
Infants
People who frequently take antibiotics and steroids for various infections

To learn more, contact a San Antonio sepsis lawyer for a free consultation.

How Many Americans Suffer From Sepsis Every Year?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that approximately 1.7 million Americans suffer from sepsis and septic shock on an annual basis. 350,000 people who develop sepsis do not survive.

People who are over the age of 65 have a much higher risk of developing severe sepsis and septic shock compared to the rest of the U.S. population. The risk is even higher for people older than 85. Additionally, Americans over the age of 85 are 5 times more likely to die from severe sepsis and septic shock compared to people between the ages of 65 and 74.

Sepsis Treatment

The main way to treat sepsis is to treat the underlying infection, manage sepsis symptoms, and prevent vital organs from shutting down. Common sepsis treatment options include:

Intravenous Antibiotics to treat the underlying infection.
Intravenous Fluids to prevent dehydration.
Steroids to treat the body’s inflammatory response.
IV Pain Medications to make the patient feel more comfortable.
Vasopressors to increase blood pressure.

Severe sepsis and septic shock treatment may require further medical intervention in order to prevent complete organ failure. For example, if the kidneys are showing signs of failure, then a doctor will resort to kidney dialysis. This type of procedure performs the same functions that healthy kidneys do: it filters waste, water, and salt from the bloodstream. Also, if the patient is struggling to breathe – and is therefore suffering from low oxygen levels – then a doctor may resort to a breathing tube.

What is Post Sepsis Syndrome?

Post Sepsis Syndrome (PSS) is a condition that sepsis or septic shock survivors commonly suffer from. In fact, Sepsis Alliance claims that up to 50% of sepsis survivors suffer from this condition.

Common PSS symptoms include chronic fatigue, chronic musculoskeletal pain, poor organ function, lack of appetite, insomnia, limb swelling, mental health issues, recurrent sepsis cases, and so much more.

Why San Antonio Nursing Home Residents Have an Increased Risk of Developing Sepsis

The average elderly person suffers from a weakened immune system mostly due to age, but also due to various health issues. This means that a fairly minor viral infection can cause serious health complications.

Nursing home residents specifically have an increased risk of developing sepsis because of their weakened immune system but also because of nursing home neglect and abuse. It’s fairly easy for older people to contract a viral, fungal, or bacterial infection. So an entire building of sick, elderly people can be a recipe for disaster, especially if nursing home negligence is happening. Negligent acts that can lead to frequent sepsis cases include poor hygiene, bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, failing to provide medical treatment during the early signs of sepsis, and more.

Is Sepsis in Nursing Homes a Sign of Abuse and Neglect?

Sepsis or septic shock can be a sign of nursing home abuse and neglect, but not always. It’s important to remember that all elderly people are at risk of sepsis, even if they’re not in a nursing home, just because of the natural decrease in immune system functions. It’s entirely possible for a nursing home resident to develop sepsis despite having excellent care in their facility.

But if your elderly loved one had a lengthy history of infections, malnutrition, dehydration, and poor hygiene that preceded their case of sepsis, elder abuse may have played a role. Additionally, nursing staff members who suspect sepsis in an elderly patient but fail to provide timely treatment can face an elder abuse lawsuit.

When sepsis occurs while an elderly person is living in a nursing home, it can be really difficult to determine whether negligence is to blame. That’s why it’s crucial to speak with a San Antonio nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer at Janicek Law before taking legal action. We will investigate your claim and determine if abuse and neglect directly caused the condition.

If My Elderly Loved One Died From Septic Shock in a San Antonio Nursing Home, Can I Sue?

The answer to this question depends on if nursing home abuse and neglect occurred AND if it directly caused the fatal septic shock. If our legal team can gather sufficient evidence to prove that negligence directly caused your elderly loved one to die from septic shock, then you can certainly file a wrongful death lawsuit against the facility.

Preventing Sepsis in Nursing Homes

Preventing severe sepsis and septic shock is crucial for the longevity of nursing home residents. If your elderly loved one’s nursing facility is failing to take the following precautions, you may have grounds to file an elder abuse lawsuit.

Keeping the nursing facility clean.
Providing clean bedsheets, towels, and clothing.
Helping the elderly person bathe and stay clean every day.
Helping the elderly person go to the bathroom OR changing diapers in a timely manner.
Making sure elderly people stay well-nourished and hydrated.
Treating all infections and health conditions immediately.
Ensuring that sick staff members stay home.
Ensuring that all visitors wear masks and take their temperatures before walking in the facility.
Changing gloves and gowns in between patients.
Washing or sanitizing hands in between patients.
Helping bed bound or immobile patients change positions every few hours to prevent bedsores.

Damages for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

If your elderly loved one suffered from severe sepsis in their nursing home, you may have grounds to recover financial compensation for the following types of damages.

Past and future medical bills
Past and future physical therapy bills
Lost wages
Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Funeral and burial expenses if septic shock resulted in wrongful death

San Antonio Nursing Home Sepsis Lawyer

In many cases, nursing home neglect and abuse can go hand in hand with severe sepsis, septic shock, and death. That’s why San Antonio elder abuse lawyers at Janicek Law stand by to help grieving families determine if they have grounds to sue their loved one’s nursing facility. Call us today at 210-366-4949 to schedule a free consultation.

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   Natasha Garza 
 31 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing experience with Janicek Law from beginning to end. Karen Rangel recommended us to Cassidy Muniz, and we are so thankful she did. Cassidy assisted myself, my husband, and our two daughters, and all four of us are extremely happy with the experience and outcome.

Cassidy truly went above and beyond for our entire family. She was always responsive, patient, professional, and helpful, and she kept us informed throughout the entire process. Everything went smoothly, we had no issues, and she made what could have been a stressful situation so much easier for us.

The entire team at Janicek Law is amazing, and we felt like we were in great hands from start to finish. We are incredibly grateful to Karen for recommending Cassidy and especially grateful to Cassidy for everything she did for our family.

We would 100% recommend Cassidy and Janicek Law to anyone looking for a team that truly cares about their clients. Thank you all so much for everything! ❤️
  
 
       
   Alex McWhirter 
 18 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were referred to Janicek Law firm from a lawyer in Brownsville, who pointed out that they are experts in the field of medical malpractice and I am so grateful. We worked with Andrew and Gaby and they were dedicated and worked hard to get us the best possible outcome. They kept us informed and updated through every step of the process, always with a friendly and very professional disposition. Despite language and distance challenges, they accommodated all of our needs, and I would highly recommend Janicek Law Firm. They made a bad situation better by listening to our concerns, helping us through a sorrowful time for my family, and advising on how to defeat our opponent. For any families that have a beloved and elderly relative who suffered in the hands of callous and neglectful medical institutions, Janicek Law Firm were amazing in advocating for our relative and making these corporate entities accountable. Thank you, Andrew and Gaby, we really appreciated your help!
  
 
       
   Heidi Soto 
 8 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr Bernal and Karen were great. They always kept me up to date on all that was going on at all times. When it came down to mediation Mr Bernal knew exactly what to do and say to make things clear with the insurance company who wanted to take advantage of me. I highly recommend Mr Bernal if you ever are in an accident. He will definitely take care of you.
  
 
       
   Lucy 
 30 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am beyond thankful for everyone at Janicek law for the professionalism, dedication, and support you all have showed throughout my lawsuit. From the very beginning, you all made a difficult and stressful situation much easier to navigate! Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, keeping me informed every step of the way and making this process as stress free as possible! I can without a doubt definitely recommend this law firm!
  
 
       
   Iris Contreras 
 16 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have started this review so many times, but every time I do, I realize there simply aren't enough words to thank the people at Janicek Law.
Almost 3 years ago, my world ended. I lost my son, Zayden—the greatest love of my life. My other son, Zy, witnessed the unimaginable that day. He carries those memories with him every single day, and we are forever grateful that he is still here because we very easily could have lost him too. Our family didn't just experience a tragedy—we experienced trauma that changed us forever.
When I first met the team at Janicek Law, I wasn't just grieving. I was broken. I was a mother trying to survive the unthinkable while helping my surviving son heal from something no child should ever witness. I didn't know if I had the strength to keep fighting.
There were so many moments when I wanted to give up. Every deposition, every conversation, every piece of evidence forced me to relive the worst day of my life. I told them I couldn't do it anymore. But they never let me forget why we were fighting. They reminded me that Zayden deserved justice. They reminded me that Zy deserved justice. They believed in my family even when I couldn't believe in myself.
What makes Janicek Law different is that this was never just a job to them. They never made me feel like another client or another case number. They knew my children by name. They celebrated Zayden's life. They cried with us, prayed with us, hugged us, encouraged us, and walked beside us through every heartbreaking step. They carried a piece of this burden with us, and I will never forget that.
Even after the case was over, they didn't disappear. They still answer my calls. They still help me with paperwork. They still check on me. They still make me feel like my family matters. That's something you cannot fake. That's love. Somewhere along the way, I stopped seeing them as "my attorneys" and started seeing them as family. And I truly believe I have a family for life.
No amount of money will ever bring my little boy back. I would trade every penny to hear his laugh one more time. But because of Janicek Law, I have peace knowing that his life mattered, his story was heard, and that they fought for my boys with everything they had.
From the deepest part of a mother's heart... thank you. Thank you for loving my children. Thank you for never giving up on us when I wanted to give up myself. Thank you for standing beside us through the darkest chapter of our lives. You gave my family more than legal representation—you gave us hope, dignity, and people we will love for the rest of our lives. You helped a grieving mother find the strength to be the voice her son no longer had. In a world that can feel so unfair, you reminded me that there are still genuinely good people. We love each and every one of you, and we will never forget what you did for Zayden, for Zy, and for us.❤️
  
 
       
   Destiny Sanchez 
 14 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My friend Karen referred us to Janicek law firm and I am so grateful. We worked with cassidy moving forward and she went above and beyond while helping me with my accident case. From the very beginning, she was professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. She kept me informed throughout the entire process and made a stressful situation much easier to handle. Her dedication, hard work, and attention to detail truly made a difference in my case. I am incredibly grateful for everything she did for me and my family. I would highly recommend Cassidy and Janicek Law Firm, who genuinely cares about clients and fights for the best possible outcome. Thank you cassidy for everything!
  
 
       
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 8 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After my accident, I felt overwhelmed and had no idea what to do next. Choosing Janicek Law Firm was one of the best decisions I could have made. From the very beginning, Philip Bernal,  Cassidy Muniz, and Karen Rangel took the time to explain the process, answer my questions, and make sure I always knew what to expect.

Cassidy and Karen were  absolutely incredible throughout my entire case. They coordinated my medical care, helped with scheduling appointments, communicated with my insurance, and was always available whenever I needed guidance or reassurance. Their compassion and dedication truly made a difficult time so much easier.

The entire team worked hard to build my case, keeping me informed every step of the way, and ultimately secured a settlement I was very happy with. More importantly, they gave me the peace of mind to focus on healing instead of worrying about the legal process.

I can’t thank Philip, Cassidy, Karen and everyone at Janicek Law Firm enough for their professionalism, kindness, and commitment. If you’re looking for a law firm that genuinely cares about its clients, I highly recommend them. THANK YOU SOO MUCH!!
  
 
       
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 29 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Skemp and Gaby took care of everything and made my suit for Wrongful Death as easy as possible. I couldn’t have done any of this with out them! They honored and represented my Mother to the fullest and for that I am greatful! G. Silvas
  
 
       
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 22 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good lawyers .
  
 
       
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 10 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend the team at Janicek Law. From the very beginning, they provided outstanding legal service that was both professional and deeply compassionate. The entire staff is incredibly knowledgeable, and they made a complex process feel manageable and stress-free. It’s rare to find a firm that combines such high-level legal expertise with a genuinely friendly, client-focused approach. I am very grateful for their support and would choose them again without hesitation.
  
 
 
 
  
 
   Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 358 reviews

Janicek Law handled my case with such professionalism. I was always kept in the loop about what was going on with my case. Cassidy Muniz is amazing at what she does and I really felt like they actually cared about me and my case. Highly recommend Janicek Law Firm!

I could not be happier with the service and compassion from the Janicek Law Firm. They were friendly, responsive and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. I would give ten stars if I could – They are excellent!

Janicek Law was patient and understanding to my situation – it’s a fight – but they would make my father proud. Thanks you for taking the time to look over my case and speaking up for my family.

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Incredibly talented and knowledgeable attorneys that will fight negligent nursing homes and bring Justice to the elderly and their families.

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