Can You Die from a Respiratory Infection?

Posted on May 2, 2025 writen by Jane Paulson in Medical Malpractice

Can you die from a respiratory infection? Sadly, the answer is yes, especially when these illnesses are misdiagnosed, untreated, or worsened by medical negligence. While we often think of colds and flus as temporary inconveniences, the truth is that respiratory infections, when mismanaged or left untreated by medical professionals, can have catastrophic consequences.

For families in Portland, Oregon, the unthinkable reality of losing a loved one to a seemingly treatable illness like pneumonia, RSV, or sepsis due to medical negligence is a burden no one should bear. At Paulson Coletti, we understand the profound grief and the urgent need for answers when a preventable medical mistake turns a respiratory infection fatal. As a trusted medical malpractice lawyer in Portland, we are here to support those seeking justice and accountability.

The Dangers of Untreated or Misdiagnosed Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections often begin with minor symptoms, but they can quickly become dangerous—especially when overlooked or improperly treated. A mild cough or fever may escalate into pneumonia, respiratory failure, or a systemic infection. These complications pose greater risks for infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

These infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Conditions like influenza, COVID-19, and RSV have all been linked to severe illness and death in vulnerable populations. Pneumonia, in particular, can fill the lungs with fluid, making breathing extremely difficult.

Complications from respiratory infections can include:

• Empyema (pus buildup in the lungs)
• Pleural effusion (fluid between the lungs and chest wall)
• A collapsed lung (pneumothorax)

In extreme cases, untreated infections may lead to:

• Sepsis (an overwhelming immune response that can shut down organs)
• Oxygen deprivation and respiratory failure

Timely diagnosis and treatment are critical. When healthcare providers ignore warning signs or delay intervention, the outcomes can be tragic—and often avoidable.

It’s not just the lungs at risk. Other serious complications include:

• Blood infections like sepsis
• Lung abscesses
• Widespread infection across multiple organs

How Medical Negligence Can Turn a Treatable Infection Fatal

A missed diagnosis or delay in treatment can turn a treatable respiratory infection into a fatal condition—particularly when medical providers fail to follow basic standards of care. We’ve seen too many families blindsided after hearing, “It’s nothing to worry about,” only to watch their loved one’s condition rapidly worsen.

This kind of negligence can look like:

• Writing off breathing issues as anxiety or allergies
• Skipping basic tests like chest X-rays or bloodwork
• Prescribing the wrong medication—or none at all
• Sending someone home when they clearly need urgent care

It only takes one oversight to shift everything. And when that happens, patients don’t just suffer physically—they’re left wondering why no one listened.

Signs of Medical Malpractice in Respiratory Infection Cases

Even experienced healthcare providers can make critical errors that lead to devastating outcomes. When a serious mistake or mishandling leads to harm or tragedy, it may be medical malpractice. Under ORS 742.400,  Oregon law allows you to take legal action if a healthcare provider’s care falls below accepted standards and causes injury.

You may have a claim if:

• A doctor ignored or dismissed the symptoms you communicated
• Critical diagnostic steps, like lab tests or imaging, were skipped
• Treatment was delayed or never provided
• You were discharged without proper follow-up or instructions
• A loved one died from a preventable condition, such as a treatable infection

Your Legal Rights If a Doctor Failed to Diagnose or Treat an Infection

When someone you care about suffers—or worse, passes away—because a doctor didn’t act, the law gives you the right to take action. Oregon allows injured patients or their families to seek justice through a wrongful death or malpractice claim.

That might include compensation for things like physical and emotional suffering, lost income or future earning potential, the cost of medical care tied to the negligence, and any long-term rehabilitation or support services the injury demands.

There’s a clock ticking, though. In most cases, Oregon law gives you two years to file a claim. That may sound like a long time, but building a strong case takes effort—and waiting too long can close the door on your legal options.

At our firm, we guide families through these challenging situations every day. We’re here to push back when the system fails and fight for real accountability.

Seek Justice—Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney Today

If you’re wondering, can you die from a respiratory infection?—the answer is yes, especially when doctors miss the signs or delay treatment. You deserve answers if you or someone you love suffered because of a misdiagnosis or medical mistake.

At Paulson Coletti, we’re here to help you understand what went wrong and what you can do next. Call us today at 503-682-8721 for a free consultation.