Sepsis Negligence Claim

Cases of sepsis are on the increase in the UK due to staff shortages and overcrowding in wards, which means symptoms of sepsis often simply aren’t spotted or are misdiagnosed.

According to the Sepsis Trust, the condition kills 52,000 people in the UK every year.

How to claim sepsis compensation

To claim sepsis compensation, it is best to speak with an experienced firm of medical negligence solicitors with experience in dealing with sepsis compensation claims.

You can contact our team to find out if you may have a claim, and we can help you begin outlining your claim and requesting any medical records you may need.

Sepsis Misdiagnosis Claims

Due to the speed with which sepsis can take control, it is not always easy to diagnose before surgical intervention is required. The symptoms of sepsis can be mistaken for post-operative infections if there has been previous surgery or in the case of someone who is generally fit and well, any number of infections or illnesses.

It is important that if sepsis is suspected, medical help is sought immediately. If it is treated in the early stages, it is likely just to require a course of antibiotics. Failure to catch this disease early can result in life-changing injuries being received.

Common causes of sepsis negligence

While sepsis can develop from untreated infections, it can also be caused by medical negligence. Here are some common causes of sepsis negligence:

• Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis: Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing sepsis. If a medical professional fails to recognise the signs and symptoms of sepsis or mistakes it for another condition, it can lead to a delay in administering proper treatment, potentially causing serious complications.
• Failure to act on abnormal test results: Blood tests often reveal signs of infection. If a healthcare provider fails to take appropriate action after identifying abnormal results, including elevated white blood cell count or C-reactive protein levels, it could increase the risk of sepsis.
• Inadequate treatment: Once diagnosed, sepsis requires prompt and aggressive treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and fluids. Failure to administer the correct antibiotics or insufficient fluid resuscitation can worsen the infection and lead to sepsis.
• Poor hygiene standards in hospitals: Hospitals have a duty to maintain a clean and sterile environment to prevent infections. Negligence in infection control protocols, such as improper sanitation of medical equipment or failing to wash hands adequately, can introduce bacteria or fungi into a patient, potentially leading to sepsis.
• Surgical errors: Surgical procedures can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, and any errors during surgery, such as leaving a foreign object behind or inadequately closing an incision, can increase the risk of infection and subsequent sepsis.

If you believe you or a loved one has suffered from sepsis due to sepsis negligence, a medical negligence solicitor can help you understand your rights and explore the possibility of making a claim.

When can you make a claim for sepsis?

Not all cases of sepsis are caused by negligence from a healthcare institution. However, in some cases, you could make a claim, such as:

• A preventable infection obtained in a hospital or during an operation
• A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of an infection leading to sepsis
• Clear warning signs of sepsis being missed
• An infection from a foreign object such as a catheter

How long do I have to make a sepsis claim?

Generally speaking, you have 3 years from the date you became aware of the negligent care towards you, that caused the sepsis. After this time, it is extremely unlikely you will be able to make a claim.

There are exceptions to this limitation period, most notably if the person in question is under 18. If this is the case, then the 3-year limitation period will only begin once they turn 18. You can make a claim any time before this.

Time limits can be difficult to establish in cases, so if you’re unsure speak to one of our team today who can help you with your claim.

How much sepsis compensation could I receive?

As with all medical negligence claims, it is not possible to give an exact figure for sepsis compensation. This is because each case will have its own complexities and variations.

Should your claim for compensation be successful, the amount of compensation you are entitled to will vary. The severity of the infection, if you suffered any lasting damage as a result, and your own personal circumstances will all influence how your compensation is calculated.

These are known and general damages and special damages. You can read more here about how compensation is calculated in medical negligence claims.

Will I have to go to court?

In most sepsis claims, you will not be required to go to court to receive compensation. In 2021 just over 3% of compensation claims needed to go to court to be resolved.

Most claims are settled out of court, with both parties agreeing to a settlement amount. A claim will only need to go to court if there is a disagreement over the settlement amount, or who is at fault for the claim.

Choosing the right solicitors for your sepsis claim

It is essential to the success of your case that you choose the right medical negligence solicitor.

Having a solicitor that is experienced in dealing with the claim you are making, will lead to a smoother claim process, and may even be able to secure you a more considerable compensation amount in the end.

Blackwater Law is ranked by The Legal 500 for both its experience in serious personal injury claims and medical negligence claims including sepsis. We take all of our Sepsis claims on a no win no fee basis. Speak to one of our experienced solicitors today about your experience, and see if you have a claim.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis or septicaemia is a condition where the body produces a severe reaction to an infection, which leads to the immune system attacking its own organs and tissue. If left untreated, it can ultimately lead to organ failure or even death.

Even with timely medical care, sepsis can leave someone with life-changing injuries such as an amputation or the loss of a sensory organ.

If sepsis is spotted and treated early, it can usually be treated with a course of antibiotics.

How do you get sepsis?

You can develop sepsis through almost any infection that gets into your body. When bacteria or viruses get into the body, via a cut for example, the body can produce an extreme reaction. Infections that lead to sepsis often start in the lungs or through the skin.

What are the early warning signs of sepsis?

According to the UK Sepsis Trust, the symptoms of sepsis are:

Slurred speech or confusion

Extreme shivering or pain

Passing no urine (in a day)

Severe breathlessness

It feels like you’re going to die

Skin is mottled or discoloured.

Sepsis Statistics in the UK

According to The UK Sepsis Trust

• 52,000 people will die of sepsis every year in the UK
• Sepsis kills more people than bowel, breast and prostate cancer and road accidents combined
• 25,000 sepsis admissions in UK hospitals are in relation to children
• 40% of survivors will suffer permanent injuries or complications
• In the UK, 5 people die because of sepsis every hour

How long does sepsis take to develop in adults?

From the initial infection, sepsis can develop in adults and children in as little as 12 hours. It is therefore vitally important that the symptoms are recognised early, and treatment begins as quickly as possible.

Is sepsis contagious?

Sepsis itself is not a contagious condition, and it cannot be spread to other people. However, sepsis can be caused by infections. Some infections can be contagious, which could cause someone else to develop sepsis.

What are the long-term effects of sepsis?

While timely treatment can save lives, sepsis can have lasting consequences even after successful recovery. Some potential long-term effects of sepsis include:

• Organ damage: Sepsis can damage vital organs like the lungs, kidneys, and heart, leading to long-term health problems.
• Post-Sepsis Syndrome: Some individuals who survive sepsis experience a cluster of symptoms like fatigue, pain, cognitive impairment, and depression, known as Post-Sepsis Syndrome.
• Increased risk of future infections: Sepsis can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to future infections.

The severity of long-term effects depends on the severity of the initial sepsis infection and the effectiveness of treatment.

Who is most vulnerable to sepsis?

Anyone can develop sepsis from an infection, but certain groups are at higher risk:

• Newborns and infants: Their immature immune systems make them more susceptible to infections that can quickly escalate into sepsis.
• Older adults: Weakened immune systems due to aging increase the risk of sepsis.
• People with chronic conditions: Underlying health conditions like diabetes, chronic lung disease, and weakened immune systems due to medications can make individuals more prone to severe infections and sepsis.
• Hospitalised patients: Those with existing injuries or undergoing surgeries are at higher risk of contracting infections that can develop into sepsis, especially if proper hygiene protocols are not followed.

If you suspect you or someone you know may be suffering from sepsis, seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in preventing serious complications and improving the chances of a full recovery.