Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can have devastating consequences if not diagnosed and treated promptly. In some cases, medical negligence may be the cause of sepsis, and you could be entitled to claim compensation.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to sepsis negligence, our lawyers are on hand to help. For immediate legal advice, contact our specialist team on 0333 3580 583 and we’ll help you with your case.
Understanding Sepsis Negligence Claims
Sepsis, also known as septicemia or blood poisoning, is a severe infection that can rapidly progress. Sepsis can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. If sepsis is detected early enough, the outcome is usually positive. However, if left undetected or untreated, it can quickly spiral into multi-organ failure, septic shock, and death.
Some common types of sepsis medical negligence claims include:
- Diagnosis delays: Medical professionals failing to recognise or identify the early symptoms of sepsis, whether that’s in the emergency room or outpatient care, can have serious consequences. Delayed diagnosis can significantly impact the patient’s chances of recovery and increase the risk of complications.
- Infection exposure: Infections acquired during a hospital stay, such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections or ventilator-associated pneumonia, can lead to sepsis if not properly managed. Negligence in infection control protocols and failure to monitor for signs of infection can contribute to sepsis development.
- Medication errors: Inappropriate use or administration of antibiotics or other medications can contribute to the development of sepsis. Prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, or failure to monitor the patient’s response to treatment can all be forms of negligence.
- Post-operative care: Inadequate post-operative care, including wound care and providing appropriate antibiotics, can increase the risk of sepsis. Failure to follow proper post-operative processes and discharge instructions can be considered negligent care.
It is estimated that 245,000 UK people are affected by sepsis every year. That is more than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined.
Even with treatment, sepsis can cause permanent damage and survivors may experience a condition called post-sepsis syndrome (PSS). PSS includes long-term physical and psychological symptoms, such as fatigue, hair loss, poor appetite, nightmares, depression, and anxiety.
How to Establish Medical Negligence for Sepsis
To establish negligence in a sepsis claim, you must demonstrate the following elements:
- Duty of care: The healthcare provider had a duty of care to provide reasonable care to the patient.
- Breach of duty: The medical professional failed to meet the expected standard of care, either through action or inaction.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused or significantly contributed to the patient’s sepsis and resulting harm.
- Damages: The patient suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of the provider’s negligence.
If you believe you have a sepsis medical negligence claim, the first step is to consult with an experienced sepsis malpractice solicitor. At Friends Legal, we will assess the details of your case, gather necessary evidence, and guide you through the entire claims process.
Claiming on Behalf of Someone Who Died from Sepsis Negligence
You can claim on behalf of a loved one who passed away as a result of sepsis negligence. This type of claim is known as a wrongful death claim. The claim would be made by the deceased’s representative, such as their spouse, child, or parent, on behalf of the estate and any dependents.
Sepsis compensation can be sought for the pain and suffering experienced by the deceased, as well as any financial losses incurred by their dependents. If you’re unsure whether you have a claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
No Win, No Fee Sepsis Negligence Lawyers
At Friends Legal, we offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ arrangement for sepsis malpractice claims. That means you don’t have to pay an upfront legal fee, providing you with financial peace of mind during the claims process.
Time Limits for Making a Sepsis Compensation Claim
There is a three-year time limit for making a sepsis medical negligence claim. The time limit begins at the date you became aware that your condition was caused by medical negligence.
If your loved one passed away as a result of sepsis negligence, you can make a claim within three years of the date of their death.
Sepsis Medical Negligence Claims — Get Expert Legal Advice Today
Sepsis claims can provide much-needed compensation for those who have suffered due to medical negligence. If you or a loved one has experienced sepsis as a result of negligent care, it’s crucial to seek legal advice from a clinical negligence solicitor.
If you would like to discuss your case with one of our empathetic lawyers, please call us on 0333 3580 583. Or, if you’d like us to call you back at a time that’s convenient for you, you can fill out our online enquiry form. We look forward to helping you.
