Medical Negligence
Sepsis Compensation Claims
Sepsis, also known as septicaemia should be diagnosed within a few hours and immediate treatment given. Failure to do so can lead to significant life threatening problems.
Our Sepsis Negligence Claims Solicitors are highly experienced in supporting and representing individuals whose lives have been affected by this blood poisoning and where delayed diagnosis has led to significant injury.
If you or a member of your family have suffered from sepsis due to sub-standard, delayed medical care our team of specialist solicitors can help you to pursue a claim for compensation.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is defined as the reaction of the human body to a bacterial infection. When infected with bacteria the body’s natural response is to immediately release white blood cells into the bloodstream to counter the infection. Additionally, the body tissues swell to prevent the infection spreading. This biological process is known as ‘inflammation’.
If the patient’s immune system is vulnerable or, if the infection is very severe then the infection can quickly spread throughout the entire body. In response, the immune system reacts and in attempting to shut down the infection, causes the inflammation to affect the patient’s entire body also.
Inflamed tissue is not very helpful to good blood flow and interruption of blood flow can then lead to a drop in blood pressure. This drop in blood pressure can cause damage to tissues and organs which are starved of the blood they need to function properly.
Can you sue the NHS for sepsis
If you have experienced sepsis whilst under the care of the NHS or a medical professional, you could be eligible for compensation. Solicitors within our Sepsis Team include Dawn Treloar and James Bell and they have achieved substantial settlements for those who have suffered as a result of blood poisoning.
Common risk factors & causes of sepsis
Infections can be caught in the community leading to hospital treatment. Alternatively, the infection may develop in hospital or it may be caused by hospital treatment such as surgery or other types of invasive treatment
Symptoms
Symptoms include low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, increased temperature, shivering.
Treatment
Sepsis is a medical emergency and prompt diagnosis is essential. It is treated with very strong antibiotics – usually by way of an intravenous drip.
"HJA have provided an exceptional service - keeping me informed throughout lengthy proceedings, taking the time to explain everything to me along the way in terms I could understand and arriving at a far better outcome than I had anticipated."
Making a sepsis compensation claim
If there has been a delay in failing to recognise the signs of sepsis correctly you may be able to make a sepsis compensation claim. Delays in diagnosis can sometimes be in a critical condition for a long period of time or, sadly it can sometimes prove fatal.
Our medical negligence solicitors will listen to your personal situation and collect the evidence to help us come to the level of compensation we believe you may be entitled to. This will cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Any household adaptions that may be needed
- Loss of earnings
- Rehabilitation and other care and therapy needs
- Other expenses such as travel to your medical appointment
Sepsis support
The UK Sepsis Trust (UKST) exists to fight this life threatening condition, to stop preventable deaths and support those affected by sepsis. They work tirelessly to raise awareness around how to spot sepsis both in Adults and children. 40% of all sepsis survivors suffer permanent life changing after effects. The Trust provide a whole range of educational videos to help as a guide to the understanding, managing and identifying sepsis.
Why Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors?
We’re independently recognised as leaders in this field by a number of different sources including the leading Legal Directories.
Many of our solicitors are members of the Law Society’s and AvMA’s (Action Against Medical Negligence) Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel and are accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
We also have several team members with a background in the healthcare profession, meaning they have an in-depth understanding of both the medical and legal sides of your case.
Feature sepsis negligence case
A 32-year-old pregnant woman who died after two junior surgeons operated unsupervised to remove an inflamed appendix, but removed a healthy ovary by mistake. The error was discovered by histopathology, but not reported properly to those treating her, so she developed septicaemia and died two weeks later.
At the Inquest the Coroner found that “a window of opportunity was missed” to operate again and save her. Investigations into fitness to practice by the General Medical Council resulted in some of the doctors involved being given restrictions on their practice.
Outcome: Substantial out of court settlement for the family
"He [James Bell] is incredibly caring towards his clients and nothing is too much trouble for him." He's also intuitive and has good judgement." Chambers UK, 2021
