Sepsis negligence claims

Sepsis can affect anyone, but those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, infants and young children or individuals with chronic illnesses are at higher risk. Some common symptoms:

Adult Symptoms:

• Breathing Difficulties
• Blue and pale discolouration of skin
• A rash that does not fade when glass is rolled over it
• Confusion and slurred speech.

Infant Symptoms:

• Blue, pale or blotchy skin
• A rash that does not fade when glass is rolled over it
• A high-pitched or weak cry different to usual
• Sleeping difficulties
• Breathing difficulties

There has been a push for greater sepsis awareness, particularly following the launch of campaigns by organisations like the UK Sepsis Trust. Public health campaigns are now emphasising the need for individuals to be aware of the symptoms of sepsis and seek prompt medical attention. In addition, some hospitals are adopting sepsis awareness training for their staff to ensure that early signs are identified and treated more quickly.

Early detection and proper medical intervention are key in preventing sepsis. For more information on recognising the early signs of sepsis and how to stay informed, head to this article on sepsis awareness.

You can claim for a loved one if they have passed away or have been left incapacitated by sepsis at the fault of medical negligence. We have previous experience representing the families of patients who have lost their lives due to severe sepsis infections that could have been prevented by improved medical attention and care.

Sepsis compensation is calculated based on several factors including the severity of the injury, how the injury has affected your life and other circumstances related to the worsening of your condition. Sepsis compensation payouts can vary greatly depending on the severity of the case and the long-term effects the sepsis has on the individual’s health and quality of life. There is no set compensation figure for sepsis negligence cases as this is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Sepsis compensation payouts UK

While there is no fixed amount for sepsis compensation payouts, our expert solicitors will ensure that your claim is thoroughly assessed to secure compensation that accurately reflects the impact of your injury.

If you or a loved one are seeking sepsis compensation payouts in the UK, our team at Patient Claim Line is here to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the financial support you need to move forward.

Proving negligence in a sepsis case is dependent on sufficient evidence that your condition was caused by or worsened due to poor or inadequate care from a medical professional. This usually includes evidence that a medical error occurred.

When putting forward a claim, it is likely that you will need to provide medical records or attend an independent healthcare appointment to assess your injury and determine whether this was a direct result of the care provider. If the healthcare provider admits fault, it is likely that you will be able to receive compensation for sepsis.

Our sepsis negligence experts are here to help you find out if you are eligible to put forward a claim.

A claim for sepsis negligence must be made within three years of the date you become aware of this affecting you. For claims relating to children under the age of 18, the time limit for bringing a claim forward will not begin until their 18th birthday and will run for three years. If a claim is being made on behalf of someone without mental capacity, there can be no time limit.

In cases of medical negligence related to sepsis, the fault may lie with healthcare providers if they fail to recognise the signs of sepsis, delay treatment, or administer improper care. This could include failure to monitor patients at risk, misdiagnosis, or not providing timely antibiotics and other critical treatments. Each case depends on the specific circumstances and actions taken by medical professionals.

A doctor will assess a patient’s symptoms paying attention to fever, heart rate and blood pressure. A diagnosis will be confirmed via a blood test which will flag any infection, inflammation or organ dysfunction – all indicators of the presence of sepsis. 

Recent advances in technology have significantly improved early detection of sepsis. New diagnostic tools, such as sepsis biomarker tests, are being developed to identify the condition sooner and more accurately. These tests aim to detect specific biomarkers in the blood allowing healthcare professionals to begin treatment much faster.

Septic shock occurs when the person’s blood pressure drops dangerously low (below 90/65) – this is known as ‘hypotension’. It often develops within the first 24 hours of sepsis infection which is why it is so important that sepsis is recognised fast. As it begins to worsen, it can cause serious problems with vital organs making the patient extremely ill. 

More than 25-30% of people with sepsis die from the condition, with hospital mortality for septic shock approaching 40-60%. Septic shock is diagnosed when sepsis leads to low blood pressure that doesn’t improve with fluids, high lactate levels in the blood, and the need for medication to raise blood pressure.

To read more about sepsis, who can get it and how to prevent it read more here.

The sepsis six refers to a set of six key actions that healthcare professionals take within the first hour of identifying sepsis. These steps are designed to provide rapid treatment to improve the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of serious complications, including septic shock. 

The approach is widely recognised as an essential tool in managing sepsis effectively:

1. Administer high-flow oxygen: To ensure the body gets enough oxygen, which is critical when sepsis is affecting vital organs. Oxygen helps to prevent organ failure and supports recovery.
2. Take blood cultures: By collecting blood samples, doctors can identify the specific bacteria or infection causing sepsis. This information is essential for prescribing the right antibiotics.
3. Give intravenous antibiotics: Quick treatment with antibiotics is crucial to combat the infection causing sepsis. Administering them as soon as possible helps reduce the spread of the infection throughout the body.
4. Give intravenous fluids: Sepsis often leads to dehydration and a drop in blood pressure. Fluids are given through an IV to help stabilise blood pressure and support organ function.
5. Monitor urine output: Keeping track of urine output is a simple but effective way to assess how well the kidneys are functioning. Reduced urine output can be a sign of kidney distress which is common in severe sepsis.
6. Source control: Identifying and addressing the root cause of the infection is critical. This might involve draining an abscess, removing infected tissue or treating the source of the infection in another way to prevent it from spreading.

Post-Sepsis Syndrome (PSS) is something which affects a significant number of sepsis survivors. This syndrome includes a range of long-term physical, emotional and psychological effects such as fatigue, muscle and joint pain, anxiety and depression. Research is now increasingly focused on how to better support patients with PSS and prevent long-term disability.

This goes to show that sepsis negligence cases can result in more than just immediate medical costs. It can lead to ongoing care needs, rehabilitation and significant emotional distress. Sepsis compensation is not only intended to cover current expenses but also to provide financial support for future care, including mental health services and rehabilitation, ensuring survivors receive comprehensive support for their full recovery. 

Contact Patient Claim line for your sepsis compensation today.