Can I Claim Compensation for Sepsis?
A patient with sepsis is a medical emergency. According to the international guidelines on sepsis, the administration of intravenous antibiotics within one hour of diagnosis is necessary. A delay in treatment can be catastrophic and may justify a claim for compensation.
The devastation of sepsis
A delay in diagnosis and treatment can mean that the patient will not survive.
Although many people are fortunate enough to survive and recover from sepsis, over 40,000 die from it every year in the UK and many of those who do survive are left with severe disability or other debilitating symptoms.
The ravages of sepsis can make gruelling reading.
Sepsis is a dysfunctional immune system response to an infection in the body and, as the infection and sepsis response worsens, the patient's blood supply can become compromised and major organs can start to fail.
Consequently, the physical effects can be severe:
- The patient may require the amputation of one or more limbs and the loss of hands or feet or fingers
- The patient may suffer loss of sight
- The patient may suffer damaged kidney function
In addition, the patient can suffer chronic conditions such as fatigue, muscle pain and weakness, breathlessness and mobility issues.
Understandably, the psychological impact can also be devastating. The shock of having experienced sepsis, the nearness of death and the effect of having to rely on life-support for an extended period of time may stay with the patient for a lifetime. Anxiety, depression and panic attacks can haunt the patient for years to come.
Failing to diagnose and treat sepsis
The importance of rapid diagnosis and timely treatment cannot be over-stated.
Therefore, a failure to recognise the red flag symptoms of this devastating illness or to suspect the possibility of this diagnosis and a delay in treatment can all be regarded as negligent care and justify the patient or their family in pursuing a claim for compensation.
The red flag symptoms of sepsis which demand immediate action include the following:
- Severe breathlessness
- Reduced urination
- Extreme shivering
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Mottled skin
- Feeling seriously unwell
If medical professionals, whether a GP, an Accident and Emergency practitioner or NHS 111 fail to take the appropriate action when dealing with a patient with these symptoms, they may be considered to have contributed to the patient's poor long-term outcome.
Sepsis in hospital
Sepsis frequently develops in hospital where the patient may already be undergoing treatment for an underlying condition or where a patient has recently undergone surgery or where delayed diagnosis of an abdominal disorder has led to the perforation of the bowel.
Patients who are already vulnerable due to on-going health issues should be very carefully monitored for signs of sepsis and receive specialist attention where there are any concerns as to their condition.
A failure to respond to possible sepsis symptoms can allow a rapid deterioration in the patient's health and devastate a patient's life.
Compensation claims
A severe attack of sepsis can leave the patient and their family to face not only physical and emotional problems, but also financial difficulties.
If the patient's ability to work is compromised, their income may fall. If the patient dies, their family may be deprived of the main bread-winner.
Where the patient loses a limb, the financial implications and the costs of care can be significant.
A successful compensation claim can help the patient and their family to deal with the financial difficulties.
Get legal advice
If you or a loved one are struggling with the horrific impact of sepsis due to a delay in diagnosing or treating this appalling illness, contact Glynns Solicitors today. One of our team of specialist medical negligence solicitors will be very happy to discuss your experience and situation free of charge.
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