Claiming Compensation for Mismanagement of Sepsis
Stories in the news repeatedly demonstrate the horrors of sepsis. Multiple organ failure, amputation of limbs, disability, blindness. And for some unfortunate families, the death of a loved one.
Sepsis
The UK Sepsis Trust estimates that over 50,000 people a year die in the UK from sepsis. Over 10,000 of those deaths are thought to have been avoidable.
In addition, those who survive this horrific illness are, as demonstrated above, often left with appalling and permanent disability.
Sepsis needs to be diagnosed promptly and treated as a matter of emergency. Medical professionals should have a very high level of suspicion when assessing a patient's symptoms and act accordingly. For example, the new NHS guidelines on sepsis state 'where a primary care clinician suspects sepsis... the clinician should arrange urgent referral and transfer of the patient to an acute hospital for further assessment and treatment with minimal delay at the scene.'
Who is at risk of developing sepsis?
Particularly in high-risk groups, a diagnosis of sepsis should be considered.
Both the very old and the very young are susceptible to sepsis as are pregnant women and anyone who already has a weakened immune system. A person might have a weak immune system because they are already suffering from another condition or because they are undergoing treatment for another condition which compromises their immune system.
Consequently, anyone from these patient groups who present to medical professionals with possible symptoms of sepsis should receive very thorough investigation and possible referral.
Someone with a possible diagnosis of sepsis requires intravenous antibiotics within an hour, with possible fluid support. A delay in treating sepsis due to lack of a diagnosis may result in a very poor long-term outcome for the patient and justify making a claim for compensation.
Spotting the symptoms of sepsis
Sepsis is the disproportionate response of the body to an infection. Therefore, the patient may already have been diagnosed with an infection such as pneumonia or a urinary tract infection.
Signs that they may be developing sepsis include breathlessness, shivering and slurred speech. A reduced blood pressure would also indicate that the patient may be suffering from this shocking illness.
A delay in responding to these symptoms may mean that the patient's major organs come under stress and start to malfunction. The later the patient receives treatment, the greater the likelihood that they will require intensive care treatment and suffer permanent disability.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering from the significant effects of a delay in diagnosing and treating sepsis, contact Glynns today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
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