Claiming Compensation for Negligent Infection Care Causing Sepsis
Poor medical care regarding an infection can trigger sepsis, putting the patient at risk of death or long-term disability. It may justify a claim for compensation.
Without prompt treatment, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Where the patient survives, it can cause permanent disability or post-sepsis syndrome. A patient or family member whose life has been affected detrimentally by poor-quality medical care may be entitled to compensation.
Sepsis is triggered by an infection elsewhere in the body, often the lungs or the abdomen. It is essential, therefore, that medical professionals take all possible care to prevent, diagnose and treat an infection to avoid this catastrophic outcome.
The risks of surgery
Surgical procedures expose the patient to a risk of infection. Guidelines issued by the National Institute for Care and Health Excellence (NICE) require that patients are assessed in advance for risk level in relation to infection and, where appropriate, they should be given antibiotics to prevent infection. Where medical professionals fail to do this, they may be regarded as having been negligent. Should the patient suffer sepsis and a poor long-term outcome as a result, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Surgery can also put a patient at risk of bowel perforation, triggering infection and sepsis. Where this is found to be the result of negligence, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Post-operative patients require close monitoring for any signs of infection and a prompt medical response if there is any suspicion of either infection or sepsis or both. A failure of care, allowing the patient to develop severe infection and sepsis may be regarded as negligent.
Diagnosing sepsis
Early diagnosis of sepsis increases the patient's chance of survival and minimises the likely long-term impact. Prompt recognition of the symptoms and an immediate medical response are essential.
Symptoms indicative of sepsis include a high temperature, chills or shivers, fast breathing, confusion and reduced urine output.
Claiming compensation
If the life of you or a loved one has been impacted following the ravages of sepsis due to substandard medical care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns solicitors to talk to a legal specialist about the suitability of making a claim. We work exclusively in the field of medical negligence and can offer significant experience and expertise in this highly complex and specialist field.
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