Compensating Sepsis due to Hospital Negligence
Approximately 40,000 people die in the UK from sepsis every year. Many of those who survive are left with life-changing symptoms or disability. Where poor-quality medical care is at fault, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Sepsis causes and care
Sepsis is a dysfunctional response by the body to an infection. It is often triggered by an infection in either the abdomen, the lungs or the urinary tract. It may also be triggered by an infection which has developed following a surgical procedure.
Where medical practitioners have failed to take all measures to prevent infection, have failed to diagnose infection or have failed to recognise that the patient is developing sepsis, they may be regarded as having provided substandard care. It may be appropriate to make a claim for the pain and suffering as well as the financial losses caused by the impact of the negligence.
Sepsis symptoms and impact
The red flag symptoms which might suggest that a patient is developing sepsis include the following:
- Rapid breathing
- A fever or chills
- Reduced urination
- Feeling extremely unwell
If the patient's symptoms are not recognised and treated urgently, the patient's life can be threatened as their major organs struggle to function and ultimately fail.
Patients who survive sepsis can suffer with post-sepsis syndrome which can significantly reduce their quality of life, restrict their ability to work and compromise their independence. They may suffer loss of mobility, loss of vision and poor long-term well-being. They may lose their income due to disability and face the need to fund personal care.
Medical negligence and sepsis
Patients in hospital should be assessed for their risk of infection. If they are about to undergo a surgical procedure, they may require prophylactic antibiotics to prevent the development of infection.
Patients who are particularly susceptible to infection should be monitored for signs of infection so that this problem can be addressed as quickly as possible before any risk of it triggering a sepsis response. A failure to monitor patients effectively or to recognise the signs of sepsis may be regarded as negligent.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of sepsis due to poor medical care, contact us here at Glynns Solicitors to speak with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
It might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
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