Compensation for Ignored Sepsis Symptoms
A failure to act on the suspicion of sepsis, leaving the patient with a very poor long-term outcome may be regarded as substandard care or medical negligence. Contact Glynns to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor if you or a loved one are struggling with the long-term effects of this shocking illness.
The dramatic impact of sepsis
Sepsis is thought to be the cause of death in around 40,000 people every year across the UK. Even an hour's delay in recognising the symptoms and taking action can increase the chance of the patient dying from this terrible condition.
Additionally, the UK Sepsis Trust estimates that one quarter of the people who suffer sepsis each year are left with permanent life-changing symptoms.
A delay in initiating treatment once diagnosis is achieved will also inevitably reduce the patient's chances of a good long-term outcome. A patient suspected of suffering from sepsis requires intravenous antibiotics within one hour of diagnosis as well as liquids and life-support in a high dependency or life-support facility.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is the body's dysfunctional response to an infection. Most frequently, but not always, infections which trigger sepsis are those associated with the chest such as pneumonia, or the abdomen such as a gallbladder infection, peritonitis or a urinary tract infection. Sometimes, however, the underlying infection is not identified but the symptoms of sepsis still require an emergency response.
Sepsis is so dangerous because it can cause the patient's blood pressure to drop and the major organs, such as the kidneys, to become starved of oxygen. Without intensive care life-support, the patient may die of multiple organ failure.
Around 20% to 30% of patients with sepsis die from it. Many patients who survive continue to suffer Post-Sepsis Syndrome which can encompass a wide range of debilitating conditions such as anxiety and depression, breathlessness, fatigue and muscle pain.
For many, even once they are home and officially recovered, the battle with sepsis is not over as it continues to restrict what they can do. The symptoms of post-sepsis syndrome can limit the patient's capacity to work and impact them both physically, mentally and psychologically.
Diagnosing sepsis
Patients who are suffering from an infection and who are exhibiting the possible signs of sepsis may require emergency attention.
The symptoms of sepsis in adults are shivering, breathlessness, confusion or slurred speech, discoloured skin and a reduction in urination.
Children may additionally be vomiting or lethargic or have a rash.
Some categories of patient such as the very old or very young, or those suffering with diabetes are especially susceptible to this shocking illness and extreme caution should be employed when considering their possible sepsis symptoms. A delay in treatment may cause a very poor outcome.
Medical negligence
Where the poor outcome from this horrific condition, is due to the failure by medical professionals to recognise and act on the symptoms of sepsis, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for the patient's pain, suffering and financial losses associated with the negligence. This may be a loss of future income if the sepsis survivor is no longer able to continue their former employment.
Legal advice
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice. All our lawyers are specialists in this field. If you would like to talk to somebody about the possibility of making a compensation claim relating to poor management of sepsis, why not ring us today? We will be very happy to discuss your experience and advise you as to the best way forward.
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