Post-Operative Sepsis Compensation Claims
If you or a loved one have suffered the debilitating effects of sepsis following surgery, it is possible that you have been the victim of medical negligence. If you continue to experience difficulties due to sepsis, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation. Sepsis is the body's over-reaction to infection, often in the abdomen or the lungs. If the body responds in a disproportionate way to the infection, it can cause major organs to struggle and, ultimately, cause the death of the patient. Many patients do make a good recovery but some, even though they survive, are left with long-term symptoms both physical and psychological.
Sepsis and surgery
Sepsis as a result of surgery may occur for a couple of reasons.
Occasionally, an error may occur during a surgical procedure which might unintentionally cause damage to the patient's body. An endoscopy or colonoscopy, for example, may result in a perforation of the digestive tract, allowing bacterial matter to seep into the abdominal space. Alternatively, a hysterectomy may cause inadvertent damage with the same result.
Such damage should be identified at the time it occurs in order to minimise the impact on the patient and prevent the need for additional surgery in the future. However, if the damage passes unnoticed, the patient may become very ill and the medical professional involved may be regarded as having been negligent in their care of the patient.
Sepsis may also develop when a patient has undergone surgery, such as a knee replacement or a hysterectomy, without being given antibiotics beforehand. The patient may then develop an infection, leading to sepsis. Some categories of patient are at risk of developing an infection during surgery and should receive antibiotics prior to the procedure. Where this does not occur, the relevant medical professional may be considered to have provided substandard care.
The long-term impact of sepsis
The long-term impact of sepsis can be life-changing, affecting the patient's ability to work and remain independent. Where the patient suffers significant financial losses as a result of the negligence, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim can provide recompense for the patient's pain and suffering and financial losses caused by the negligence they have suffered.
Contact a specialist solicitor
If you wish to consider making a claim for compensation for the long-term impact of negligent sepsis, contact Glynns Solicitors today.
We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice and one of our team of expert lawyers will be very happy to discuss your experience with you.
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