Sepsis Diagnosis Negligence and How to Claim Compensation
Sepsis is a fairly common illness which is the cause of a high number of deaths worldwide. Delays in diagnosis and treatment increase the likelihood of death or a very poor health outcome.
Sepsis diagnosis failures
A prompt and accurate diagnosis of sepsis is absolutely key to a good outcome. Without a diagnosis of or suspicion of this swift-moving condition, the patient will not receive the treatment they need. The long-term impact can be life-changing to the point that the patient may die of multiple organ failure. Where the patient survives, the consequences are often, nonetheless, debilitating in the extreme.
Signs and symptoms of sepsis
Signs and symptoms which might indicate that a patient is developing sepsis could include the following:
- Chills, shivering and fever
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Disorientation
- Feeling faint
Other factors which need to be taken into account would include the patient's age where the young and the elderly are at a greater risk. Patients with a compromised immune system or who have a pre-existing condition may also be at a greater risk.
A failure to consider the possibility that a patient is developing sepsis will allow time for their condition and associated long-term outcome to deteriorate.
Diagnosis negligence
Delays in the diagnosis of sepsis may be the result of a variety of failings in medical acre:
- A failure to monitor a patient when it would generally be regarded as appropriate
- A failure to recognise the possible symptoms of sepsis
- A failure to examine the patient for indications of sepsis
- A failure to make an appropriate referral for further investigation or specialist advice
Making a claim for compensation
The development of and medical response to sepsis can be fast-moving and confused and compensation claims for negligence can, as a result, be extremely complex.
If you think that either you or a loved one may have been the victim of negligent medical care in relation to this life-threatening condition, your first step should be to seek the advice of a legal specialist. They will have the expertise and the experience to assess the validity of your claim and the impact of any negligence.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced solicitors and a history of successful high-value claims.
Contact us to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, if you think that you or al oved one may have a claim.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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