Suspecting Sepsis and Medical Negligence Compensation
Although many people recover from sepsis, it is a major cause of death globally. Those who survive can suffer a range of life-changing and debilitating physical and psychological difficulties. If it suspected that a patient is developing sepsis, it is a medical emergency. A failure to suspect that a patient has sepsis can, therefore, be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim for compensation.
Symptoms which should raise a suspicion of sepsis would include the following:
- Severe breathlessness
- Shivering, pain or a high temperature
- Discoloured skin
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Lack of urine
- Feeling extremely unwell
Sepsis is a dysfunctional immune system response to an infection, often in the lungs or abdomen, and this pre-existing condition should serve as a warning sign.
Medical negligence
Suspecting sepsis is the key to further investigation and emergency treatment in the form of intravenous antibiotics. A failure to suspect sepsis will increase the risk that the patient may die. They may alternatively suffer multiple organ failure, sight loss, limb loss and post-sepsis syndrome, causing long-term disabling symptoms.
Whether a patient is in hospital, in primary care or at home, it is vital that the possibility of sepsis is taken into consideration when assessing their symptoms.
A failure to refer a patient for immediate further investigation, a misdiagnosis or a delay in treatment, leaving the patient to suffer permanent physical and emotional difficulties may be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim for compensation.
Compensation claims
If a patient suffers on-going difficulties due to poor-quality healthcare, they are entitled to compensation.
If, for example, the patient is no longer able to work due to their post-sepsis symptoms caused by unnecessarily delayed healthcare, the associated loss of income would be taken into account in a claim for compensation.
For many people a successful compensation claim also serves to provide recognition of the poor-quality care which they have experienced.
Speak to a solicitor
Compensation claims for medical negligence are extremely complex and require the skills and support of a legal specialist. Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced solicitors working solely in this legal field.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of sepsis due to negligent medical care, contact us to talk to a solicitor with expertise in sepsis negligence claims.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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