The UK’s Health Ombudsman recently warned that too many people are still dying from sepsis due to the “same mistakes” highlighted more than 10 years ago.
The UK Sepsis Trust estimates that approximately 48,000 people die each year from sepsis-related illnesses and that thousands of these deaths are preventable.
Sepsis is a severe and life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection causes inflammation throughout the body. It can result in organ failure and can be fatal if not promptly treated.
Examples of medical negligence in cases of sepsis
- Failure to recognise the signs and symptoms of sepsis. Early signs of sepsis include fever, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and altered mental status. Failure to recognise these symptoms as signs of sepsis can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
- Delayed treatment. Once sepsis is diagnosed, treatment should start promptly. This will include antibiotics and intravenous fluids. If there is a delay in administering these life-saving interventions, this could amount to negligence.
- Failure to follow standard protocols. Hospitals and healthcare facilities typically have protocols in place for the early recognition and management of sepsis. Failure to follow these established protocols could amount to negligence.
- Lack of appropriate monitoring. Patients with sepsis require close monitoring of vital signs to assess their response to treatment and identify any deterioration. Failure to adequately monitor a patient's condition could amount to negligence.
We have acted for several clients affected by sepsis. Specifically, a case with which we have dealt involves catheter-related sepsis. This can be a serious medical complication that arises when bacteria enters the body through a catheter and causes infection. Examples of situations which might amount to negligence where a catheter is involved include:
- Failure to properly sterilise equipment before catheter insertion.
- Failure to monitor the catheter site for signs of infection.
- Leaving the catheter in place longer than necessary.
- Failure to remove the source of infection (catheter) and treat appropriately when a patient has signs and symptoms of sepsis.
What do I need to prove?
In claims for medical negligence, it is necessary to prove a breach of duty on the part of the medical professional and that this breach caused your injury, damage, or loss.
A breach of duty means that the standard of treatment and care that you received fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent doctor or medical professional. It is also necessary to establish how the delay has changed your outcome. Any compensation or damages awarded to you will reflect the harm you suffered because of the delay.
How can we help?
If you think you may have a sepsis-related medical negligence claim, you may be entitled to claim compensation. If you have lost a loved one to sepsis and you think it could have been avoided, you may be able to make a claim. This is known as a claim for “loss of society”.
To discuss your case with a member of our dedicated team, call us today 0800 988 8082 on or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you right away.
