Our Service For You


Medical Negligence
Sepsis Red Flags

Sepsis Red Flags

If you or your loved one has suffered because medical practitioners failed to spot the red flag symptoms of sepsis, there may be a case of medical negligence. For more information please get in touch with our team of lawyers today. We will advise whether there has been a substandard level of medical care.

Please do not delay, call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete a Free Online Enquiry and let us advise you of your rights and options.

"Thank you once again for all your time and effort throughout. Your advice has been so helpful throughout. I will always be grateful for you taking on this case despite being refused by other law firms. You always provided advice at all stages.

Thank you once again"

Mrs. P.

Red flag symptoms of sepsis

Sepsis is a potentially fatal condition caused by the body's response to an infection.

There are certain symptoms that will indicate the presence of sepsis. Together they are known as the 'red flag symptoms' of sepsis. They are so-called because they should warn medical practitioners of the possibility of sepsis, alerting them of the need to carry out immediate investigations.

The red flag symptoms of sepsis are:

  • New onset of confusion or altered mental state
  • High temperature
  • Fast heartrate
  • Fast and shallow breathing

If a patient is displaying these symptoms, they should be identified as having red flag sepsis.

Sepsis six

When a patient is diagnosed with red flag sepsis, further tests should be carried out in order to confirm a diagnosis.

However, this can take a matter of hours as blood and urine tests must be analysed in the laboratory. This delay is dangerous as sepsis is an extremely fast moving condition. According to the charity the UK Sepsis Trust, for each hour's delay in administering antibiotics, mortality increases by 7.6%.

Due to the risks of waiting for a verified diagnosis, medical practitioners should proceed with treatment. The treatment plan is called the 'sepsis six' and consists of the following six steps:

  1. 1. Give high-flow oxygen
  2. 2. Take blood cultures
  3. 3. Give IV antibiotics
  4. 4. Start IV fluid resuscitation
  5. 5. Check lactate
  6. 6. Monitor urine output

The patient will also require critical care support. All of these six steps should be completed within one hour of the patient being diagnosis with red flag sepsis.

Doctors failed to spot sepsis

If doctors fail to spot red flag sepsis, it can lead to devastating consequences. As mentioned above, sepsis is a fast moving condition and can develop into severe sepsis very quickly. Severe sepsis is associated with organ dysfunction. This will shortly progress to septic shock and possibly death. Even when patients do survive the recovery process can be slow and may be tainted by other health complications, such as an amputation or neuropathy.

If you or your loved one has suffered such complications because doctors failed to diagnose sepsis, please contact us to find out whether you have been the victim of medical negligence.

Free, no obligation enquiry

We offer everyone a free, no obligation enquiry. This means you can talk to a solicitor completely free of charge. After this consultation you will be given expert legal advice, during which you will be told whether you have grounds to make a claim.

Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.

Free enquiry

 


Make An Enquiry





We will only use the information you provide to handle your enquiry, and we will never share it with any third parties.


Why Choose Us

  • Specialist medical negligence solicitors
  • Free initial enquiries
  • No win, no fee available

Reviews

Our Expertise

clinical negligence panel

Helping Clients Across England & Wales

Helping Clients Across England & Wales

Free Medical Negligence Guide

'7 Questions You Must Ask Before Choosing A Medical Negligence Solicitor'


Update cookies preferences