When Can I Make A Claim for Sepsis Medical Negligence?
Sepsis is an immune system response to infection which can cause multiple organ failure and death. When is it appropriate to make a claim for compensation?
What is sepsis medical negligence?
The development of sepsis in a patient is not necessarily a matter of medical negligence. However, a failure to prevent or diagnose sepsis may be regarded as such and may justify a claim for compensation if the patient suffers long-term debilitating consequences which would not otherwise have developed.
- Sepsis can occur as the body responds to a pre-existing infection, often in the abdomen or chest. If medical professionals fail to administer prophylactic antibiotics to an ‘at-risk' patient prior to surgery, resulting in infection and sepsis, it may be regarded as negligent care
- If a patient is exhibiting the symptoms of sepsis but medical practitioners do not recognise this or take prompt, appropriate action, they may be regarded as having acted negligently. Guidelines indicate that a patient with sepsis should receive antibiotics within one hour.
- If medical professionals fail to diagnose a pre-existing condition, such as crohn's disease, leaving the patient to suffer a perforated bowel and sepsis, it may be appropriate to make a claim
- If an error during surgery causes the patient to suffer a perforated or ruptured bowel, resulting in sepsis and on-going difficulties, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Timing in medical negligence claims
It is important to remember that the law imposes time restrictions on compensation claims for medical negligence.
A potential Claimant in a medical negligence claim has three years from the date of the matters complained of which amount to negligence to commence Court proceedings.
This means that, if you believe that you were the victim of substandard medical care in January 2020, your claim needs to be commenced by January 2023. It is advisable to seek specialist legal advice as promptly as possible.
Claiming compensation for sepsis
Compensation claims for medical negligence are highly complex, requiring the attention of a specialist lawyer.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the long-term impact of sepsis due to poor-quality medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors, experts in medical negligence claims, to talk to a specialist solicitor.
Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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