Sepsis claims

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Sepsis claims

For finding answers and getting justice

is a life-threatening medical condition that can have devastating and long-lasting consequences for you or a loved one. When is caused or worsened by medical negligence , such as a delayed diagnosis , misdiagnosis, or failure to provide timely treatment , it can lead to severe complications, permanent injury, or even death.

If you or a family member has suffered due to medical negligence, Switalskis’ specialist negligence solicitors are here to provide expert guidance and support to help you make a successful compensation claim.

At Switalskis, we are fully committed to supporting you through every step of your claim. With years of experience handling claims, our team combines expert legal knowledge with an empathetic, client-focused approach. We are dedicated to helping you secure both compensation and accountability for any failings in your medical care.

We understand the distress and uncertainty that come with suffering from caused by medical error. That’s why we don’t just act as your legal advisors we are steadfast partners, guiding you through the claims process and helping you achieve the justice and closure you deserve.

To speak to one of our specialist medical negligence solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458 , or contact us through the website.

Call Switalskis specialist sepsis compensation solicitors on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch through the website to start your sepsis medical negligence claim.

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How Switalskis can help you

At Switalskis, we provide more than legal expertise - we offer understanding, compassion, and unwavering commitment to fight for justice on your behalf. We are not just your solicitors; we are your trusted allies in pursuing a compensation claim.

Our team of dedicated negligence solicitors combines decades of collective experience with specialised knowledge in handling medical negligence cases involving sepsis. We recognise that every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to ensure your claim reflects your individual circumstances and needs.

Our team includes solicitors who are accredited as specialists by the Law Society and the patient charity Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) . We’re also recognised as being among the top clinical negligence teams in England by The Legal 500 UK, the foremost legal guide for clients.

How We Support You Through Your Sepsis Claim

  • Personalised Legal Guidance: We work closely with you to fully understand your situation, listening to your concerns and providing advice tailored specifically to your case.
  • Gathering Crucial Evidence: We collaborate with medical experts to collect and assess all necessary medical evidence, demonstrating a clear link between the sepsis and any medical negligence.
  • Clear, Simple Communication: Complex legal and medical terminology is explained in plain language, keeping you informed and confident at every stage of your claim.
  • Court Representation: If your case requires a court hearing, our team will stand firmly by your side, advocating for the maximum compensation you or your loved ones deserve.

With Switalskis, you can navigate the path to justice with confidence, knowing that we are dedicated to securing the compensation and closure you need to move forward.

Our medical negligence team accreditations

Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

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Switalskis representing family of young woman who died from sepsis

How Switalskis support on sepsis negligence claims

The Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have apologised and admitted negligence for their failings that led to the death of a 25 year old woman.

Switalskis represent the family of Farha Zalqarnain who first attended the Emergency Department at the Bradford Royal Infirmary on 8 March 2016 with complaints of a cough, fever, vomiting and pain in breathing. She later exhibed a marked systemic inflammatory response namely, abnormal rapid heart rate, low blood pressure and fever which warranted further investigations and treatment

Read more here.

What are the signs of sepsis in adults and children?

manifests differently in adults and children. As such, you'll need to know the signs and symptoms for each age group and how they differ to make sure you can recognise them if you see them.

In adults , may be suspected if a person has a confirmed or suspected infection and any of the following signs or symptoms:

  • High or low body temperature
  • Chills and severe shivering
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Rapid or difficult breathing
  • Feeling dizzy or faint
  • A change in mental state, such as confusion or disorientation
  • Diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting
  • Slurred speech
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Not passing urine for a day or longer
  • Cold, clammy, pale or mottled skin

In children , signs of can often be subtle and may be mistaken for less serious conditions. According to the NHS sepsis symptom checklist , if your child has an infection, you should look for the following signs:

  • Mottled, bluish or pale appearance
  • Lethargic or difficult to wake
  • Abnormally cold to touch
  • A rash that doesn’t fade when you press it
  • Breathing very fast
  • Convulsions or fits
  • High temperature (fever)
  • Low blood pressure (which may cause them to feel light-headed)

Remember, is a medical emergency. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, you have to seek medical help right away to maximise the chance of avoiding dangerous complications, or even death.

What is sepsis, and what causes it?

Sepsis, sometimes called blood poisoning or septicaemia, is a life-threatening condition triggered by the body’s extreme response to an infection. Instead of fighting the infection normally, the immune system overreacts, causing damage to the body’s own tissues and organs.

can arise from any type of infection, but it most commonly develops from:

  • Lung infections (such as pneumonia)
  • Abdominal infections (including appendicitis)
  • Skin infections
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

The infection that leads to can be bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic, with bacterial infections being the most frequent cause. Without timely and effective treatment, can progress to severe or septic shock, which can result in multiple organ failure or death.

Because can develop quickly and unpredictably, recognising the early signs and seeking immediate medical care is critical. Prompt treatment improves survival rates and reduces the risk of long-term complications.

Understanding what causes and the potential consequences of delayed or inadequate care is a crucial first step in a negligence claim. At Switalskis, our specialist negligence solicitors are here to guide you through the legal process, helping you understand your rights and supporting you in pursuing compensation.

How does sepsis arise in different healthcare settings?

can develop in a variety of healthcare settings due to different circumstances. Here, we'll explore how might happen in these environments.

  1. Hospitals: these are often the most common sites of sepsis. The risk is higher for patients admitted to intensive care units or those undergoing surgeries. Sepsis can happen as a result of unsanitary conditions, poor infection control measures, improper or delayed antibiotic treatment, or infections related to surgical procedures or invasive devices like catheters and ventilators.
  2. Nursing homes: elderly nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to infections due to their weakened immune systems. Failures or neglect in elderly care, such as not adequately cleaning wounds or catheters, can result in sepsis.
  3. GP surgeries: improper wound care, unclean medical equipment, or delayed diagnosis and treatment of infections can all lead to sepsis in GP surgeries.
  4. Home care: patients receiving care at home, especially if they have a chronic illness or are recovering from surgery, might develop sepsis if staff don’t look after the patient’s personal hygiene. Improper care of wounds or catheters, or delays in recognising and treating infections, can also be a cause.
  5. Dental surgeries: though less common, sepsis can develop if dental infections are not promptly and appropriately treated, or if dental equipment is not sterilised properly.

Regardless of where it occurs, is a medical emergency. Medical professionals should be vigilant in identifying the signs and providing immediate treatment.

When can I make a sepsis negligence claim?

You have grounds to make a medical negligence claim for if you can prove that a case of was made worse by substandard care provided by healthcare professionals. You'll need to be able to show that the quality of care provided by the medical professionals in question fell below the accepted standards and that the harm you suffered was a direct result of this.

Common grounds for negligence claims include:

  • Delayed sepsis diagnosis medical negligence
  • Failure to administer appropriate treatment in a timely manner
  • Sepsis misdiagnosis
  • Hospital acquired sepsis
  • Failure to escalate care in the face of worsening symptoms.

If you believe you or a loved one have been a victim of negligence, Switalskis can help. Our team will help you determine whether you have a valid claim based on our in-depth knowledge of medical negligence law. We'll review every aspect of your case and advise you on whether we can prove that you have suffered due to a delayed diagnosis, or negligent treatment at the hands of a medical professional.

What are the potential complications of sepsis?

can be life-threatening and lead to serious complications, including:

  • Organ damage or failure, often affecting the kidneys, lungs, heart, or liver
  • Limb amputations, due to poor blood circulation caused by septic shock
  • Chronic fatigue and weakness, sometimes lasting months or years
  • Cognitive or neurological problems, including memory or concentration difficulties
  • Long-term pain or mobility issues, particularly if intensive care treatment was required

Many survivors experience long-term health problems such as persistent fatigue, reduced physical fitness, organ damage, or effects like anxiety and depression. These long-term consequences are important to consider when pursuing a negligence compensation claim.

Documenting both immediate and long-term effects of is crucial to establishing the impact of medical negligence. Our specialist negligence solicitors will work with medical experts to accurately assess your condition and ensure your claim reflects the full extent of harm.

Who is most at risk of developing sepsis?

can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk, including:

  • Elderly people, whose immune systems are often weaker
  • Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with chronic illnesses or on immunosuppressive medication
  • Post-surgery patients or those recovering from serious illness
  • Infants and young children
  • Patients in care homes or receiving home care, where infections may be overlooked or improperly managed

What you need to know

Legal Resources

Sepsis: spotting the signs and symptoms of a blood infection

Sepsis affects 123,000 people every year and can have long term consequences. These can include physical disabilities, slower cognitive functions and difficulties with everyday life. Tragically, it kills five people every hour in the UK and is “the most preventable cause of death and disability in Europe”.

Sepsis in children - recognising the signs

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition which occurs when the body’s immune system has an extreme response to an infection. The body’s reaction causes damage to it own tissues and organs and it can lead to shock, multiple organ failure and sometimes death, especially if not recognised early and treated promptly.

How to claim for sepsis negligence

Making a claim for negligence can seem daunting, especially while dealing with the aftermath of such a significant medical event. Switalskis is here to support you every step of the way, and we're dedicated to making the medical negligence claims process as straightforward as possible for you.

Here is how the process works:

Step 1: Initial consultation

Reach out to Switalskis for a free, no obligation initial consultation. During this meeting, we’ll listen to your story, understand your concerns and explain whether we think you have a strong case. If we decide to proceed, we can then discuss the next steps and the available funding options.

Step 2: Establishing your claim

We’ll gather all the relevant information we need to build your case. This will include applying for all of your medical records, including your GP records. We’ll ask you for photographs, receipts and any other documents that may support your claim. We will take a detailed witness statement to tell your version of events. We may arrange for you to be assessed by an independent medical expert to provide an unbiased view of your injuries and future prognosis. The aim will be to prove the negligence was responsible for your injury and consider the potential value of the claim.

Step 3: Notifying the defendant

Once we have supportive evidence, we’ll send a letter of claim to the doctor and/or hospital involved. This will outline details of the claim and state allegations regarding the negligence treatment.

Step 4: Defendant response

The defendant will then have four months to investigate the allegations made against them and respond to the letter of claim in a letter of response. This letter will include whether the defendant accepts they are at fault, which is called an admission of liability. If they do not accept fault, they will state this in the letter and this is called a denial of liability. We will advise you of the next steps at this stage.

Step 5: Settlement and compensation

If the defendant or medical practice has admitted fault, negotiations can start. Our negligence solicitors will negotiate on your behalf, using our expertise and experience to secure the highest possible compensation amount for you. At this stage, we will discuss how much compensation you may receive. This will be calculated to cover the pain and suffering caused by the negligence, as well as any financial losses or expenses you’ve experienced as a result.

Step 6: Court proceedings (where necessary)

Most claims will be settled through negotiation, without needing to go to court. In the rare instances where the case does go to trial, you can trust us to represent you throughout the process.

Remember, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Our team is committed to handling your case with sensitivity, professionalism and dedication. With Switalskis, you can be confident that you're in capable hands throughout the negligence claim journey.

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Can I make a claim for a loved one who died as a result of sepsis?

Losing a loved one is always painful, but when the loss is due to medical negligence, it's especially devastating. At Switalskis, we understand how difficult this time can be and we're here to support you.

If your loved one passed away from and you suspect it was due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to make a claim on their behalf. This is often referred to as a fatal claim. There are two main types of claims you can make in these circumstances:

  1. Bereavement damages: this is a fixed sum awarded to a spouse, civil partner or parents (if the deceased was a child) in recognition of their suffering and grief.
  2. Dependency claims: this provides compensation for financial losses suffered by those who were financially dependent on the person who died, such as a spouse, civil partner or children. It covers the loss of their loved one's income, services they provided (like childcare), and any care the deceased may have given to family members.

We know that no amount of compensation can ever make up for the loss of a family member or loved one. However, these claims can provide vital financial support during a challenging time by helping to cover funeral costs, loss of income and ongoing financial commitments.

What are the time limits for making a sepsis negligence claim?

In most cases, you have a period of three years from the date of the negligent medical treatment to make a claim, or from when you first realised you suffered harm as a result of the treatment. This is commonly known as the limitation period.

  • Children: if the person who suffered the negligence is under 18 at the time, the three-year period doesn’t start until their 18th birthday. This means they have until they turn 21 to start legal proceedings.
  • Mental capacity: if the person who suffered the negligence lacks mental capacity to make their own decisions, there may be no time limit to make a claim on their behalf.
  • Fatal cases: if you’re claiming on behalf of a deceased family member who passed away due to complication arising from sepsis negligence, the claim must be made within three years of the date of death, or the date of knowledge that negligent treatment caused their death.

It's worth noting that time limits can vary in medical negligence claims, so it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible in order to avoid missing any deadlines. If you're uncertain whether you're within the time limit to make a negligence claim, contact Switalskis today to learn more.

How much compensation for sepsis?

The exact compensation amount you’ll receive for a negligence claim will depend on the various unique factors tied to each individual case. The settlement awarded will often take into account the severity of the sepsis, the level of negligence involved, and the impact on your life, both now and in the future.

Compensation in negligence cases is generally divided into two main categories:

  • General damages: this compensates for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity you’ve experienced as a result of sepsis. Factors such as the severity of your illness, the pain and suffering you've gone through, and the impact on your lifestyle are considered.
  • Special damages: this covers any financial losses and expenses you’ve experienced due to sepsis. This can include loss of earnings, medical expenses, travel costs for medical appointments, and the cost of care and support, among other outgoings.

These damages will be calculated based on existing legal guidelines, previous medical negligence cases, and the advice of medical and financial experts.

While we can’t provide an exact figure without understanding the specifics of your case, rest assured that our expert negligence solicitors will work diligently to secure the maximum compensation you're entitled to. For a more detailed discussion about the potential value of your claim, contact Switalskis today to discuss your case in greater detail.

How are sepsis claims funded?

Potential costs are among the biggest concerns our clients have about claiming compensation. At Switalskis, we’re committed to making the process as accessible as possible by offering various funding options to meet your needs:

Potential costs are among the biggest concerns our clients have about claiming compensation. At Switalskis, we’re committed to making the process as accessible as possible by offering various funding options to meet your needs:

  • No win, no fee agreement: also known as a conditional fee agreement (CFA), this is the most common way to fund a sepsis negligence claim. Under a no win, no fee agreement, you won’t need to pay anything if your claim is unsuccessful. Our costs are written off. If you win your case, a percentage of your compensation will be used to cover our fees. This option allows you to pursue your claim without any financial risk, and we’ll discuss all of the potential costs with you upfront to avoid any surprises.
  • Legal expenses insurance: we will begin an insurance policy to cover you for the out-of-pocket costs we experience during the investigation. We have our own insurance provider that we use. However, you may have legal expenses cover as part of your home or car insurance policy, which can also be used to fund your claim. We’ll assist you in understanding your policy and liaising with your insurer.
  • Legal aid: in very rare cases, Legal Aid may be available for clinical negligence claims, although it’s usually reserved for specific situations. Our team can guide you on whether you might be eligible.

Remember, your first consultation with our clinical negligence solicitors is free and without obligation. We’ll discuss the funding options available to you and help you choose the best one for your situation.

Our medical negligence specialists

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Suzanne MunroeDirector and Solicitor
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Sarah WalkerDirector and Solicitor
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Charlotte ReevesDirector and Solicitor
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Kay BarnesDirector and Solicitor
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David ThomasDirector and Chartered Legal Executive
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Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.

FAQs about sepsis

Who is at the highest risk from sepsis?

can affect anyone, regardless of age or overall health status. However, certain groups are at a higher risk, primarily those with weakened immune systems or certain chronic conditions that make it harder for the body to fight infections. Here are the key groups of people who are at an elevated risk:

  1. Babies and young children: the immune systems of younger children are still developing, and as such, they may not be fully equipped to combat infections. Premature babies, in particular, have an increased risk due to their underdeveloped organs and immune systems.
  2. Older adults: as we age, our immune systems naturally weaken, making it more difficult to fight off infections. This, coupled with the increased likelihood of developing chronic conditions, puts the elderly at a higher risk of sepsis.
  3. People with chronic illnesses: conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer and autoimmune diseases can make people more vulnerable to infections, increasing the risk of sepsis.
  4. People with weakened immune systems: this can include those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS, and people on long-term corticosteroids or other immunosuppressant medications.
  5. People with severe wounds or burns: open wounds and burns can provide an easy pathway for bacteria to enter the body, potentially leading to sepsis.
  6. Hospitalised patients: people who experience prolonged hospital stays, particularly in intensive care units, are at a higher risk of sepsis. This is especially true if they require invasive procedures or devices like ventilators or intravenous catheters.

Patients belonging to these high-risk groups need to be properly cared for to prevent sepsis. When doctors fail to do this, there may be grounds to make a medical negligence claim.

What are the long-term effects of sepsis?

The effects of can be long-lasting and impact different aspects of a person's life. Here are several potential longer-term consequences of sepsis:

  1. Physical health: sepsis can result in physical complications that may continue long after the initial illness. These can include fatigue, muscle weakness and decreased mobility. In severe cases, sepsis may lead to organ damage or the need for amputation, significantly affecting a person's quality of life.
  2. Mental health: the experience of battling sepsis can be traumatising, potentially leading to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or depression. These can last for months or even years after the sepsis episode.
  3. Cognitive impairment: in some cases, sepsis can cause cognitive changes, including difficulty with memory, concentration or decision-making. This is known as post-sepsis syndrome and can last for a significant period after recovering from the sepsis itself.
  4. Long-term disability: sepsis can lead to organ damage or limb loss, resulting in long-term disability. This may require ongoing medical care, physical therapy and assistive devices.
  5. Financial strain: the long-term effects of sepsis can put an individual at financial risk due to the cost of continued medical care and rehabilitation, as well as the potential loss of income if they are unable to return to work.

If your was caused by negligence on behalf of a medical professional, you may be entitled to compensation to help cope with these long-term effects. Please don't hesitate to contact our dedicated team of solicitors for expert advice and support.

How should sepsis be treated?

The treatment of is a medical emergency and demands immediate and comprehensive care. Only a rapid response can make sure that life-threatening complications are avoided, and a stay in an intensive care unit is often necessary. As such, properly managing requires early detection, prompt administration of antibiotics, and aggressive supportive care.

Here's a general overview of the treatment process:

  1. Antibiotics: these are the cornerstones of sepsis treatment. Once sepsis is suspected, broad-spectrum antibiotics (those effective against a wide range of bacteria) should be provided as soon as possible, ideally within an hour of recognising severe sepsis and septic shock.
  2. Intravenous fluids: rapid fluid replacement will help the patient maintain blood pressure, protect the blood flow to organs and aid the body's fight against the infection.
  3. Source control: the source of the infection needs to be identified and controlled as soon as possible. This could mean draining an abscess, removing an infected device, or in some cases, performing surgery.
  4. Supportive care: this involves treatments to minimise the damage from sepsis or septic shock. It can include medication to increase blood pressure, dialysis for kidney failure, and mechanical ventilation for breathing problems.
  5. Rehabilitation and recovery: recovery can take time, and depends on the severity of sepsis and the patient's overall health. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy to regain strength, occupational therapy to relearn daily activities, and counselling to cope with any emotional trauma.

Medical professionals have a responsibility to follow these steps and provide appropriate, timely and effective care for anyone suspected to have sepsis. When this fails to happen, it can directly lead to the person's condition getting worse, perhaps even fatally. In these cases, negligence claims can help those affected obtain justice.

Why Switalskis?

Navigating a compensation claim can be a challenging journey, and it's vital to have expert legal partners in your corner to give your family the justice it deserves. This is where Switalskis' team of medical negligence experts can make a significant difference.

Here are the values we pledge to uphold when supporting your compensation claim:

Clarity in complexity

Medical negligence claims can often be very complicated, but we’ll make them easy for you to understand. We’ll translate complex legal language into simple, easy-to-understand terms. We’re always available to address your queries and clear up any points of confusion.

Empathy at every step

Every client's situation is unique, and we’ll always work to make sure we understand your specific needs throughout the claims process. We listen attentively to your concerns, respect your feelings, and provide personalised advice that aligns with the specifics of your case. You're more than just a client to us - we acknowledge the stressful time you and your family are going through, and we're here to provide all the support you require.

Expertise you can trust

Even if you’re dealing with a complex and prolonged claim, you're in safe hands with Switalskis. Thanks to our many years of experience and proven success in obtaining compensation for clients in similar situations, you can trust us to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Championing your rights

If your family has been affected by due to medical negligence, Switalskis is here to safeguard your rights and make your voice heard. Not only will we assist you in claiming the compensation you rightfully deserve, but we’ll also hold those responsible to account. This means your claim will play a meaningful role in preventing others from experiencing the same stress.

We can support you in the following medical negligence situations

Find out how Switalskis can help you

medical negligence claims can play an essential role in making sure that those affected by have the financial and practical support they need to cope with their long-term needs. If you've been affected by a misdiagnosis or substandard treatment, please get in touch with Switalskis today.

Our team are experts in negligence claims, and we'll make it easy for you to claim the compensation you need to provide for your family's future. Call 0800 1380 458 to discuss your compensation claim, or contact us through the website to arrange your free initial consultation.

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