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Recognising the Signs of Sepsis
Healthcare professionals should be alert to symptoms that could indicate a serious infection or developing sepsis, particularly where a patient's condition is deteriorating.
Problems may arise if symptoms are not properly assessed, vital signs are not monitored appropriately, or concerns raised by a patient or their family are not acted upon. A failure to recognise a worsening condition may result in treatment being delayed and could give rise to concerns about Delayed Diagnosis Claims.
When Could Sepsis Care Be Negligent?
Sepsis negligence can occur at different stages of medical treatment. Potential concerns may include a failure to identify an infection, inadequate monitoring, delayed investigations or a failure to provide appropriate treatment once sepsis is suspected.
In some cases, a patient may initially be diagnosed with a less serious condition despite symptoms indicating a potentially life-threatening infection. Where an incorrect diagnosis or failure to recognise symptoms leads to avoidable harm, the circumstances may be relevant to Medical Misdiagnosis Claims.
Sepsis can also develop following an infection acquired during medical treatment. Where inadequate infection prevention or management has contributed to the patient's condition, the circumstances may overlap with Hospital Infection Claims.
However, developing sepsis does not automatically mean that negligence has occurred. The medical care provided must be assessed alongside the patient's symptoms, condition and the circumstances surrounding their treatment.
What Can Happen When Treatment Is Delayed?
Sepsis can affect multiple organs and may require urgent hospital treatment. Where appropriate treatment is delayed, a patient may suffer serious complications such as organ damage, prolonged illness or other lasting health problems.
In severe cases, patients may require intensive care, rehabilitation or ongoing medical support. The consequences can also affect employment, independence and everyday life.
Where concerns arise about the failure to recognise deterioration or provide appropriate treatment in hospital, the circumstances may also be relevant to Hospital Negligence Claims.
Investigating a Sepsis Negligence Claim
A detailed examination of the treatment received may be necessary. Medical records can provide information about symptoms, observations, blood tests, infection markers, medication, referrals and the treatment provided over time.
Independent medical experts may then consider whether sepsis should have been recognised earlier, whether appropriate treatment was provided and whether any delay contributed to the injury suffered.
The investigation may also examine whether healthcare professionals followed appropriate procedures for monitoring the patient, responding to signs of infection and escalating care when the patient's condition deteriorated. This evidence can help establish whether the required standard of care was met and whether any failure caused avoidable harm.
What Compensation Could Cover
Where medical negligence is established, compensation may reflect the physical, emotional and financial consequences of the injury. Depending on the circumstances, this may include additional treatment, rehabilitation, care, travel expenses and loss of earnings.
Where sepsis has resulted in long-term complications, future care and support requirements may also need to be considered. The level of compensation will depend on the severity of the injury, its impact on the patient's life and the available medical evidence.
Speak to Step Legal Solicitors
If you believe sepsis was not recognised or treated appropriately because of negligent medical care, Step Legal Solicitors can investigate your circumstances and advise you on the options available.
If it is a matter we can assist with, your claim may be handled on a No Win No Fee basis, subject to the terms of your agreement. The applicable fees and financial arrangements will be explained before you proceed.
Call 0800 195 6412 or contact us online to discuss your Sepsis Negligence Claim.
