Sepsis Claims

Sepsis negligence claims

Sepsis, also known as septicaemia or blood poisoning, is when your immune system overreacts to another infection and begins to attack and damage your body.

It can be fatal if not diagnosed early. In the UK, there are around 48,000 deaths a year from sepsis, according to a report in the Lancet.

The fast detection and diagnosis of sepsis is essential to a good recovery. If the condition is missed by your healthcare provider, you risk serious health complications. If you or a loved one has suffered from sepsis as a result of medical negligence, including having the illness misdiagnosed, you could be able to make a claim for compensation.

Why should I make a sepsis negligence claim?

If you have suffered from sepsis that could have been diagnosed and treated sooner, you could be entitled to compensation to help you recover.

Sepsis is a serious condition that can lead to multiple organ failure, so you could require long-term treatment after suffering from it. A compensation claim could help you secure the right treatment and help you get back on your feet faster.

As you recover from sepsis, you might have to take some time off work. This could mean you aren’t earning, which could put you in financial difficulty. A successful claim will ensure your loss of earnings are compensated for, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Find out more about making a claim here.

How much compensation could I be awarded?

The compensation you will be awarded for a successful claim will depend on how severe your case of sepsis was, as well as its effects on your life.

Any compensation you receive will be split into two forms:

• General damages

General damages compensate you for the pain and suffering you have gone through as a result of the medical negligence you suffered. It also takes into account the impact the negligence has had on your life. This covers your quality of life – for example, having to give up a favourite hobby or any mental or emotional suffering you experience.

• Special damages

Special damages cover any financial impact you have suffered as a direct result of medical negligence. This includes any loss of earnings through being unable to work, any medical expenses, travel to and from medical appointments and loss of or reduced earning capacity. To claim compensation for these expenses, make sure you keep any relevant receipts.

How long do I have to make a sepsis claim?

In most cases of medical negligence, you have three years to make a claim. Although this may sound like plenty of time, it’s always a good idea to start your claim as soon as possible. This makes it more straightforward to access evidence you may need, including your medical records.

Starting your claim as early as possible may also mean you find it easier to recall the specific details of what happened to you. The same could be true for any witnesses or anyone else involved in your claim.

There are some exceptions to the three-year deadline, though. If you’re claiming on behalf of someone who lacks the capacity to claim for themselves, you won’t face a time limit. Meanwhile, children have three years from the date of their 18^th birthday to make a claim.

If you have any queries about medical negligence claim time limits, just get in touch and our compassionate and understanding team will help you.

I think I have a claim – what should I do?

The first thing to do is focus on yourself. Make sure you are getting the right treatment and giving yourself the best chance to recover.

You could then consider getting some support to aid your recovery – and First4Lawyers is here to support you through the process of making a claim for compensation.

If you have suffered from sepsis as a result of medical negligence, you are entitled to justice. Our specialist No Win No Fee solicitors are ready to help you get it. To find out more about how we can help you, just give us a call or start your claim online.