Five things you should know about sepsis compensation claims

It’s World Sepsis Day 2019, an annual event to raise awareness of sepsis, a deadly infection which kills 52,000 in the UK each year and causes serious and life-changing injuries in 60,000 people.

It is vital to diagnose sepsis (sometimes known as septicaemia or blood poisoning) as soon as possible, otherwise it can lead to multiple organ failure and death, if it is not treated quickly.

Unfortunately, not all cases of sepsis are diagnosed and treated properly, risking lives and devastating families.

If you or a loved one has suffered because sepsis or a hospital acquired infection was misdiagnosed or wasn’t treated at the earliest possible opportunity, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

Susan Hotchin, from our Isle of Wight office, outlines five things you should know about sepsis and how to make a compensation claim:

1. Sepsis should be treated as a medical emergency

Sepsis is a very serious, life-threatening condition. Early detection and effective treatment with antibiotics is vital to prevent long-term damage, including multiple organ failure and death.

2. Misdiagnosis and delays risk lives

Sadly, sepsis often goes undetected until it is too late. If you or a family member have experienced problems or delays in identifying the condition and didn’t receive the appropriate level of treatment, you may be able to make a medical negligence compensation claim.

3. Get expert legal advice

Sepsis compensation claims can be complex, so it is always advisable to seek expert advice from a specialist medical negligence solicitor with lots of experience in this area of law as soon as possible. They will be able to help you understand whether you can bring a claim for compensation.

4. Access to care and support

By making a sepsis negligence claim, you may be able to secure compensation allowing you to access specialist medical care, rehabilitation and support to meet your ongoing needs and future requirements. Compensation can also help if your loved one has unfortunately died as a result of sepsis.

5. Time limits apply to make a claim

If you want to make a sepsis compensation claim, you need to do so within three years of the date of your negligent treatment or from the date you realised your medical care was negligent. A claim can be made on behalf of a child at any time until the date of their 18th birthday. After this, they have three years to make their own sepsis claim. There are no time limits if you’re claiming on behalf of someone who lacks mental capacity.

If you or a family member has experienced sepsis while under the care of the NHS or a medical professional, Novum Law’s specialist team has the experience and expertise to help you get the answers and compensation you deserve on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis with no financial risk to you.

If you have any questions about sepsis compensation claims, call us on: Freephone 0800 884 0777 or email: info@novumlaw.com.