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Failure to diagnose sepsis claims

Sepsis is a severe medical condition triggered by the body's extreme response to an infection, and prompt diagnosis is essential to ensure quick, effective treatment. Any delay or failure in diagnosing sepsis can lead to devastating consequences, life-changing injuries or, tragically, even death. If you or someone close to you has suffered as a result of medical professionals failing to diagnose sepsis, Stephensons can help you seek compensation on a no-win, no-fee basis.

 

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What is a failure to diagnose sepsis?

A failure to diagnose sepsis occurs when medical professionals do not correctly identify or promptly treat sepsis, despite clear symptoms and indicators being present. Sepsis is caused by the body's immune system overreacting to infection, releasing chemicals into the bloodstream to combat the infection that triggers systemic inflammation, tissue damage, and potentially organ failure.

The early signs and symptoms of sepsis include but are not limited to:

  • High fever or low body temperature
  • Rapid heart rate and breathing
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Chills or severe shaking
  • Reduced urination

If medical professionals fail to act at the first signs of sepsis or mistakenly attribute symptoms to another less severe condition, this can lead to delays in treatment which can have life-threatening consequences. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of sepsis can result in significant harm to the patient, including kidney failure, brain damage, limb amputation, and in severe cases, death.

Can you claim compensation for failure to diagnose sepsis?

If your sepsis was misdiagnosed, undiagnosed or diagnosed too late, and you suffered physical harm or emotional distress as a result, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Likewise, if a loved one has sadly passed away due to a medical professional’s failure to diagnose sepsis promptly, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim on their behalf.

To successfully claim compensation, you must demonstrate that substandard care caused you harm. Our specialist solicitors at Stephensons will thoroughly examine your medical records, and consult with independent medical experts to establish negligence and clearly evidence the impact of the delayed or incorrect diagnosis on your life.

Why choose us for your sepsis negligence claim?

At Stephensons, we understand that dealing with medical negligence can be emotionally distressing and physically challenging. Our dedicated team of medical negligence solicitors have years of experience and a proven track record of successfully representing clients in failure to diagnose sepsis claims. Stephensons carries notable legal accreditations demonstrating our commitment to high standards, including accreditation from The Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Panel and Lexcel accreditation, underlining our excellence in client care, file management and legal practice.

Our compassionate approach means we will support you throughout each step of your claim, providing clear, understandable advice along the way. We ensure you remain informed throughout the entire process, explaining clearly what to expect at each stage while fighting tenaciously for the compensation you deserve.

How we can help with your claim

If you believe your sepsis diagnosis was delayed or incorrectly handled by medical practitioners, we strongly recommend seeking legal advice from our expert medical negligence solicitors as soon as possible. At Stephensons, our specialist team will:

  • Advise you clearly and sensitively about your legal rights and options
  • Gather relevant medical evidence and independent medical expert opinions
  • Assess the impact the negligence has had on your physical, emotional and financial wellbeing
  • Determine the level of compensation you are entitled to claim
  • Represent you diligently, working towards achieving the best outcome possible

Contact Stephensons Solicitors LLP

If you or someone close to you has been affected by the failure to diagnose sepsis, our experienced team at Stephensons Solicitors LLP is ready to assist. Call us today on 0161 696 6165 or fill in our online enquiry form for a callback, and one of our dedicated medical negligence specialists will get back to you at your convenience.

Frequently asked questions about failure to diagnose sepsis claims

How long do you have to make a claim?

You generally have three years from the date of the injury, or from the date you became aware of negligence, to make a claim. Exceptions may apply, so we advise seeking legal advice as soon as possible.

How much compensation could I receive?

Compensation amounts vary widely depending upon the severity and long-term impacts of your injury or condition. Our expert solicitors will advise you on the potential value of your claim once we have reviewed your individual circumstances.

Will I have to go to court?

In most cases, sepsis negligence claims can be settled without going to court. However, should court proceedings become necessary, our solicitors will support you fully through the entire process, ensuring you feel prepared and supported.

Can I claim compensation on behalf of a loved one who passed away from undiagnosed sepsis?

Yes, close family members or dependants may be able to claim compensation if their loved one has died as a result of a missed or delayed sepsis diagnosis. Our team can sensitively guide you through this process.

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