Sepsis Medical Negligence Claims

You may have a claim if avoidable errors were made at any stage of your care, including:

• Failing to recognise classic “red flag” symptoms of sepsis
  
  
• Misdiagnosing sepsis as flu, gastroenteritis, UTI, chest infection, or post-surgery inflammation
  
  
• Delayed administration of antibiotics
  
  
• Not carrying out basic observations such as temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate
  
  
• Ignoring concerns raised by family members
  
  
• Failing to escalate or refer the patient to the hospital
  
  
• Delays in transferring a patient to the ICU
  
  
• Surgical or hospital-acquired infections caused by poor hygiene
  
  
• Premature discharge despite clear signs of deterioration

If one of these failures caused harm, a sepsis medical negligence claim may be possible.

Sepsis itself is not always the result of negligence; infections can occur naturally. However, negligence may be involved if:

• Your symptoms were dismissed or minimised
  
  
• You were sent home without appropriate testing
  
  
• Your condition deteriorated while under medical supervision
  
  
• There was a delay in giving antibiotics or IV fluids
  
  
• Test results showing infection were not acted upon
  
  
• You were not monitored properly after surgery or childbirth

Our personal injury solicitors will review your medical records, timeline, and expert evidence to determine whether negligence played a part.

Survivors of sepsis often live with long-term consequences, including:

• Organ damage (kidneys, liver, lungs, heart)
  
  
• Amputations due to restricted blood flow
  
  
• Cognitive impairment or memory problems
  
  
• Chronic fatigue
  
  
• Persistent nerve pain or neuropathy
  
  
• PTSD, anxiety, or depression
  
  
• Long hospital stays and prolonged rehabilitation

These physical and emotional injuries form an important part of your compensation.

Yes. Families can bring a fatal sepsis claim if negligence contributed to the death. Compensation can cover:

• Funeral expenses
  
  
• Loss of financial dependency
  
  
• Bereavement damages (where applicable)
  
  
• Pain and suffering before death
  
  
• Loss of services (childcare, household support, etc.)

We handle these cases with sensitivity and ensure you are supported throughout every step.

This varies depending on the complexity of the case.

Approximate timelines:

• 12–18 months: clear negligence and early admission of fault
  
  
• 2–3 years: complex cases requiring multiple experts
  
  
• Longer: fatal or high-value claims involving lifelong care needs

Your solicitor will keep you updated regularly and aim to secure interim payments where possible.

We help gather everything for you, including:

• Hospital and GP records
  
  
• Blood test results and observation charts
  
  
• Timing of antibiotic administration
  
  
• Witness statements
  
  
• Expert reports from independent consultants
  
  
• Photographs of injuries or amputations
  
  
• Details of financial losses (receipts, wage slips, travel records)

The stronger the evidence, the stronger your claim.

Most sepsis claims do not go to court. Over 90% settle through negotiation once evidence is exchanged.

Court is usually only necessary if:

• The NHS or private provider denies liability
  
  
• There is major disagreement over the value of the claim

Even then, many cases settle before the final hearing.

Yes. Private healthcare providers owe the same duty of care as the NHS. If a private doctor or hospital failed to diagnose or treat sepsis appropriately, you can bring a claim against their insurer.

If you suspect negligence, take the following steps:

1. Request copies of your medical records
   
   
2. Write down a timeline of what happened
   
   
3. Note all symptoms and conversations with doctors
   
   
4. Keep receipts for treatment or travel
   
   
5. Contact a specialist solicitor as soon as possible

Early advice improves your chance of success and helps preserve crucial evidence.