Sepsis Claims

Who can make a sepsis claim?

Sepsis, also known as septicaemia or blood poisoning, occurs when the body has an extreme reaction to an existing infection. Without immediate treatment, sepsis can lead to organ failure, tissue damage and even death in the worst cases.

According to the UK Sepsis Trust, around 48,000 people die from sepsis-related illness every year. But for many of these patients, early diagnosis and treatment would have been effective in prolonging their lives.

This is why it’s so important that sepsis is caught and acted upon in its early stages. If you or a loved one suffered due to delayed diagnosis or treatment of sepsis, you could be entitled to make a claim.

We offer a free initial consultation, where we’ll listen to the details of what happened and let you know if you have a strong case. Get in touch with our compassionate claims team to find out more.

Why should I make a sepsis negligence claim?

Most people who are treated for sepsis will make a full recovery over time. But if your treatment was delayed and your condition became severe, the effects could be complex and long-lasting.

Severe sepsis can be life-threatening as it reduces blood supply in the body and causes significant damage to internal organs. If you’ve survived severe sepsis, you’ll likely need long-term medical care to support your recovery.

Making a claim for compensation could help you to secure the right treatment and take away the financial worry involved. It could also cover the cost of any lost earnings you’ve suffered as a result of having to take time off work.

If someone close to you has passed away due to sepsis negligence, you could be able to make a claim on their behalf.

We know that no amount of compensation will make up for the loss of your loved one. But it could provide some reassurance that you and your family will be supported financially. Many people also find that making a claim can provide a sense of justice and closure.

What can First4Lawyers do to help?

We work with expert medical negligence solicitors who are experienced in dealing with these types of claims. They will work on your behalf to secure you the compensation and support you’re entitled to.

We understand that making a claim isn’t just about the compensation. Our solicitors will do everything they can to make sure you’re getting the right care at every stage of the process. Your recovery will be their top priority.

For sepsis negligence claims, we work on a No Win No Fee basis. This means there will be nothing to pay upfront and you’ll have no fees to pay if your claim is unsuccessful.

Sepsis claims FAQs

How much compensation will I receive for my sepsis claim?

There are no set compensation payouts for sepsis in the UK. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on how severe your sepsis was and the effect that it has had on your life.

Any compensation you receive will be split into two parts:

• General damages
  General damages will compensate you for the pain and suffering you’ve gone through as a result of the negligence you suffered. Many people recovering from sepsis experience post-sepsis syndrome, which can cause general unwellness as well as anxiety. Your general damages will take all of this into account.
• Special damages
  Special damages will cover any financial impact you have suffered as a direct result of sepsis negligence. This could include any loss of earnings through being unable to work, medical expenses or reduced earning capacity.

Will my sepsis claim take money away from the NHS ?

If you were treated by the NHS, it’s understandable that you may have worries about where your compensation will come from. But you shouldn’t let this put you off making a claim.

NHS trusts are prepared to cover the cost of claims such as yours, and money is put aside every year for this purpose.

Any compensation you receive will be paid through NHS Resolution, an organisation which acts similarly to an insurance company for the NHS. So you won’t be putting anyone out of pocket by making a claim.

Is there a time limit to start my sepsis claim?

In most cases of sepsis negligence, you’ll have three years to make a claim. And although this may sound like plenty of time, it’s always a good idea to start your claim as soon as possible.

Starting your claim early will make it easier for your solicitor to access any evidence you may need, including medical records. It can also mean that the details of what happened will be clearer in your mind.

If you’re claiming on behalf of someone who has died, you’ll have three years from the date of their death or the date you first became aware of the negligence to make a claim. Your solicitor will help you to work out which of these apply to you.

The rules are slightly different if you’re claiming on behalf of a child as you’ll be able to make a claim at any time up until their 18th birthday. And if you’re taking legal action for someone who is lacking mental capacity, there will not be any time limits applied.

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

If you’ve been affected by sepsis negligence, the first thing you should do is make sure you’re receiving the right medical treatment. Your recovery is the most important thing and this should be put before anything else.

When you’re feeling better, you could then consider making a claim for compensation. We’re here to support you through this process and we’ll help you feel confident in your next steps. Get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable claims advisors to see how we could help you.

There will be no obligation to go forward with a claim after speaking to us – this decision will be entirely up to you.

You can reach us by phone on the number at the top of the screen or request a callback at a more convenient time. There’s also the option to start your claim online with our quick and easy claims form.