Sepsis claims

For finding answers and getting justice

is a life-threatening condition that can cast a shadow over anyone's life. It can lead to serious illness and long-lasting medical consequences. If you believe that medical negligence played a role in you or a loved one developing sepsis, Switalskis is here to provide the legal support you’ll need to make a successful compensation claim.

At Switalskis, we're fully committed to supporting you in your journey to secure compensation and accountability for the failings in your medical care. Armed with expert knowledge, an empathetic approach, and a relentless commitment to your cause, our dedicated team of negligence solicitors will stand by your side. We’ll deliver legal guidance and representation at every stage of the process.

We understand the distress you've experienced and are dedicated to helping you carry that burden. With years of experience handling claims, we're more than just legal advisors - we'll be your steadfast partners in this journey, ready to help you navigate the road to justice.

Contact us today and allow us to stand up for you, champion your rights and advocate for your entitlement to sepsis compensation. Call Switalskis on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch through the website to start your sepsis medical negligence claim.

How Switalskis can help you

At Switalskis, we firmly believe in bringing you more than just legal expertise. We provide understanding, compassion and, most importantly, the commitment to fight tirelessly for justice on your behalf. We're not just your solicitors; we're your allies.

Our team of dedicated negligence solicitors brings together decades of collective experience and specialised knowledge in handling claims. We understand there are nuances that make each case unique, and we'll always provide you with a tailored approach to make sure your claim reflects your individual circumstances and needs.

Our team includes solicitors who are accredited as specialists by the Law Society and the patient charity Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) . We’re also recognised as being among the top clinical negligence teams in England by The Legal 500 UK, the foremost legal guide for clients.

At Switalskis, we pride ourselves on the following:

Working closely with you to fully understand your unique situation. We’ll take the time to listen to and understand your concerns, so that we can provide you with advice that’s tailor-made for you and your circumstances.
Collecting crucial medical evidence to support your claim, by working with medical experts to properly assess the impact of your sepsis claim, and prove a clear connection to medical negligence.
Demystifying complex legal jargon, translating it into clear and easy-to-understand language. Our commitment to keeping you updated at each stage will help make sure you're never left in the dark about your case.
Standing firmly by your side and representing you in court if your case requires a court hearing. Our mission is to fight for the compensation that you or your loved ones rightly deserve after sepsis negligence.

Together, we can navigate the path towards justice and make a stand for your rights. Trust us to help you get the compensation you deserve and the closure you need to move forward.

Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

What is sepsis, and what causes it?

is often referred to as blood poisoning, and it’s a potentially life-threatening condition triggered by an infection. It happens when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage its own tissues and organs.

can originate from any infection, but it is most commonly associated with infections in the lungs, skin or abdomen (such as appendicitis). It may even be caused by something as common as a infection. The condition is a medical emergency, and without timely and effective treatment, can lead to multiple organ failure and even death.

The infection that leads to can be bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic. Bacterial infections are the most common cause, but can also result from other types of infections. Without urgent help, the person affected can develop severe or septic shock. Once sets in, it develops quickly and can be highly unpredictable.

As such, recognising the early signs of and seeking immediate medical attention is vital to improving survival rates and reducing the likelihood of long-term damage to the organs. If is suspected, it's important to seek medical advice right away to make sure the person in question gets treated quickly.

Understanding the causes and potential consequences of is the first step in the journey of a negligence claim. At Switalskis, we're here to guide you through this, helping you understand your situation and upholding your rights.

What are the signs of sepsis in adults and children?

manifests differently in adults and children. As such, you'll need to know the signs and symptoms for each age group and how they differ to make sure you can recognise them if you see them.

In adults , may be suspected if a person has a confirmed or suspected infection and any of the following signs or symptoms:

High or low body temperature
Chills and severe shivering
Fast heartbeat
Rapid or difficult breathing
Feeling dizzy or faint
A change in mental state, such as confusion or disorientation
Diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting
Slurred speech
Severe muscle pain
Not passing urine for a day or longer
Cold, clammy, pale or mottled skin

In children , signs of can often be subtle and may be mistaken for less serious conditions. According to the NHS sepsis symptom checklist , if your child has an infection, you should look for the following signs:

Mottled, bluish or pale appearance
Lethargic or difficult to wake
Abnormally cold to touch
A rash that doesn’t fade when you press it
Breathing very fast
Convulsions or fits
High temperature (fever)
Low blood pressure (which may cause them to feel light-headed)

Remember, is a medical emergency. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, you have to seek medical help right away to maximise the chance of avoiding dangerous complications, or even death.

When can I make a sepsis negligence claim?

You have grounds to make a medical negligence claim if you can prove that a case of was made worse by substandard care provided by healthcare professionals. You'll need to be able to show that the quality of care provided by the medical professionals in question fell below the accepted standards and that the harm you suffered was a direct result of this.

Common grounds for negligence claims include:

A delay in diagnosing sepsis
Failure to administer appropriate treatment in a timely manner
Misdiagnosis of the condition leading to delayed treatment
Failure to escalate care in the face of worsening symptoms

If you believe you or a loved one have been a victim of negligence, Switalskis can help. Our team will help you determine whether you have a valid claim based on our in-depth knowledge of medical negligence law. We'll review every aspect of your case and advise you on whether we can prove that you have suffered due to a delayed diagnosis, or negligent treatment at the hands of a medical professional.

How does sepsis arise in different healthcare settings?

can develop in a variety of healthcare settings due to different circumstances. Here, we'll explore how might happen in these environments.

Hospitals: these are often the most common sites of sepsis. The risk is higher for patients admitted to intensive care units or those undergoing surgeries. Sepsis can happen as a result of unsanitary conditions, poor infection control measures, improper or delayed antibiotic treatment, or infections related to surgical procedures or invasive devices like catheters and ventilators.
Nursing homes: elderly nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to infections due to their weakened immune systems. Failures or neglect in elderly care, such as not adequately cleaning wounds or catheters, can result in sepsis.
GP surgeries: improper wound care, unclean medical equipment, or delayed diagnosis and treatment of infections can all lead to sepsis in GP surgeries.
Home care: patients receiving care at home, especially if they have a chronic illness or are recovering from surgery, might develop sepsis if staff don’t look after the patient’s personal hygiene. Improper care of wounds or catheters, or delays in recognising and treating infections, can also be a cause.
Dental surgeries: though less common, sepsis can develop if dental infections are not promptly and appropriately treated, or if dental equipment is not sterilised properly.

Regardless of where it occurs, is a medical emergency. Medical professionals should be vigilant in identifying the signs and providing immediate treatment.

How to claim for sepsis negligence

Making a claim for negligence can seem daunting, especially while dealing with the aftermath of such a significant medical event. Switalskis is here to support you every step of the way, and we're dedicated to making the medical negligence claims process as straightforward as possible for you.

Here is how the process works:

Step 1: Initial consultation

Reach out to Switalskis for a free, no obligation initial consultation. During this meeting, we’ll listen to your story, understand your concerns and explain whether we think you have a strong case. If we decide to proceed, we can then discuss the next steps and the available funding options.

Step 2: Establishing your claim

We’ll gather all the relevant information we need to build your case. This will include applying for all of your medical records, including your GP records. We’ll ask you for photographs, receipts and any other documents that may support your claim. We will take a detailed witness statement to tell your version of events. We may arrange for you to be assessed by an independent medical expert to provide an unbiased view of your injuries and future prognosis. The aim will be to prove the negligence was responsible for your injury and consider the potential value of the claim.

Step 3: Notifying the defendant

Once we have supportive evidence, we’ll send a letter of claim to the doctor and/or hospital involved. This will outline details of the claim and state allegations regarding the negligence treatment.

Step 4: Defendant response

The defendant will then have four months to investigate the allegations made against them and respond to the letter of claim in a letter of response. This letter will include whether the defendant accepts they are at fault, which is called an admission of liability. If they do not accept fault, they will state this in the letter and this is called a denial of liability. We will advise you of the next steps at this stage.

Step 5: Settlement and compensation

If the defendant or medical practice has admitted fault, negotiations can start. Our negligence solicitors will negotiate on your behalf, using our expertise and experience to secure the highest possible compensation amount for you. At this stage, we will discuss how much compensation you may receive. This will be calculated to cover the pain and suffering caused by the negligence, as well as any financial losses or expenses you’ve experienced as a result.

Step 6: Court proceedings (where necessary)

Most claims will be settled through negotiation, without needing to go to court. In the rare instances where the case does go to trial, you can trust us to represent you throughout the process.

Remember, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Our team is committed to handling your case with sensitivity, professionalism and dedication. With Switalskis, you can be confident that you're in capable hands throughout the negligence claim journey.

Can I make a claim for a loved one who died as a result of sepsis?

Losing a loved one is always painful, but when the loss is due to medical negligence, it's especially devastating. At Switalskis, we understand how difficult this time can be and we're here to support you.

If your loved one passed away from and you suspect it was due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to make a claim on their behalf. This is often referred to as a fatal claim. There are two main types of claims you can make in these circumstances:

Bereavement damages: this is a fixed sum awarded to a spouse, civil partner or parents (if the deceased was a child) in recognition of their suffering and grief.
Dependency claims: this provides compensation for financial losses suffered by those who were financially dependent on the person who died, such as a spouse, civil partner or children. It covers the loss of their loved one's income, services they provided (like childcare), and any care the deceased may have given to family members.

We know that no amount of compensation can ever make up for the loss of a family member or loved one. However, these claims can provide vital financial support during a challenging time by helping to cover funeral costs, loss of income and ongoing financial commitments.

What are the time limits for making a sepsis negligence claim?

In most cases, you have a period of three years from the date of the negligent medical treatment to make a claim, or from when you first realised you suffered harm as a result of the treatment. This is commonly known as the limitation period.

Children: if the person who suffered the negligence is under 18 at the time, the three-year period doesn’t start until their 18th birthday. This means they have until they turn 21 to start legal proceedings.
Mental capacity: if the person who suffered the negligence lacks mental capacity to make their own decisions, there may be no time limit to make a claim on their behalf.
Fatal cases: if you’re claiming on behalf of a deceased family member who passed away due to complication arising from sepsis negligence, the claim must be made within three years of the date of death, or the date of knowledge that negligent treatment caused their death.

It's worth noting that time limits can vary in medical negligence claims, so it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible in order to avoid missing any deadlines. If you're uncertain whether you're within the time limit to make a negligence claim, contact Switalskis today to learn more.

How much compensation for sepsis?

The exact compensation amount you’ll receive for a negligence claim will depend on the various unique factors tied to each individual case. The settlement awarded will often take into account the severity of the sepsis, the level of negligence involved, and the impact on your life, both now and in the future.

Compensation in negligence cases is generally divided into two main categories:

General damages: this compensates for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity you’ve experienced as a result of sepsis. Factors such as the severity of your illness, the pain and suffering you've gone through, and the impact on your lifestyle are considered.
Special damages: this covers any financial losses and expenses you’ve experienced due to sepsis. This can include loss of earnings, medical expenses, travel costs for medical appointments, and the cost of care and support, among other outgoings.

These damages will be calculated based on existing legal guidelines, previous medical negligence cases, and the advice of medical and financial experts.

While we can’t provide an exact figure without understanding the specifics of your case, rest assured that our expert negligence solicitors will work diligently to secure the maximum compensation you're entitled to. For a more detailed discussion about the potential value of your claim, contact Switalskis today to discuss your case in greater detail.

How are sepsis claims funded?

Potential costs are among the biggest concerns our clients have about claiming compensation. At Switalskis, we’re committed to making the process as accessible as possible by offering various funding options to meet your needs:

No win, no fee agreement: also known as a conditional fee agreement (CFA), this is the most common way to fund a sepsis negligence claim. Under a no win, no fee agreement, you won’t need to pay anything if your claim is unsuccessful. Our costs are written off. If you win your case, a percentage of your compensation will be used to cover our fees. This option allows you to pursue your claim without any financial risk, and we’ll discuss all of the potential costs with you upfront to avoid any surprises.
Legal expenses insurance: we will begin an insurance policy to cover you for the out-of-pocket costs we experience during the investigation. We have our own insurance provider that we use. However, you may have legal expenses cover as part of your home or car insurance policy, which can also be used to fund your claim. We’ll assist you in understanding your policy and liaising with your insurer.
Legal aid: in very rare cases, Legal Aid may be available for clinical negligence claims, although it’s usually reserved for specific situations. Our team can guide you on whether you might be eligible.

Remember, your first consultation with our clinical negligence solicitors is free and without obligation. We’ll discuss the funding options available to you and help you choose the best one for your situation.

Our medical negligence specialists

Suzanne MunroeDirector and Solicitor

Sarah WalkerDirector and Solicitor

Charlotte ReevesDirector and Solicitor

Kay BarnesDirector and Solicitor

David ThomasDirector and Chartered Legal Executive

Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.

FAQs about sepsis

Who is at the highest risk from sepsis?

can affect anyone, regardless of age or overall health status. However, certain groups are at a higher risk, primarily those with weakened immune systems or certain chronic conditions that make it harder for the body to fight infections. Here are the key groups of people who are at an elevated risk:

Babies and young children: the immune systems of younger children are still developing, and as such, they may not be fully equipped to combat infections. Premature babies, in particular, have an increased risk due to their underdeveloped organs and immune systems.
Older adults: as we age, our immune systems naturally weaken, making it more difficult to fight off infections. This, coupled with the increased likelihood of developing chronic conditions, puts the elderly at a higher risk of sepsis.
People with chronic illnesses: conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer and autoimmune diseases can make people more vulnerable to infections, increasing the risk of sepsis.
People with weakened immune systems: this can include those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS, and people on long-term corticosteroids or other immunosuppressant medications.
People with severe wounds or burns: open wounds and burns can provide an easy pathway for bacteria to enter the body, potentially leading to sepsis.
Hospitalised patients: people who experience prolonged hospital stays, particularly in intensive care units, are at a higher risk of sepsis. This is especially true if they require invasive procedures or devices like ventilators or intravenous catheters.

Patients belonging to these high-risk groups need to be properly cared for to prevent sepsis. When doctors fail to do this, there may be grounds to make a medical negligence claim.

What are the long-term effects of sepsis?

The effects of can be long-lasting and impact different aspects of a person's life. Here are several potential longer-term consequences of sepsis:

Physical health: sepsis can result in physical complications that may continue long after the initial illness. These can include fatigue, muscle weakness and decreased mobility. In severe cases, sepsis may lead to organ damage or the need for amputation, significantly affecting a person's quality of life.
Mental health: the experience of battling sepsis can be traumatising, potentially leading to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or depression. These can last for months or even years after the sepsis episode.
Cognitive impairment: in some cases, sepsis can cause cognitive changes, including difficulty with memory, concentration or decision-making. This is known as post-sepsis syndrome and can last for a significant period after recovering from the sepsis itself.
Long-term disability: sepsis can lead to organ damage or limb loss, resulting in long-term disability. This may require ongoing medical care, physical therapy and assistive devices.
Financial strain: the long-term effects of sepsis can put an individual at financial risk due to the cost of continued medical care and rehabilitation, as well as the potential loss of income if they are unable to return to work.

If your was caused by negligence on behalf of a medical professional, you may be entitled to compensation to help cope with these long-term effects. Please don't hesitate to contact our dedicated team of solicitors for expert advice and support.

How should sepsis be treated?

The treatment of is a medical emergency and demands immediate and comprehensive care. Only a rapid response can make sure that life-threatening complications are avoided, and a stay in an intensive care unit is often necessary. As such, properly managing requires early detection, prompt administration of antibiotics, and aggressive supportive care.

Here's a general overview of the treatment process:

Antibiotics: these are the cornerstones of sepsis treatment. Once sepsis is suspected, broad-spectrum antibiotics (those effective against a wide range of bacteria) should be provided as soon as possible, ideally within an hour of recognising severe sepsis and septic shock.
Intravenous fluids: rapid fluid replacement will help the patient maintain blood pressure, protect the blood flow to organs and aid the body's fight against the infection.
Source control: the source of the infection needs to be identified and controlled as soon as possible. This could mean draining an abscess, removing an infected device, or in some cases, performing surgery.
Supportive care: this involves treatments to minimise the damage from sepsis or septic shock. It can include medication to increase blood pressure, dialysis for kidney failure, and mechanical ventilation for breathing problems.
Rehabilitation and recovery: recovery can take time, and depends on the severity of sepsis and the patient's overall health. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy to regain strength, occupational therapy to relearn daily activities, and counselling to cope with any emotional trauma.

Medical professionals have a responsibility to follow these steps and provide appropriate, timely and effective care for anyone suspected to have sepsis. When this fails to happen, it can directly lead to the person's condition getting worse, perhaps even fatally. In these cases, negligence claims can help those affected obtain justice.

Why Switalskis?

Navigating a compensation claim can be a challenging journey, and it's vital to have expert legal partners in your corner to give your family the justice it deserves. This is where Switalskis' team of medical negligence experts can make a significant difference.

Here are the values we pledge to uphold when supporting your compensation claim:

Clarity in complexity

Medical negligence claims can often be very complicated, but we’ll make them easy for you to understand. We’ll translate complex legal language into simple, easy-to-understand terms. We’re always available to address your queries and clear up any points of confusion.

Empathy at every step

Every client's situation is unique, and we’ll always work to make sure we understand your specific needs throughout the claims process. We listen attentively to your concerns, respect your feelings, and provide personalised advice that aligns with the specifics of your case. You're more than just a client to us - we acknowledge the stressful time you and your family are going through, and we're here to provide all the support you require.

Expertise you can trust

Even if you’re dealing with a complex and prolonged claim, you're in safe hands with Switalskis. Thanks to our many years of experience and proven success in obtaining compensation for clients in similar situations, you can trust us to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Championing your rights

If your family has been affected by due to medical negligence, Switalskis is here to safeguard your rights and make your voice heard. Not only will we assist you in claiming the compensation you rightfully deserve, but we’ll also hold those responsible to account. This means your claim will play a meaningful role in preventing others from experiencing the same stress.

We can support you in the following medical negligence situations

Accident and emergency claims

Ambulance negligence claims

Anaesthetic negligence compensation

Birth injury claims

Bladder and bowel damage compensation

Brain injury at birth compensation claims

Cancer misdiagnosis claims

Cauda equina syndrome claims

Cerebral palsy compensation claims

Community care negligence claims

Compensation for hospital negligence

Consent

Delay in treatment

Delayed diagnosis claims

Dental infection compensation

Dental negligence claims

Diabetes claims

Early Notification Scheme

Erb's palsy compensation claims

Failure of treatment

Failure to treat

GP negligence claims

Gynaecology claims

Heart attack compensation

Infection claims

Inquests

Mental health claims

Midwife negligence claims

Misdiagnosis claim solicitors

Mismanagement of treatment claims

Missed fracture compensation

Neonatal care claims

Neonatal hypoglycaemia claims

Nursing negligence claims

Perineal tear compensation

Podiatry negligence claims

Pregnancy negligence claims

Pressure sores compensation

Professional negligence solicitors

Public inquiries solicitors

Retained products of conception claims

Sepsis claims

Stillbirth compensation claims

Stroke misdiagnosis compensation

Surgery negligence claims

Traumatic birth compensation

Find out how Switalskis can help you

medical negligence claims can play an essential role in making sure that those affected by have the financial and practical support they need to cope with their long-term needs. If you've been affected by a misdiagnosis or substandard treatment, please get in touch with Switalskis today.

Our team are experts in negligence claims, and we'll make it easy for you to claim the compensation you need to provide for your family's future. Call 0800 1380 458 to discuss your compensation claim, or contact us through the website to arrange your free initial consultation.