At Enable Law, we see receive many enquiries from individuals and families whose lives have been changed or cut short by the mismanagement or delayed diagnosis of sepsis. Sepsis can affect anyone at any time, and early intervention is critical for good clinical outcomes. We are proud to work with the UK Sepsis Trust to raise awareness of the dangers of sepsis and assist in spreading awareness.
What is the Sepsis 6?
The Sepsis 6 is the name given to a bundle of medical therapies designed to reduce mortality in patients with sepsis. It was developed by The UK Sepsis Trust in 2005 who published evidence that use of the Sepsis 6 was associated with a 50% reduction in mortality, a decreased length of stay in hospital, and fewer intensive care days for patients.
It consists of six actions that should be actioned immediately when sepsis is suspected:
- Give the patient oxygen
- Give intravenous antibiotics
- Take blood cultures to identify the source of the underlying infection
- Give intravenous fluids
- Check lactate levels
- Monitor urine output
It has been endorsed by NICE and is used in 96% of British hospitals and in 37 other countries worldwide.
Sepsis statistics
As per the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), more than 25–30% of people with sepsis die from the condition, with hospital mortality for septic shock approaching 40–60%. However, in high and middle-income countries, deaths from sepsis are primarily in the elderly, frail, people with the simultaneous presence of two or more distinct diseases, and the immunocompromised, many of whom are at or near the end of life. Around 77% of sepsis-related deaths in England are in people aged 75 years or older, while approximately 150 sepsis-related deaths occur annually in children aged 0–18 years.
Missed opportunity, fatal result: a sepsis negligence claim
Johnathan Steventon-Kyi successfully pursued a claim for compensation for the widow of man who died due to a delayed diagnosis and treatment of sepsis. The man had sustained an injury to his hand several days before his admission to hospital. Whilst the injury did not trouble him at the time, several days later, he reported significant pain his hand which radiated up his arm. His arm was very red and appeared visibly sore. He was also known to have a compromised immune system due to a previous illness. He visited hospital but his symptoms were dismissed, sepsis was not considered, and he was sent home. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated and he was rushed back to hospital by ambulance. He was quickly diagnosed with sepsis and treatment was started. Sadly, his condition did not improve and despite having his arm amputated, he did not recover and subsequently died.
Following his death, his widow contacted Johnathan for advice about a claim for compensation. With the assistance of expert evidence, Johnathan was able to prove that sepsis should have been considered and treated immediately. Had sepsis been considered and treated earlier, it was more likely than not that his condition would have been treatable, and it was likely that he would have survived. Johnathan was able to obtain compensation for the man’s widow.
Even though bringing a claim cannot turn back the clock, it can help dependants get answers on what happened that resulted in the death of their loved one and help them get financial support to meet the needs their loved one’s passing has left them with. That includes funds to help them cover the cost of funeral arrangements, manage immediate financial hardship, and secure their long-term financial stability in the absence of their loved one’s contribution.
How can we help?
At Enable Law we have a specialist team of medical negligence solicitors who specialise in claims arising from the negligent diagnosis and treatment of infections including sepsis.
If you, or some you know, has suffered a delay in diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, we can assist. Cases where compensation may be due include:
- Missed or delays in the diagnosis of sepsis leading to a worsening of the condition.
- Failure to provide treatment quickly after a diagnosis of sepsis.
- Death due to missed diagnosis or failures to treat sepsis.
- Amputations caused by a delayed diagnosis of sepsis resulting in non surgical interventions no longer being available.
To have a free, confidential discussion with a member of the team give us a call on 0800 0448488 or fill in our contact form so we can call you back at a time convenient for you.
