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Sepsis compensation claims

If you suspect you, or a family member has suffered a missed or delayed diagnosis of sepsis our solicitors can advise if you could be eligible to make a compensation claim.

Whilst compensation can’t undo the damage that has been done it can help you access the expert care and rehabilitation that you require to put you back in the position you would have been but for any failures in care.

Sepsis claims can be made by a person who has suffered an injury, or if the person has passed away their Executor or Personal Representative.

Contact our team of specialist sepsis claims solicitors and we will provide you with a free initial assessment of your claim. If we consider there is sufficient merit to your potential claim, we will advise you on various methods of funding a claim including a no win, no fee basis.

How do I make a sepsis negligence claim?

We will arrange a free initial consultation to discuss the treatment in question. We will advise you thereafter whether we feel that you have a potential medical negligence claim.

The usual first step in pursuing a medical negligence claim is to obtain medical records. After that, input from a medical expert is likely to be required to assess whether the treatment provided fell below a minimum standard of care. Depending on the outcome of the initial assessment by the expert, you may need to attend an appointment to be examined.

Expert evidence will assist us in determining the strength of the medical negligence claim and the allegations of negligence which can be put forward to the health care professionals responsible.

Depending on the injury suffered, we will obtain evidence in relation to your care needs to ensure that any rehabilitation costs, home adaptations or future treatments are fully considered and included as part of your claim.

The process can be quite lengthy depending on the complexities involved with the case and the nature of the particular injury.

While we will make every effort to resolve the claim outside of court, it is possible that you may have to attend court if a resolution is not reached.

Even if court proceedings are commenced, this does not automatically mean that the claim will proceed to trial. The claim may still resolve before this time. If you do have to attend court, we will be at hand to assist and support you every step of the way so as to ensure that you are prepared and comfortable with the process.

How long have I got to make a sepsis compensation claim?

Personal injury and medical negligence cases are subject to time limits. It is best to contact a solicitor as early as possible to ensure your case can be dealt with.

Generally, the time limit for a medical negligence case is three years from the date the treatment took place or the date you were made aware that something had gone wrong. These rules can be extremely complex and varied and a lawyer will be able to check which time limit applies to you after some initial investigations. In some cases, time limits can be extended.

If a child suffers negligent care, a claim can be made up until their 21st birthday. Claims relating to children must be made by an adult on their behalf.

If a claim is brought on behalf of someone who does not have mental capacity, the three-year time limit does not apply. However, if mental capacity is regained, the three-year period will start at this time.

We will discuss the time limits with you during our initial consultation.

How long does sepsis compensation claims take?

There are a number of factors that affect a medical negligence claim. These make it difficult to give an exact timescale and are affected by:

  • The availability to collect evidence
  • Where the entity responsible admits liability
  • The nature of your injury

It’s important to consider all these factors as our specialist medical negligence solicitors need evaluate the true impact of your injury when calculating your compensation.

Why choose us for your sepsis compensation claim?

Our expert sepsis claims solicitors have been top ranked by both the Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 independent legal guides for this area of the law. We are the only top-ranked firm in both directories for medical negligence in Wales and one of the largest practices in the UK. Our lawyers are highly experienced and can provide a wide range of professional services.

Sepsis claims can be difficult to prove, so it is vital to have understanding and dedicated solicitors on your side to assist you through the process. They will try to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled to.

  • Hugh James is one of the leading injury compensation claim firms for medical negligence in England and Wales.
  • Per annum, we recover over £30 million in medical negligence compensation for our clients.
  • We have offices in London, Cardiff, Southampton and Plymouth and can represent clients without the need for lengthy face-to-face meetings.
  • We have a range of qualified staff, including a former midwife, qualified nurse executives, welfare benefits advisors, medical records officers and qualified social workers to ensure your case has the best possible chance of success.
  • We can advise you on all aspects of your medical negligence claim, which includes social services involvement, financial advice and rehabilitation.
  • We are accredited by medical negligence charity Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) and regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA).
  • Find out about our firm or check out our Trustpilot reviews for further peace of mind.

Key contact

Lynda is a Partner and Head of the Inquest Team that forms part of the Clinical Negligence Department in the London office. She has considerable experience in assisting families with inquests that relate to deaths in hospital or care homes, where medical negligence is suspected.

She has been instructed on Article 2 inquests, inquests with juries and complicated medical inquests where numerous experts have been instructed. Where necessary she will make submissions on the Coroner’s power to issue Prevention of Future Deaths reports. Her inquest role combined with subsequent civil claims ensures that she is a specialist on Fatal Accident Act Claims. She is recognised in both UK Chambers & Partners and Legal 500.

In addition to her role in the Inquest team Lynda has a caseload of complex clinical negligence matters which include cerebral palsy, brain injuries, spinal injuries and cauda equina claims.


Your questions answered

Sepsis occurs when the immune system overreacts to an infection causing a cascade of reactions that can lead to multi organ failure and death. The treatment for suspected sepsis is early implementation of the Sepsis Six; including antibiotics, IV fluids, oxygen and careful monitoring of symptoms.

Sepsis can arise from small skin abrasions, pneumonia, appendicitis, urinary tract infections, infections of the gallbladder and infections following surgery.

Symptoms of sepsis include:

  • Discoloured skin, mottled, bluish or pale
  • Fitting
  • Increased heartbeat
  • Rapid breathing
  • Rash that does not fade when pressed
  • Skin is abnormally cold or hot to the touch
  • Tiredness and difficulty in waking up

Only a small percentage of medical negligence claims brought will actually proceed to trial though we do prepare every case in depth to make sure we are ready should it go to court.

The medical negligence system is geared towards encouraging parties to be open with each other so that any claims for compensation can be settled without the need for going to court, which can save both time and cost.

A lot of people are naturally nervous and uncomfortable about going to court. We understand this and will advise you every step of the way, should your case reach a trial.

We will provide you with our free initial opinion in relation to your claim. After our assessment, we will tell you whether you have a reasonable chance of success, and you can instruct us to act on your behalf.

If you choose to instruct us, we can offer you a no win, no fee agreement where possible, meaning you won’t be charged legal fees if you are unsuccessful. If your claim is successful, compensation will be awarded to you. A success fee will be deducted from the compensation. All other legal fees will be covered by the defendant should the case be successful.

All the financial information will be discussed with you, free of charge, before you decide to instruct us.


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