Sepsis is a medical emergency, as delays in diagnosis and management are associated with higher mortality rates.
A recent study confirmed the importance of hospitals following a protocol to rapidly identify and treat sepsis. It found that for each hour sepsis treatment is delayed a patient’s risk of death increases by 4 percent. Giving immediate antibiotics (defined as within one hour) when people present to emergency departments with suspected sepsis reduces their risk of dying by a third compared with later administration
The NICE (national institute for health and care excellence) Guidelines were updated in August 2017 to indicate a dose of intravenous antibiotics plus a review by a Senior Clinician should be done within 1 hour of presenting at hospital where sepsis is suspected.
Sadly it appears that only approximately two-thirds of people with sepsis in the UK receive antibiotics within one hour, which is thought to affect the outcome in 44% of people.
If you believe that crucial time limits were missed and the severity of the illness was not spotted early enough you may have suffered medical negligence and be entitled to compensation.
Amputation from sepsis
Delay in treatment or inappropriate care of sepsis can often lead to amputations.
Due to the way in which sepsis occurs in the body the limbs are most at risk of amputation. This can be caused when the body diverts blood away from them to protect organs or when blood clotting occurs and blocks blood moving to the extremeties.
If you have had an amputation as a result of sepsis then you may have suffered medical negligence and be entitled to compensation.
We understand how difficult adapting to life following amputation from sepsis can be. We work with you to ensure that you are awarded the maximum compensation to enable you to have the best available rehabilitation possible and to help get your life back on track.