Sepsis Claims
Claim Medical Negligence Compensation for Sepsis
If you or a loved one have suffered from sepsis, or another serious hospital infection due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Our expert medical negligence solicitors have helped many families claim compensation after sepsis misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
Call 020 7485 8811 today.
“Osbornes handles a wide range of high-value and complex clinical negligence cases, with particular expertise in birth injury, delayed cancer diagnosis, spinal injury, and fatal claims.”
“Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.”
What is sepsis and how can it lead to a medical negligence claim
Sepsis is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can develop when the body responds aggressively to an infection. If not diagnosed and treated quickly, it can lead to organ failure, long-term health complications, or death. Patients who have suffered harm due to delays in diagnosing or treating sepsis, or where sepsis was caused by poor medical care, may be entitled to bring a clinical negligence claim.
What are common causes of sepsis?
Sepsis can be caused any type of infection including bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Sepsis is susceptible to misdiagnosis because many symptoms are similar to less serious conditions such as flu or chest infections. Certain types of infections are more commonly linked to sepsis, including:
- Lung infections, such as pneumonia
- Kidney, bladder and urinary tract infections
- Infections in the gut
- Infected blood
- Wounds and burns
Related reading: Greater Awareness of Sepsis Needed
Can I claim compensation for sepsis negligence?
Yes, you may be able to make a negligence claim if your sepsis was misdiagnosis. Have you or someone close to you suffered long-term consequences due to an inadequately treated infection? Has someone has someone died that could have otherwise lived if the infection had been spotted on time. If medical negligence has resulted in injury or death, you may be able to claim compensation for medical negligence.
For sepsis claims to be successful, it must be shown that a duty of care was owed to the patient and that duty of care was breached, for whatever reason, resulting in harm. For example, if test results were misinterpreted or you were discharged despite showing clear symptoms.
How much compensation can you get for sepsis?
Compensation amounts for sepsis claims can vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Several factors are considered to determine the settlement amount. These include the severity and impact of the injury, loss of earnings, future care needs, and any additional expenses incurred due to the negligence. Read our guide to NHS compensation payouts for more information.
How do you make a sepsis negligence claim?
Making a sepsis claim can be complex and challenging, so it is vital to consult with a specialist clinical negligence solicitor to guide you through the process effectively.
1. Contact us for expert advice
We offer an initial consultation to assess whether you have a strong sepsis negligence case. Meetings can take place at our offices, your home, or in hospital, wherever is most convenient.
2. Investigate your case
We will gather your medical records, take a detailed statement from you, and arrange independent medical reports to prove that negligent care caused or worsened your sepsis.
3. Build your claim
We’ll send a Letter of Claim to the NHS Trust or private provider, setting out the allegations. They must respond within four months.
4. Negotiate or go to court
If they accept responsibility, we will negotiate a settlement. If they deny fault, we are ready to issue court proceedings and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How long after contracting sepsis can I make a claim?
You usually have three years to bring a sepsis claim, either from the date the negligence occurred or when you first became aware of it. This is known as the limitation period under The Limitation Act 1980.
Calculating the limitation period can be complicated, particularly when working out the “date of knowledge,” so it’s vital to seek expert legal advice. Missing the deadline means you could lose the right to claim forever.
Can you make a no win no fee sepsis claim?
Yes, most sepsis claims are funded on a no win no fee basis, so there’s no financial risk to you.
Real life examples of sepsis cases
Toddler discharged with antibiotics
The actor Jason Watkins recently shared a devastating story about his two-year-old daughter. Toddler Maud had been suffering from a sore throat and shortness of breath. Her parents took her to hospital on two occasions, but she was discharged home with antibiotics. Sadly, she died during the night in her bed. The cause was sepsis.
11-year-old dies of septic shock
In another harrowing story, an 11-year-old boy injured his ankle while dancing. Shortly afterwards, he developed a fever. Over the next few days, his condition worsened, and he died from septic shock. The NHS Trust admitted that ‘early signs of sepsis’ were evident on his visit to the hospital and that if he had been treated promptly, he would likely have survived.
Strep A fatal for 14 care home residents
In September this year, it was confirmed by NHS Mid Essex that 14 people have now died from Strep A infection. In total 37 people in the area have been infected, with symptoms ranging from a simple sore throat, to a high fever and vomiting. All affected are elderly and most were receiving treatment for wounds, either in care homes or in their own homes. It is thought that the infection may have been spread by unknowingly contaminated health care workers who were treating the wounds.
Why choose Osbornes Law for your sepsis claim?
- We will review your potential sepsis claims by advising you on suing the NHS for negligence or other alternative procedures if your case does not relate to NHS care and treatment.
- We will not charge a fee for our time in reviewing your case.
- We can assist you with any issues that you may have regarding the complaints procedure or that you encounter in obtaining copies of your medical records.
- We will advise you of the course of action with respect to your case.
If you think you may have a case for compensation due to medical negligence, please contact our specialist team. We are ready to hear from you, and we want to help.
- Call 020 7485 8811, or
- Complete our online contact form.
Sepsis FAQs
What causes sepsis?
When the body gets infected, the immune system identifies an invading bacteria or virus and mounts an inflammatory immune response which inadvertently causes damage to the body’s own organs and tissues.
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
Symptoms of sepsis can include a high fever, increased breathing and heart rate and confusion. Sepsis can reduce blood flow to organs, causing tissue damage.
What is the death rate from sepsis?
The risk of death from sepsis depends on the severity and if it responds to treatment: for severe sepsis, the death rate can be as high as 50%, and for septic shock as high as 80%. However, if the symptoms are recognised early and treated correctly, most people will fully recover. Even so, in the UK, 5 people every hour dies from sepsis.
How does Strep A cause sepsis?
Strep A is a group of bacteria that can cause a wide range of infections, from mild illnesses like sore throats and skin infections to much more serious conditions. Under the microscope, these bacteria appear as short chains, resembling strings of beads.
While many Strep A infections are mild, the bacteria can become life-threatening if they spread deeper into the body. When Strep A bacteria invade the blood, lungs, or other organs, the body can react with an extreme immune response, leading to sepsis. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, sepsis caused by Strep A can rapidly become life-threatening.
How does Strep B cause sepsis?
Strep B (Group B Streptococcus) is a common type of bacteria that lives harmlessly in the gut and genitourinary tracts of around one in three healthy adults. Most people carry Strep B without any symptoms or health problems, and are unaware they have it.
While Strep B is usually harmless, it can become dangerous if the bacteria spread into other parts of the body. In vulnerable individuals, such as newborn babies, elderly adults, or people with weakened immune systems. Strep B infections can quickly escalate, leading to serious complications like sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.
Can you sue the NHS for sepsis?
Yes, you can. Sepsis is one of the three most common claims brought against the NHS.
Speak to us about a sepsis claim
Call us 020 7485 8811
For all new enquiries, please submit your details via the contact forms on our website. This will ensure your query reaches the right team and is handled promptly.
He also has a niche specialism in claims involving cauda equina syndrome.
Elline Demetriou is building a strong practice as a clinical negligence solicitor, handling a wide variety of cases including delayed diagnosis, surgical negligence and birth injuries.
Elline is always a pleasure to work with and always on top of complex cases.
Elline is a gifted lawyer and possesses a powerful combination of legal and medical skills, being tactically astute and having strong client care skills.
Elline is a delightful to work with and super reliable; you know she'll do a perfect job.
She advises on spinal injury claims.
Jodi Newton acts for clients on claims arising from negligent obstetric care, sepsis and delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Jodi is passionate and balances that with the ability to see the right way to run a case from her first involvement.
Jodi is very knowledgeable, gets outstanding results for her clients, and is always available when assistance is required.
Jodi is an absolute star.
Hugh has particular strength handling issues of causation and informed consent.
Hugh Johnson advises on claims regarding failures to diagnose and manage spinal injuries, as well as failings in psychiatric care.
He thinks outside the box and is always thinking a step ahead of his opponent.
Hugh is utterly charming, highly empathetic and a first rate lawyer. He always comes in with good observations.
Osbornes Law offers experience in obstetric and fatal claims as well as niche cauda equina cases.
The team has particular expertise in cases stemming from delays in diagnosis as well as surgical injury and wrongful birth claims.
Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.
They are a very tight team. They're very friendly, helpful and obtain excellent results for clients.
A quality firm of solicitors with excellence at all levels of the team.
They know the law inside out and proactively work with counsel to drive cases forward. They are a go-to for complex claims.
Ben Posford, head of catastrophic injury, is well-known for spinal cord and cauda equina claims, including high-profile fatality work.
Josie Robinson brings 20 years of experience to the team, with specialist insight into pelvic mesh claims and maternal death cases.
Elline Demetriou supports the team on catastrophic injury cases and has a growing caseload in maternity and care home negligence.
Elline Demetriou is an up and coming associate. She is thorough and empathetic, with great client care skills.
Nicholas Leahy leads the firm’s inquests work and has developed a specialism in stillbirth and surgical fatality claims.
Nicholas Leahy is a very impressive associate. He is sharp and gets to the crux of the case quickly.
Jodi Newton is a fierce advocate for her clients and a very genuine person. She cares about each case.
Jodi Newton is fantastic. She's detail orientated and a really capable head of birth and paediatric negligence. She's a joy to work with.
Jodi Newton is particularly noted for her work on cerebral palsy and maternal injury claims.
Osbornes handles a wide range of high-value and complex clinical negligence cases, with particular expertise in birth injury, delayed cancer diagnosis, spinal injury, and fatal claims.
I am always happy to get instructions from Osbornes. They have excellent quality work, the team knows exactly what they are doing and are a real pleasure to work with. Excellent legal knowledge.
The team has excellent leadership and provide an above and beyond service for their clients.
A close knit team with excellent knowledge and technical acumen across the board.
You get a real sense that they care about clients and each other, working together to get the best results.
The team works very well together as they are genuinely kind and friendly people.
Hugh's technical knowledge is superb.
He is excellent with very complex cases and their nuances.
I am very confident with Hugh representing me and always value his expertise and advice. He's always many steps ahead.
He is a master tactician and so on the ball; not a single thing goes under his radar. He really understands the medical side and is always thinking about how to achieve the best outcome for clients.
Hugh Johnson is fiendishly intelligent, with a laser sharp focus on the issues that matter.
Josie Robinson- very experienced, caring and professional. Excellent.
Elline Demetriou is one to watch for the future. She is determined and thoughtful, with a real dedication to her clients.
She is very tough, a real fighter, and drives a hard bargain for her clients. She has good judgment, and a good sense of the strengths and weaknesses of a case.
Jodi Newton is a passionate, hard-working and committed partner. She is excellent with clients, and gives absolutely 100% to all of her cases.
Nicholas Leahy - understands client needs very well, very responsive and proactive.
Jodi is very experienced and knowledgeable
It is a pleasure to work with Jodi. She has an excellent understanding of the issues and provides a good service.
Osbornes are always professional and diligent in respect of their clients.
Osbornes has an excellent depth of experience across the team.
Across the board, they are all a pleasure to work with. They always keep a pragmatic head and all have an eye on the best outcome for the client.
Jodi Newton - very hands on, gives every case her heart and soul
Jodi Newton is rapidly becoming the go-to partner for cerebral palsy cases. She has the determination to fight for her clients and is involved in some of the biggest cases at the moment.
Nicholas Leahy is a very safe pair of hands and really compassionate with clients. I expect great things from him in future.
Small but very effective and experienced team so every client benefits from the personal touch but also highly skilled litigation know-how. Capability of the team means they can handle all aspects of very complex cases as well as straightforward matters.
Ben Posford typically operates in the team’s spinal cord and cauda equina syndrome litigation.
Jodi Newton holds over 20 years of experience in birth and surgical injury cases, including those pertaining to cerebral palsy, negligent treatment of sepsis, and negligent A&E treatment.
The team frequently represents claimants in complex cognitive and spinal injury disputes, involving hypertensions, spinal fractures, as well as inadequate treatment of heart and blood diseases.
The team handles a host of complex maternal claims, including cognitive injuries as a result of delayed birth treatments, cerebral palsy, and vaginal mesh litigation.
Josie Robinson is fantastic with clients, very commercial and hugely experienced. Opponents respect her and she gets great results.
Osbornes is a very respected firm in the marketplace.
They handle really complex cases very well
The clinical negligence team are knowledgeable and professional in their approach and demonstrate a high level of skill in litigation work.
Osbornes Law offers experience in obstetric and fatal claims as well as niche cauda equina cases.
Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.
Jodi is really tenacious; she demands the best results and manages to secure them. She's got real drive and energy.
Jodi is passionate about what she does and is a good lawyer.
Jodi is very astute and compassionate.
Jodi Newton is passionate about her work and is a really creative lawyer, always trying to find practical and innovative solutions to problems encountered.
Jodi Newton is knowledgeable and well regarded.
Jodi Newton has specific expertise regarding birth negligence cases, including those which involve cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy injuries.
Osbornes has a skilled team of solicitors advising clients on a wide range of clinical negligence matters.
Hard working, approachable, good knowledge of clinical negligence and clients’ specific conditions
A joy to work with and always 100% client focused at all times.
The clinical negligence team at Osbornes is much lauded for its ability to ‘represent the diverse range of London-based clients
“The team is very quick and efficient in responding."
"Obsbornes Law is always client-focused and works tirelessly to obtain the best outcomes for clients."
Ben Posford leads the catastrophic injury team and regularly represents claimants in neurological injury and fatal accident claims. He also has a niche specialism in claims involving cauda equina syndrome.
Jodi Newton acts for clients on claims arising from negligent obstetric care, sepsis and delays in diagnosis and treatment. She also advises on spinal injury claims.
"She is really wonderful in sensitively handling clients in extreme situations and is a real fighter."
"Jodi Newton is approachable and always has the client's best interest at heart."
‘They are ambitious for their clients and expect high standards from all who work with them.’
"Osbornes somehow combine the accessibility of a local firm, with the professional standards of a national or city outfit."
"I’ve been hugely impressed by Jodi Newton – she’s truly passionate about her cases and her clients, a real fighter and a star in the making."
"Jodi Newton has carved out a niche specialism in cerebral palsy and serious claims arising out of childbirth. She is so committed to her clients and their claims that she always gains and deserves their respect. A true specialist."
"Osbornes, is described as having ‘superb judgement and a medical knowledge that is second to none."
"Ben Posford’s particular expertise in this area focuses upon cauda equina claims, of which he is an undisputed powerhouse."
"Jodi Newton is a tenacious and intelligent fee earner. She fights tooth and nail for her clients and gains their trust and respect from the outset."
"Nicholas Leahy works extremely hard and understands the commercial sensitivities of clinical negligence litigation."
"Her persistence, perspicacity, determination and efficiency are simply outstanding, as are her legal, analytical and negotiating skills."
They are an excellent firm who achieve fantastic outcomes for their clients. They are also very prominent in injuries to those travelling to or from Europe. Multiple languages are spoken by the team.
This firm is responsive and efficient. Their rapidity in dealing with complications or hiccups is excellent.
Jodi Newton is brilliant – a very capable, experienced and empathetic solicitor who has experience of handling high value and complicated cases. I am working with her on a cerebral palsy case at the moment, in which she has obtained an admission of liability and a substantial interim payment. A first class addition to the team.
Really great clinical negligence practice, staffed by experienced practitioners who know how NHS Trusts work. They also build great rapport with clients.’
The team at Osbornes was recently strengthened by the arrival of 'experienced and empathetic' associate Jodi Newton. She joins a department noted for its expertise in delayed diagnosis and wrongful birth claims.
A stand-out solicitor with a huge track record of successful clinical negligence work. She is forensic in her attention to detail, but also sees the broad sweep of strategic considerations”.
Excellent service from Osbornes throughout on a difficult clinical negligence claim. Nicholas Leahy who handled the claim was responsive and professional throughout, while also providing pragmatic advice and clear drafting.
Working with Osbornes Law was the best decision I could have made. Nick was really attentive to my issue and did a very thorough job. He truly made the process headache free! Highly recommend them.
Nick Leahy has been my Solicitor throughout this journey and has been absolutely amazing; kind, approachable and extremely supportive... Through some dogged determination by Nick we achieved our goal without having to go to trial. I cannot thank Nick, Stephanie and all of the team at Osbornes highly enough for achieving a very favourable settlement, the outcome of which will make a huge difference to myself and my family.
“The stand-out solicitor is Jodi Newton, who has a huge track record of successful clinical negligence work. She is forensic in her attention to detail, but also sees the broad sweep of strategic considerations”.
"An excellent firm which achieves fantastic outcomes for clients."
Osbornes provides a very intimate and personal client service which is increasingly rare in this sector.
The lawyers in the team are highly experienced and will drive cases very hard on behalf of their clients.
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"Offers specialist expertise in cauda equina syndrome cases."
"Osbornes often handles claims valued at over £1m, particularly relating to severe brain and spinal cord injuries and niche areas such as cauda equina syndrome and cycling accidents."
"The team were extremely professional in putting my needs first. There was a joined-up approach to catering for the client, and all lawyers involved were briefed and constructive."
Quite simply excellent, with a highly competent and well-rounded team. They understand complex medical litigation and have been our lifesavers, and we will always owe them our immense gratitude.
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