Have you been affected by Sepsis?
Sepsis is the number one cause of death in the UK. The number of people who die from sepsis, each year exceeds all deaths from prostate, lung and breast cancer combined and yet, public awareness, although growing, is still relatively low.
Sepsis is a serious infection, and if left untreated or not treated quickly, it can lead to the failure of several and organs and in some cases fatality.
If you or a loved one have contracted sepsis and it wasn’t identified or treated at first stage, leading to further complications and long-term problems, you may be entitled to compensation. Hampson Hughes Solicitors can help you get the compensation you deserve. Compensation can help towards, rehabilitation, loss of earnings, prescription charges and more.
So what is sepsis?
Sepsis, sometime referred to as blood poisoning, is where the body’s immune system over reacts to infection and starts to fight healthy tissue and organs, leading to organ failure and death.
What causes sepsis ?
- a chest infection causing pneumonia
- a urine infection in the bladder
- a problem in the abdomen, such as a burst ulcer or a hole in the bowel
- an infected cut or bite
- a wound from trauma or surgery
- a leg ulcer
Sepsis can be caused by different germs, like streptococcus, e-coli, MRSA or C diff. Most cases are caused by common bacteria, which normally don’t make us ill.
Symptoms?
The Sepsis Trust, is currently leading the way in the UK, in not only highlighting the effects of sepsis but also trying to effect changes in hospitals. The charity, focuses in the lead symptoms:
Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain
Passing no urine ( in a day)
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you’re going to die
Skin mottled or discoloured
Symptoms in children
Over 25,000 children a year are affected by sepsis.
If your child is unwell with either a fever or very low temperature (or has had a fever in the last 24 hours), call 999 and just ask: could it be sepsis?
A child may have sepsis if he or she:
- Is breathing very fast
- Has a ‘fit’ or convulsion
- Looks mottled, bluish, or pale
- Has a rash that does not fade when you press it
- Is very lethargic or difficult to wake
- Feels abnormally cold to touch
A child under 5 may have sepsis if he or she:
- Is not feeding
- Is vomiting repeatedly
- Has not passed urine for 12 hours
Carlos Lopez, director of Clinical negligence at Hampson Hughes Solicitors, commented:
“ Over recent years we have seen an increase in negligence cases, arising in a failure by hospital staff to diagnose and treat sepsis. Sadly in many cases this has involved death or serious life changes injuries. Early detection and treatment can save lives and we welcome world sepsis day, in helping to raise public awareness”
Hampson Hughes Solicitors and their experienced and dedicated clinical negligence team, have acted for many Claimants affected by sepsis. If you or a family member have been a victim of clinical negligence, contact us on , for a free initial consultation. During office hours, your call will only be dealt with a dedicated member of the clinical negligence team and we do not use call handlers or external agencies.
