With the growing problem of sepsis in the UK people are increasingly asking, ‘Can I make a sepsis claim?’
Our team was ranked among the top medical negligence solicitors in England and Wales by the leading legal review website ReviewSolicitors in March 2025. For a free consultation with a specialist solicitor about making a compensation claim call 0333 888 0412 or email us at [email protected].
In this article we look at common issues in sepsis medical negligence cases, including delays in recognising the condition and the consequences this can lead to.
The UK Sepsis Trust has confirmed that many NHS Hospitals are using guidelines developed by them to reduce the number of deaths due to sepsis. Sepsis is known to claim the lives of approximately 52,000 individuals per year and presents a major health threat. Although awareness of the dangers posed by sepsis is growing, lack of education about the risks persists.
People are often surprised to learn that sepsis can start from just a small wound. In the initial stages it can often look as though the individual has flu and this can result in precious time being lost in making a correct diagnosis. If prompt medical treatment is not obtained sepsis can may lead to multi-organ failure and death.
NICE Clinical Guidelines identify groups with a high risk of sepsis include are those:-
- under the age of 1 or over the age of 75 and are very frail;
- with impaired immune systems
- who have undergone surgery within the last 6 weeks;
- who have suffered from burns, scratches, cuts or skin infections;
- who have a catheter; and
- who have recently given birth, miscarried or are pregnant.
Those who believe that serious injury or death could have been avoided if medical professionals had acted sooner will want to know if they can make a sepsis claim.
Can I make a sepsis claim?
If your health has suffered or you have lost a loved one due to a delay in the recognition and diagnosis of sepsis then you may be entitled to make a sepsis claim.
In order to bring a claim we will need to consider the following legal issues:-
- Whether the treating medical professionals have failed to comply with the required standards when undertaking investigation and management of suspected sepsis;
- Did the patient suffer a demonstrable loss or injury as a direct result of a medical practitioner’s care falling below the reasonable standard?;
- But for the failure of the treating medical practitioner, would the patient have received reasonable sepsis management and treatment, which on balance, would have prevented their death or serious injury.
How we can help with your sepsis case
If you feel you may have a case and would like further guidance on ‘Can I make a sepsis claim?‘ then it is important not to delay. In order to bring a clinical negligence claim you must issue court proceedings within three years of the date of injury (or three years from the date of knowledge). This may seem like a long time, but extensive investigations need to be carried out. Furthermore, the longer you leave it the greater the risk of key evidence being lost.
Thousands of individuals each year are affected by sepsis. If you are one of them and would like legal advice from a specialist medical accident lawyer who can work on a No Win, No Fee basis, then call our FREE LEGAL HELPLINE on 0333 888 0412 or email us at [email protected]
What our clients say about us
We have over 1,200 reviews and an overall five-star rating on the independent legal review website, ReviewSolicitors.
Here is just a short selection of some of the reviews that our clients have left for our clinical negligence team:
Maddy Lawrence
“With the premature death of our eldest daughter, as it turned out, by clinical negligence, we were facing a very difficult journey both in proving fault and keeping heart and soul together. That we were able to, in terms of the fault element, was down to our professional legal team. They provided clear, calm and compassionate advice which got us through a horrendous inquest and subsequent legal maneuverers. They, in short, were magnificent and we are extremely grateful that we had them on our side.”
Great firm!
“I had an experience with Oliver Thorne who was nothing but helpful with settling my claim. He was very patient and professional as well as making sure I was happy and content throughout the whole process! Would highly recommend him if you’re looking for a solicitor!”
Compassionate, thorough, and outstanding legal support thus far
”Jade was incredibly friendly, taking the time to ask all the right questions and thoroughly investigate our case. Unlike previous solicitors, who dismissed us, Jade and the team at Slee Blackwell delved deeper and gave us renewed hope. We are extremely grateful for the dedication and professionalism in fighting for us. I would recommend Slee Blackwell to anyone in need of legal assistance.”
Mesh claim
“I cannot thank the team enough there understanding and empathy and the knowledge is outstanding. Caroline has been supportive every step of the way, she has informed me and kept me updated how the claim has progressed she has also had great understanding around my mental health and the physical damage I have occurred. I cannot thank the team enough. The team made this experience easier for me to deal with my emotional distress and pain.”
Thank you
“On behalf of all of us, we would like to thank you for your guidance, professionalism, humanity and kindness you have shown us all throughout this process. You have explained everything to us in clear and concise terms throughout and we are extremely grateful. We would have no hesitation recommending you and using your services in future. Thank you.”
Exceptional Service
“I have received expert advice throughout my case, the attention to detail is second to none. Their professional outlook and relatability means that I always recommend the firm. When I was unclear of any information or possible outcomes they took the time to speak with me on a personal level, confirming our conversation through email, I feel supported and understood and most of all they are empathetic, something that is often missing from large firms.”
Friendly, professional, knowledgeable.
“Oliver assisted me in the aftermath of my father’s sudden death in hospital. He helped me to draught my initial letter of complaint to the health authority, represented me and my mother at the inquest and ultimately succeeded in bringing a successful claim. I always felt I could approach Oliver with any questions and he would explain the legal processes in an understandable way. I would not hesitate to recommend him should anyone find themselves in a similar unfortunate position.”
Excellent solicitor
“I cannot recommend this firm highly enough and especially Caroline who is professional approachable and thorough, she works tirelessly and is a real credit to the firm, you are not made to feel like just a number as with other firms, it’s a pleasure to have such an excellent solicitor to represent you when you have gone through so much she is so understanding and knowledgeable.”