What is Sepsis and is failure to diagnose medical negligence?

Sepsis is the body’s response to an infection, and it is a life-threatening medical emergency. Any kind of infection (viral, bacterial or fungal) can lead to sepsis. When sepsis occurs, the body’s immune system goes into overdrive and starts attacking not only the infection but also everything else, including the body’s own tissues and organs. 

Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, in some cases, sepsis can quickly lead to life-changing injuries such as organ failure, tissue damage and even death. Some people who develop severe cases of sepsis will suffer long-term physical, cognitive, and/or psychological effects. 

In the UK around 48,000 people lose their life as a result of sepsis each year. 

Anyone of any age, gender or race can be affected by sepsis. UK Sepsis Trust Ambassador, Jason Watkins and his wife Clara Francis shared that their young daughter Maude sadly died from sepsis when she was almost 3 years old.  

What are the symptoms of sepsis? 

Sepsis can be hard to spot as there is no single sign or diagnostic test and symptoms can present differently in adults and children. However, there are some key symptoms to look out for: 

• Slurred speech or confusion 
• Extreme shivering or muscle pain 
• Passing no urine in a day 
• Severe breathlessness 
• Feeling like you are going to die  
• Mottled or discoloured skin 

Recovering from sepsis 

Whilst some individuals suffer life changing injuries from sepsis, most people make a full recovery from sepsis, but it can take time. The long-term effects are sometimes referred to as “post-sepsis syndrome” and can present as the following complaints: 

• Feeling lethargic and weak 
• Lack of appetite 
• Becoming unwell more often 
• Anxiety or depression 
• Nightmares or flashbacks 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder 

Medical Negligence and Sepsis  

Unfortunately, there are times when a failure to diagnose sepsis is an avoidable mistake made by a medical professional, and this is known as medical or clinical negligence.  

At Anthony Gold, we are experienced in representing people who have suffered life-changing injuries, including those who have suffered injuries because they had sepsis that was either missed and not diagnosed, or there was a delay in diagnosing sepsis.